Jan 7–11, 2026 | Venue: Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, Anaikatti (Coimbatore)

Themes:

🕉 Nītiśatakam of Bhartