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YogAnga Retreat at Sri Santosh Puri Ashram: Explore a yogic lifestyle, where yogis were born and raised… on the bank of the sacred Ganga River in the foothills of the Himalayas (between Haridwar and Rishikesh).
According to the Hindu calendar, Maha Shivaratri is observed on the fourteenth day of the dark half of the lunar month of Magh. The Maha Shivratri Nishita Kaal Puja Time will be between 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM IST, February 26, 2025. Maha Shivaratri is an auspicious day for spiritual growth and material attainment. On this night, when the constellations are in a favourable position, it is very auspicious for meditation, kirtan and mantra japa (chanting) Om Namah Shivaya.
Come gather with us in this special time of year, when all three siblings (Ganga, Mandakini and Alaknanda Puri) are in the ashram. Mingle among old friends and fellow devotees. During the day we will fast (eat only fruits and special fasting foods). We will then stay awake all night, chanting and singing kirtan in devotion to Shiva. Meanwhile the three siblings (Ganga, Mandakini and Alaknanda), as well as one guest will each perform one of four abhishek pujas, offering various items to the shiva lingam in front of Santosh Puri Babaji’s statue. A typical panchamrit abhishek is a mixture of five food items: milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and sugar.
ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्
oṃ tryambakaṃ yajāmahe sugandhiṃ puṣṭivardhanam
Om, We Worship the Three-Eyed One (Lord Shiva),
Who is Fragrant (Spiritual Essence) and Who Nourishes all beings.
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृ त्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्
urvārukamiva bandhanānmṛ tyormukṣīya māmṛtāt
May He severe our Bondage of Samsara (Worldly Life), like a Cucumber (severed from the bondage of its Creeper),
and thus Liberate us from the Fear of Death, by making us realize that we are never separated from our Immortal Nature.
The day before we decorate the ashram with flowers. That morning we perform a havan (sacred fire ceremony). We will fast through out the day only eating fruits or special fasting foods. We will begin the night’s festivities with the first Abhishek followed by evening aarti, at the mandir (temple area where Santosh Puri Babaji and Narvada Puri Mataji are buried). All guests are invited (not required) to drink prasad (a milk lassi with bhang, dry fruits and other spices such as cardamon). Then sit in meditation, do japa or partake in kirtan, singing the praises of Shiva.