The World Community of Sanatana Dharma joyfully invites you to a meeting with the Three Jewels!
Join us at the "Shiva Prem Sagar" ashram for the celebration of one of the most sacred events of the year — Mahashivaratri. A deep immersion into practice awaits you, along with a seminar on Jnana Yoga and participation in the mysterious mystery of the Great Night, which opens the doors to the Unknown.
“Mahashivaratri is a mystical Night. It is believed that any meditation during this time is 100 times more powerful than usual. This is due to the special position of the Sun and the Moon, creating a powerful flow of energy for spiritual transformation.”
About the Mahashivaratri Festival
Mahashivaratri ("The Great Night of Shiva") is the main festival for devotees of Lord Shiva, celebrated in February-March. According to ancient legends, it was on this night that:
- The wedding of Shiva and Parvati took place, symbolizing the union of consciousness and energy.
- Shiva performed the Tandava — the cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction of the universe.
- Shiva manifested himself before Brahma and Vishnu in the form of a beginningless and endless Lingam of fire.
The Puranas state that those who stay awake on this sacred night are granted material prosperity and spiritual liberation. It is the perfect time to free the mind from worldly thoughts and completely immerse oneself in awareness.
Program of Events
We have prepared a rich program combining learning, intensive practice, and festive rituals.
February 9
Arrival Day. Check-in at the Ashram, accommodation, and getting to know the space.
February 10 — 14
- Seminar "Atma-vichara and the Four Brahma-viharas"
Five days of focused contemplation and advanced practice:
Atma-vichara:
The practice of self-inquiry, direct methods of Jnana Yoga for realizing one's true nature.
Four Brahma-viharas:
Meditation on the four infinite states — Love, Compassion, Appreciative Joy, and Equanimity.
Lectures, satsangs, morning and evening practices with the ashram monks.
February 15
- Ashta-avarana-diksha
A special event for sincere seekers — Initiation into the Eight Protections of Shiva.
On this day, students will be able to receive spiritual names that change destiny, remove deep karmic obstacles, and guide them onto the true path.
February 15 — 16
- Mahashivaratri Night Celebration
The culmination of the retreat — the sacred night of vigil.
- Master's Satsang: Darshan and instructions of Shri Guru Swami Vishnudevananda Giri Maharaj.
- Rituals: Linga-puja, abhisheka of the Shiva Murti, kirtans, bhajans, and arati.
- Night Practice: Immersion into mantra and meditation.
- Austerities: Opportunity to choose an individual austerity (tapas) for the night.
February 17
- Departure from the Ashram.
Note: Individual retreats at the ashram after the main program can be arranged by prior agreement.
What Awaits You at the Ashram
In addition to the main program, staying at the "Shiva Prem Sagar" ashram is an opportunity to touch the living tradition of Sanatana Dharma.
- Daily satsangs and darshans with Guru Ji.
- Group practices with experienced monks.
- An atmosphere of goodness, silence, and aspiration towards the Truth.
This holiday holds special significance for women asking Parvati for family well-being, and for sadhus striving for liberation.
The Main Mantra of the Night:
Repeat "Om Namah Shivaya" ("Adoration to the Auspicious One!"), fully immersing yourself in the spiritual experience.
Registration and Contacts
Places are limited. To participate in the retreat and the festival, please contact the administrator.
Om Namah Shivaya!
We look forward to seeing you at the Great Night celebration!
