Each day opened with prayer, beginning with the Shri Sankata Nashana Ganapati Stotram and the Krishnashtakam. Through interactive storytelling and character studies, the children explored the leadership of Lord Rama and the divine play of Lord Krishna. The concept of Navavidha Bhakti was brought to life through the inspiring stories of Hanuman, Sudama, and the Alwar and Nayanar saints, transforming abstract ideas into relatable life lessons.

A highlight of the camp was the Sanskrit module (Shibiram), which introduced the children to Deva Bhasha through activity-based learning rather than rote memorization. The children especially delighted in a Sanskrit adaptation of “Johny Johny Yes Papa” (Mruttika Bhuktha…?) and learned the soulful Sanskrit Birthday Song composed by Swami Tejomayananda ji.

Physical and creative expression formed an important part of the experience. In yoga sessions, children connected with nature through “Animal Pose” practice—mimicking the strength of the elephant and the agility of the frog, kangaroo, and crab. The arts were celebrated through Ganesha clay modeling, bead-knotting, and paper cone-flower making, while music and movement came alive through the Saptaswara song and a Pancha Bhoota presentation that highlighted the rhythmic connection between music and the five elements.

The camp also wove in life skills and sustainability. In Fireless Cooking sessions, the children became “Little Chefs,” preparing nutritious treats such as Poha, Amrit Payasam, organic lentil Energy Bomb Ladoos, and a tricolour salad. Earth Day modules introduced the idea of “Dharmic Environmentalism,” teaching the children to recognize the sanctity of nature and the importance of self-reliance and reducing food wastage.

A brief introduction to Nakshatra Vidya connected the children to early Bharatiya Vigyanam, covering the navagrahas and the relationship between astronomy (Bhu-gola Shastram) and the wisdom guided by the Rishis. The story of Samudra Mathanam—and the origin of the shadow planets Rahu and Ketu when Vishnu took the Mohini avatar—was highlighted, along with a brief mention of the Panchangam as a traditional way of recording important milestones used in religious rituals.

The camp culminated in a spectacular skit and presentation, where the children showcased their mastery of Sanskrit action words, rhymes, and greetings, along with all they had learned over the three days. Certificates were distributed to the children, and Pujya Swamiji’s books were presented to the dedicated volunteers with the blessings of Jayakumar Guruji.

Throughout the planning and execution, the team was ably guided by Guruji and the experienced volunteers of Arsha Seva Kendram, making the entire experience deeply enriching and gratifying. It was heartening to see that the children left not merely with crafts, but with a deeper sense of identity and a community of friends—a reflection of the idea that Abhyasa (Practice) and Bhakti (Devotion) are the two wings with which a child soars toward a noble character.

Deepest gratitude is extended to the parents for their participation, to the volunteers for their selfless seva, and above all to the children, whose energy and curiosity made Summer Camp 2026 a truly divine experience.

The post Children’s Summer Camp 2026 appeared first on Arsha Seva Kendram.

The venue itself carries a profound spiritual lineage. Established by the legendary Pujya Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam is a traditional place of total learning, nestled in the serene Anaikatti valley—a setting where great Mahatmas have taught.

Each day of the retreat began with the Sri Dakshinamurthy Abhishekam, where participants chanted together in the presence of the Lord, setting an atmosphere of sanctity and focus for the day ahead.

The teaching was led by two masters. Acharya Jayakumar ji guided participants through the verses of Bhartrhari’s Nitisatakam, offering a practical roadmap for living a life of values and navigating worldly life without losing sight of one’s spiritual core. Acharya Srinivasan ji explored Mastery over Raga-Dvesa through the Bhagavad Gita (Verse 3.34), with a notable focus on the phrase Tayorna vashamāgachet—the instruction not to come under the spell of likes and dislikes—using practical examples to show how conflicting thoughts can be managed and neutralized. Participants were also blessed with discourses from Swami Sadatmananda Saraswati and Swami Shankarananda Saraswati, whose presence lent the retreat a deep spiritual grounding. Daily Yoga and Dhyana (Meditation) sessions complemented the teachings, helping seekers relax the body and steady the mind.

The retreat also showcased the wider work of Arsha Seva Kendram. The organization runs Arsha Gokulam, a holistic development centre for 65+ underprivileged High School and College students in Mysuru. Three of these college youth presented the breadth of ASK’s seva activities, sharing the changes they had seen in their own lives. ASK’s school infrastructure improvement projects—such as benches and water filters for rural government schools in Kovilpatti—have positively impacted many children and have been featured in the Tamil newspaper.

