Photo courtesy of YSS online newsletter.
While I'm still at home, I decided to include some links to some of the places we'll be visiting.
In India, Self-Realization Fellowship is known as the Yogoda Satsanga Society (YSS). "'Yogoda' is derived from yoga, union, harmony, equilibrium; and da, that which imparts. 'Satsanga' is composed of sat, truth, and sanga, fellowship." (Autobiography of a Yogi, 420 n.)
Our India tour group of 12 people will be staying at three of these YSS ashrams (hermitages or retreat centers). Unfortunately, we were not able to get accommodations at the new Noida Ashram, which is near Delhi, so while in Delhi we'll be staying in a hotel.
The first few days of our trip, we'll be in Delhi while everyone gathers for the tour. Marcia, a devotee from Arkansas, and I will be arriving early, getting into Delhi at 1:30am on January 25th. After resting, we should be able to do some sightseeing in the city before the tour begins.
Upon leaving Delhi (Tues. Jan. 29) we'll fly east to Bhuvaneshwar, then drive two hours through the tropical countryside to the Holy City of Puri on the Bay of Bengal. We'll stay a few nights in a hotel there, allowing us a day trip to Karar Ashram (Sri Yukteswar's Puri Ashram).
Ranchi Ashram
Thursday, January 31st we'll take either a plane or a train to Ranchi, which is inland and west of Kolkata (Calcutta). If you click on the above link, you'll see more photos of the Ranchi Ashram.
Kumbh Mela 2013
February 8-10th we'll be at the largest religious festival in the world. Allahabad is in the north central area of India, west of Ranchi.
Dakshineshwar Ashram
After enjoying the Mela, we'll travel back to Kolkata where we'll stay at the ashram from February 11 -14th. Some of the things we'll do is visit the Kali Temple, take a boat trip up the Ganges to Serampore, visit Yogananda's home as well as Mother Teresa's home and charity.
Brindaban/Mathura/Agra
Friday, February 15th we'll fly to New Delhi where we'll spend the next few days sightseeing in north central India, driving to Brindaban, the boyhood home of Lord Krishna, then driving to Mathura, the birthplace of Krishna, continuing on to Agra and the Taj Mahal.
Rishikesh and the Mountains
From Monday, February 18 - Monday, March 4 we'll be in the mountains visiting the Dwarahat Ashram, where we'll hike to Babaji's Cave. We'll visit various places in the area including Corbett National Park http://www.corbettnationalpark.com/.
Mumbai (Bombay) and Igatpuri Retreat
The last days of our trip will be spent outside of Mumbai, which is on the west coast of India.
After a whirlwind tour of tour of India we'll fly back to Delhi Sunday, March 10th where we'll catch our flights back home.
3 comments:
Bon voyage, my friend! Have a wonderful adventure--we can't wait to hear all about it!
Sooo excited for you! Safe travels!!
Awe some travler!
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