Beloved CommunityAs it happens, in October 2026, we will be taking a small group on pilgrimage from Delhi to Katra, in India, where we will receive darshan at many sacred temples along the way, including and culminating in the Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra.
People go on pilgrimages to temples for a variety of spiritual, personal, and communal reasons, such as to find a deeper connection with the divine, to undergo a transformative experience through sacred journey, and to connect with their faith tradition. Temples are considered sacred spaces where the spiritual realm is believed to be more accessible, providing opportunities for worship, reflection, purification, and personal growth. Many of the temples we will visit are called Shakti Peetha. A Shakti Peetha is a temple where a specific part of Goddess sati's body fell to earth, infusing it with a special sort of spiritual energy. According to legend, after the Goddess Sati's self-immolation (she was mad at her dad...), her husband Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance (symbolizing the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction) carrying her body. The people of the earth became frightened because each time Shiva's foot touched the ground a new disaster would occur as a reflection of his deep deep grief. To remedy this, Lord Vishnu used his divine discus to portion her lifeless body into pieces, which then fell to Earth. At each location where a portion of her body fell, there is a special divine energy. There are typically considered to be 51 primary Shakti Peetha, with as many as 108 sites scattered across what we today call the Indian subcontinent. This pilgrimage is temple focused. While we are there we will also explore the beautiful culture and nature of India. We will deepen and expand our personal spiritual inquiries and understandings, and we will celebrate part of Navrati, the 9 Nights of the Goddess, in Her temples, as we journey from Delhi into the Trikuta Mountain Range of the Himalayan region. What greater pilgrimage can there be? There is no doubt that pilgrimage to this sacred region of India will fulfill our hearts calling to merge with the energies of the Divine Mother during Her sacred season. Join me for spiritual teachings, meditation, kirtan, cultural immersion, amazong food, clean simple accommodations, and sacred darshan in the temples of northwest India. Our fabulous retreat support coordinator, Jaya, will also be on hand to coordinate and support and is at the ashram right now ready to answer your questions 484-509-5073, ext. 1. Come see and experience the northwest region of India in ways that will grow you, teach you, and offer you an intimate view of India's spiritual heritage and your spiritual destiny. Lots of walking & lots of stairs on this one. Plan to bring your walking stick & good shoes... With Love & Peace, Swamini Shraddhananda Saraswati 
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About Our JourneyWhile we are on pilgrimage in 2026, we will have the opportunity to visit several sacred, cultural, and natural sites including, but not limited to:
* Temples with an asterisk are Shakti Peetha - sacred places where Sati's body parts fell to the earth creating a tremendous connection there to the divine feminine. Shakti Peetha are sanctums of divine energy, easily experienced. Visiting them is wholly supportive of the journey to the Self. |
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The program includes:
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The program does not include:
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Where we will stay
We will stay in a series of local hotels. All safe, simple, clean, highly recommended, with western toilets, hot water, and imbedded near local cuisine and culture.
All rooms are shared double or triple occupancy.
All rooms are shared double or triple occupancy.
Airlines Information
Please purchase airline tickets according to the suggested flights, so to make travel and transfer easier. Suggested flights and additional travel information will be provided after registration. Please do not purchase your airline tickets until you receive the preferred flight information.
ARRIVAL Retreat attendees will arrive at The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi (airport code DEL) the morning of October 11th (as early as possible)
DEPARTURE Retreat attendees will depart from Jammu Airport (IXJ) the afternoon or evening of October 20th. Please note this departure requires a two part ticket: Jammu to Delhi, then Delhi to home
ARRIVAL Retreat attendees will arrive at The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi (airport code DEL) the morning of October 11th (as early as possible)
DEPARTURE Retreat attendees will depart from Jammu Airport (IXJ) the afternoon or evening of October 20th. Please note this departure requires a two part ticket: Jammu to Delhi, then Delhi to home
Payment Plan
Students choosing the $500 deposit option will receive an open invoice from Casey for the balance of their retreat tuition. Casey will arrange your payment arrangements. It is the students responsibility to ensure all payments are complete by September 1st 2026.
Cancellation Policy
- A $500 cancellation fee will be applied for cancellations occurring before September 1, 2024.
- A $1000 cancellation fee will be applied for cancellation occurring from September 1 through September 30, 2024.
- There are no refunds for cancellations occurring October 1, 2024 or after. No exceptions.
- Refunds take up to 30 days to process.
Disclaimers
- All students are required to complete and sign health waivers and disclaimers.
- All students are responsible for obtaining their own visa.
- All students are responsible to know and comply with any national or regional health protocols.
- Please note there are currently no restrictions imposed on travel into the EU. However, temporary restrictions can be reintroduced if the epidemiological situation worsens or a new biohazardous situation develops.
- Please note that if you have a layover, even if you do not leave the airport, you must be aware of that country's covid, visa, and other requirements and comply with same.
- Please note that a CDC card indicating you have had a Covid vaccination is not adequate evidence of vaccination in most parts of Europe. If any new travel restrictions are imposed because of Covid we will update you.
