Swami Sri Yukteswar, guru of Paramhansa Yogananda, left his body in 1936 at his hermitage in Puri. Sri Yukteswar would shift from Serampore to this seaside hermitage in the summer, and Yogananda spent many months here at the feet of his guru. After Sri Yukteswar’s mahasamadhi, Yogananda and other disciples buried their guru, still in the lotus posture, in the hermitage garden. We’ll meditate each day at the powerful Samadhi Mandir over the spot where his body is buried in the sands.
The ashram of Sri Bhupendranath Sanyal, disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya, contains a portion of Lahiri’s ashes. We’ll also spend time at the peaceful ashram of Sri Totapuri, guru of Sri Ramakrishna, containing his Samadhi.
We’ll enjoy meditation on the beach at sunrise, and kirtan at sunset, and you can visit the enormous 12th century Jagannath temple.
Puri has been a pilgrimage destination and the home of saints since ancient times. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu spent many years here. Puri is also the site of Govardhan Math, one of the Char Dham, the four cardinal institutions established by Adi Shankaracharya.
We’ll stay at the beautiful 3-star Coco Palms Resort, right on the Bay of Bengal with a sea view from each room, and a short walk to Sri Yukteswar’s hermitage. There will be ample free time to relax and enjoy the resort’s swimming pool, as well as ocean bathing. Puri’s very high spiritual vibration, the sea air and natural beauty, and the resort’s comforts make our stay restful and recharging to body, mind, and soul.
Proposed Schedule
Thursday, 20 February
We suggest flying Indigo #141, departing Chennai 12:40, arriving Bhubaneswar 2:20 pm
Bus to Coco Palms Resort, Puri, check in
Free time
Sunset kirtan on beach
Dinner and satsang at hotel
Friday, 21 February
Energization and meditation on beach
Breakfast at hotel
Meditate at Sri Yukteswar’s hermitage
Visit ashram of Bhupendranath Sanyal, disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya
Shivaratri Retreat
Dinner at hotel
Saturday, 22 February
Energization and meditation on beach
Breakfast at hotel
Visit ashram of Sri Totapuri
Optional visit to Lord Jagannath Temple
Dinner at hotel
Sunday, 23 February
Energization and meditation on beach
Breakfast at hotel
Meditate at Sri Yukteswar’s hermitage
Bus departs for Bhubaneswar airport
We suggest Indigo #756, departing 2:55 pm for Chennai
Transportation and Meals
Our pilgrimage sites are reached on foot, by autorickshaw, and by jeep. Breakfasts and dinners are included.
How to reach Puri
You would arrange your own flights. We suggest Indigo #141, on 20 Feb, departing Chennai 12:40, arriving Bhubaneswar 2:20 pm. Departing Bhubaneswar on 23 Feb is Indigo #756, departing 2:55 pm, arriving Chennai 4:50 pm. A bus would provide transport between airport and hotel at no cost only for these two flights.
You could also reach our resort, Hans Coco Palms, on your own, arriving morning or early afternoon of 20 February. You would leave Puri anytime on 23 February.
Programme Fees
Double occupancy: Rs. 25,000 per person.
Single occupancy (private room): Rs. 35,000
If you wish double occupancy accommodation and you don’t know another pilgrim, you’ll be assigned a roommate if possible.
The programme fee includes group transportation within Puri; lodging; 2 meals a day; and hotel tips. Not included in the fee are transportation to and from Bhubaneswar at a time other than the above flights; lunches, snacks, and beverages; donations at ashrams; and personal hotel expenses such as room service or laundry.