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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).
Santosh Puri Ashram Varshik Bhandara (माघ पूर्णिमा वार्षिक भण्डारा – māgha pūrṇimā vārṣika bhaṇḍārā) is a special time for all. Some of our regular guests may refer to it as our annual sadhu party, where throughout the late morning and early afternoon, our ashram is a sea of orange robes.
This annual sadhu party, Varshik Bhandara celebratory community feast, is in joyous memory of the lives, austerities, teachings and Maha Samadhi (the shedding of their bodies) of our gurus.
Juna Akhara Sanyasis (Matajis and Naga Sadhus), as well as other yogis from various orders, come from near and far to mingle, eat and pay their respects to the highly revered Baba Santosh Puri Maharaji and Narvarda Puri Mataji.
Learn more about the history, lineage and vision for Santosh Puri Ashram.
On Magh Purnima (the full moon night of January/February) in 2001, Santosh Puri Maharaji left his body in padmāsana (lotus posture), pronouncing the holy sound AUM. In this sitting position, he was bathed and clothed by saints of Juna Akhara (his root monastery) according to the ancient Vedic rituals upheld by Juna Akhara. His body was carried in a procession to the bank of the river Ganga. Then returned to the Ashram to be placed in the ground, a cave like burial also called a samadhi. View a video documentation of his burial here.
Narvada Puri Mataji left her body in 2014, on Basant Panchmi (fifth day after the new moon, also marking the start of Spring season). However much she hinted to her leaving, it was still quite a shock for her three adult children and students around the world. Her samadhi ceremony (burial procedure) was also in accordance with Juna Akhara protocol.
Sitting by their samadhi in the back yard of Sri Santosh Puri Ashram, one can surely feel their energetic presence. Many people say, their murtis (statues) are so lifelike, it is easy to mistake them for real. We welcome you to come sit in front of them, speak with them, meditate, chant, or just bask in their aura. You may feel a sense of calm, relief from worries, or even find answers to your inner questions.
This is also in the middle of our “high season” and guests will be staying all over the ashram community spaces as well as in private rooms. We recommend booking your stay well in advance. Please note: usually single rooms will not be available at this time.