- All students are responsible to know and comply with any and all health advisories active in the region during our stay.
- Students are responsible for any exchange fees.
- Any change or upgrade to accommodations/transportation/meals made by the student are the financial responsibility of the student and are not included in retreat tuition.
- Please note that only vegetarian food will be included in the retreat.
- Please note this is a dry retreat. Attendees agree to remain in sobriety during their time with us.
- Please note it is best to blend in with culturally appropriate clothing. We will provide information as we get closer to our travel dates. It is good to remember that most. if not all temples, will not permit entry to anyone dressed inappropriately aka shorts, short skirts, ripped jeans, jeans, tank tops, tee shirts, low cut shirts, see through clothing, etc.
- Kula Kamala Foundation, its employees, volunteers, and teachers, are not responsible for any illnesses, flight interruptions, cancellations, or detours.
- Altitude sickness: Please note we will reach an altitude of between 5,200 and 6,000 feet. Mild symptoms of altitude sickness can occur at 6,000 feet, although it's rare. The risk and severity of altitude sickness increase significantly at higher altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet, but factors like rapid ascent, physical exertion, and individual susceptibility can cause issues at lower elevations. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, and fatigue. We will be mindful of our pace, hydration, and nourishment, all of which are important factors.
Reserve your spot below
Vaishno Devi/Shakti Peetham Pilgrimage DATES: October 11th-20th, 2026
PILGRIMAGE RETREAT COST is PER PERSON
(cost does not include airfare, suggested flight information will be provided upon registration):
Standard room - shared - you will be assigned a roommate: $3900 per person
Pay in full or make a $500 deposit to reserve your spot.
PILGRIMAGE RETREAT COST is PER PERSON
(cost does not include airfare, suggested flight information will be provided upon registration):
Standard room - shared - you will be assigned a roommate: $3900 per person
Pay in full or make a $500 deposit to reserve your spot.
- all balances must be paid in full by September 1, 2026.
Payment Link
Retreat Reviews
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"I had the honor of attending a retreat to Varanasi, India with the Kula Kamala Foundation in October 2023. I hardly have the words to describe how inspiring, fulfilling and incredibly soul satisfying this journey was. The absolute best part was how fabulous our leaders were: Swaminiji, Jyoti, and Jaya. For months leading up to the retreat they were providing information, answering questions and helping us all prepare. They went above and beyond to make sure all of us travelers were ready and all of our needs were met. There wasn't a moment when I felt unsafe, unprepared, or not taken care of in any way. For such a long journey away from home, for almost two weeks, this was so important and did not go unnoticed. The schedule was packed full of amazing sights and experiences for us to have, yet the flexibility to pass on anything when needed was offered and supported. We did have unexpected situations arise and everything was handled in a calm and professional manner, with the utmost sensitivity to all of us. I can honestly say I cannot imagine a better trip. I believe anyone who has the opportunity to travel with this ashram would be wise to take it!"
~ Stephanie ~ Varanasi 2023 |
"Traveling to India for the first time to be guided and share so many special moments with Swaminiji, our tour guide Monuji & the Kula Kamala Ashram will forever be held in my heart. The itinerary was crafted with thoughtfulness, reverence, and flexibility to share authentically, India. This is journey – not a vacation. The India Retreat with the Kula Kamala Ashram has humbled and challenged yet supported by sangha, in all ways with grace." ~ Aranyani Aslynn ❤ ~ Varanasi 2023
"The first time I traveled to India, I knew I needed to go with a group or organization of people that I trusted, and who had been to the places we were going. There's a short list of people and organizations that I would trust to lead me through parts of India I've never been, and Swaminiji Sharadananda Saraswati and Kula Kamala are at the top of this list. India is an impossible country and culture to plan for all contingencies, but they tried there best to make sure everyone's needs were accommodated." ~ Shambhu Anand, Kripalvananda Yoga Institute Board Historian ~ Varanasi 2023
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"Varanasi was a powerful, life-changing experience from the moment we arrived until my last day in the 5000+ year old holy city. It was a trip of contrasts and transformative in ways I was not expecting. The intensity of the Aartis, overwhelming feelings at Manikarnika ghat, and confronting my own physical limitations - vs. - the beauty and serenity of the Ganga at sunrise, the calming temples, the peace at night walking home from Aarti. The pilgrimage was well organized with a menu of excursion choices each day. Swaminiji and the trip leaders were well informed, and extended themselves in every way to make sure my trip was as safe and comfortable as possible. I felt very supported and fulfilled-- we experienced everything Varanasi had to offer. The group as a whole was fantastic to travel with, sharing experiences and photos and encouraging one another to fully appreciate both the beautiful people and landscape, as well as the reality of deep poverty. Faith holding all of us and the entire city together. Though the trip did not turn out as I expected, the lessons of Varanasi are clear, and the karmic work ahead of me is critical to self-realization." ~ Annette ~ Varanasi 2023