Babaji’s Cave – Chennai Group

Pilgrimage to Babaji’s Cave
6-9 April 2023

The highlight of this trip is the beautiful hillside where Lahiri Mahasaya is said to have first met Mahavatar Babaji in the autumn of 1861, and which contains the cave where Lahiri spent a previous incarnation. Babaji gave Lahiri Kriya Yoga initiation on this spot, thus launching its spread around the world. We’ll spend most of a day together on this hillside, taking turns meditating in the cave itself.

This quiet area of Kumaon has a strong spiritual vibration and also offers saints, ashrams, and stunning Himalayan views. We’ll visit the Kainchi Ashram, with tangible vibrations of Neem Karoli Baba. We’ll chant and share spiritual stories on our bus trips. We’ll spend 2 nights near Ranikhet, at a secluded resort with high mountain views. The pilgrimage will be led by Nayaswamis Dharmarajan and Dharmini of Ananda Chennai, and Tyagi Keshava of Ananda Delhi.

Schedule

Thursday 6 April

6:20 am

NDLS-Kathgodam Shatabdi departs New Delhi train station

11:55 am

Train arrives Kathgodam

Proceed to Ranikhet by bus

Stop at Kainchi for meditation at Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram

4:30 pm

Check into hotel

Satsang and dinner at the hotel

Friday 7 April

This valued retreat day at our wooded mountain resort includes meditation, yoga, discourses, introspection, and nature awareness. It provides rest from travel and spiritual preparation for our visit to Babaji’s cave.

Saturday 8 April

	Breakfast
8:00 am	Bus to Babaji’s cave
10:00 am	Start walking to the cave
11:30 – 3:00 pm	Babaji’s cave, meditation, and free time
4:30 pm	Drive back to Ranikhet Dinner at hotel

Sunday 9 April

Morning chanting and meditation at the hotel followed by breakfast.
Drive back to Kathgodam, lunch

3:35 pm	Kathgodam-NDLS Shatabdi leaves Kathgodam
8:50 pm	Train arrives at New Delhi Station

Accommodations, Meals, and Transportation

Train transportation Delhi-Kathgodam-Delhi will be by chair-car Shatabdi. All other transportation will be by two 27-passenger bus. We’ll stay at a lovely quiet resort near Ranikhet. Breakfast and dinner are included. Those from other cities can arrive in Delhi on Wednesday 5 April, and leave on Monday 10 April.

Physical Fitness for this Trip – IMPORTANT

The central activity will be visiting Babaji’s cave, at an elevation of about 2000 metres. This requires a walk which takes 45-60 minutes each way for a healthy person. Those who need it can take a jeep for the first part of this walk. However, everyone must climb the last, steeper part of the trail. This might be 30 minutes uphill for a very fit person. This is an established rough path of dirt and rock. It can be quite steep in places, at an angle up to 45 degrees. In places, there are rough steps formed by large rocks. The steps are at uneven heights, some perhaps a foot high. It is definitely a hike or climb, not a casual stroll. If someone is a slow walker or gets winded easily it is no problem. You can take this path as slowly as you wish. The climb would not be possible for someone who cannot easily climb stairs or walk on uneven ground.

Programme Fees

Shared occupancy (two twin beds or double bed) including train: Rs. 26,000 per person.

Presently only shared occupancy is available for this pilgrimage:
(the choice of TWIN, with two single beds. Or DOUBLE, with one large bed).

If you wish for double occupancy accommodation and you don’t know another pilgrim, you’ll be assigned a roommate if possible.

The programme fee includes the train Delhi-Kathgodam-Delhi, all group transportation, lodging, breakfast & dinner for all three days, lunch on Sunday, and hotel tips. Not included in the fee are lunches on Thursday and Saturday, snacks, and beverages; medical insurance or medical care should you need it; donations at ashrams; personal hotel expenses. You may also wish to contribute a tip for our guide. The pilgrimage begins at New Delhi train station on 7 October and ends at New Delhi train station on 9 October.

Payments

Completed application form and payment are both needed to confirm your space. We ask for full payment as soon as we approve your application.

On application form, for “Pilgrimage you wish to join,” select “Pilgrimage – CHN”.

“Truly life-changing, like no other trip I’ve ever taken. This pilgrimage surpassed my expectations in terms of blessed fellowship, destinations, accommodations, activities, food—everything.” — P.H., North Carolina

“Since the pilgrimage, I’ve felt a new lightness of being—a new lease on life, spiritually. Meditation is easier and more enjoyable. Time flies when I meditate. When I hear a chant, I find myself immersed completely in it—I feel I could sing all day!” — J. T., New Delhi

“Meditating in ancient caves is fantastic and really helps deepen the meditation practice. Now, I’m looking forward to the next pilgrimage!”
— S.G., Gurgaon