A highlight of the event was a Tevaram and Tirumurai performance by Odhuvar Sri Sargurunathan, whose rendition of these sacred Tamil hymns was soul-stirring. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the Odhuvar community and the preservation of this tradition, Arsha Seva Kendram honoured him with the award of Arsha Seva Chudamani.

Throughout the retreat, participants were supported by the Ashram’s hospitality, including sumptuous satvik food that complemented the meditative schedule. Mealtimes became an extension of the classroom, as seekers gathered to discuss their learnings and form lasting bonds.

The retreat offered participants a clearer vision of themselves and a sense of inner fullness. More than just an event, it served as a meaningful start to 2026—conveying that being with oneself, Ekaante, is not about loneliness, but about discovering a source of fullness within.

The post Vedanta Retreat (2026) appeared first on Arsha Seva Kendram.

The meaning of “Arsha Vidya Gurukulam”  is translated as “A place of receiving knowledge given by the Rishis”. This nurturing space fosters the transmission of wisdom from ancient sages to modern seekers, emphasising the importance of experiential learning and personal growth. Participants leave with not only knowledge but also a renewed sense of purpose and connection to their heritage.

In an era of digital overload and hyperactivity, 30 unique children, aged 8 to 12 years, with their parents gathered at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, Anaikatti, Coimbatore, for a two-and-a-half-day summer retreat( 23rd May 2025 to the first half of 25th May 2025) that promised something different — a holistic, joyful, and grounding experience in the lap of tradition.

This wasn’t just another summer camp. It was a celebration of Indic living, an immersion into the treasures of the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), and a heartfelt effort to reconnect both children and their parents with time-tested values.

What set this camp apart was its inclusive, family-oriented approach. While children learned to appreciate tradition in a fun, experiential format, parents were taught Advaita Vedanta and insights into the essential aspects of Sanatana Dharma, while appreciating the urgent need in the current society for Hindu families to rediscover their identity and goals.  This term refers to physical and mental health.  Health is a byproduct of the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, but not the direct teaching.  Rather than just passive observers, parents became active co-learners, walking the path of inner transformation alongside their children.

As the camp concluded, there was a visible change — children humming slokas joyfully, children expressed their interest in attending winter camps, parents reflecting more mindfully, and families pausing to enjoy each other’s presence. The take-home wasn’t a certificate or a badge, but something far deeper:

A lived experience of India’s timeless wisdom — rooted, relevant, and radiant.

The post Children’s Summer Camp (2025) appeared first on Arsha Seva Kendram.

Spread over 4 days, the Ekaante Vedanta retreat was a learning experience for all participants. It provided a glimpse into daily lives of the long term resident students on AVG campus, pooja routine followed at Medha Dakshinamurthy and Murugan temples, impromptu satsang with Swami Sadatmananda ji and interactions with other AVG functionaries. Other seva activities such as dining hall routine and exposure to on-campus sources like library, study room etc.

Retreat dinacharya would start with pooja at the Medha Dakshinamurthy temple. After invoking the Lord’s blessings, series of Dhyanam and satsang sessions was each day’s proceedings.

The retreat had a few core study topics and activities  

• Guided study of Sādhana Pañcakam by Acharya Jayakumar ji
• Series of sessions on “Bringing Vedanta into daily awareness” by Acharya Srinivasan Ji.
• Introduction to Ayurveda, misconceptions surrounding it and it’s daily application by Dr Sheershika.
• Long term students Meera ji and Narayan ji conducted a set of Yogasana that helped the participants limber up and stay refreshed even as the day’s proceedings were under way. It was a valuable tool useful in modern busy day-to-day lives.
• Arsha Gokulam Mysore seva activities and talent showcase led by Sunitha Ji. 
• Visit to a Tribal Village in Anaikatti hills under Dr Soundararajan’s guidance.

The retreat concluded formally with a participant feedback, vote of thanks and Guru Dakshina ceremony, Feedback shared by participants, especially first time attendees  was at the same time thought provoking and conveyed the impact the retreat had on them.Satsang, group studies, seva and sessions that answered long held questions were felt to be invaluable and an important milestone in knowledge enhancement. It was a cheerful occasion tinged with a sense of longing for more to come. Indeed, one of the suggestions was to make the retreat an annual event.

Jan 23-26, 2025

The post Ekaante Vedaanta Retreat appeared first on Arsha Seva Kendram.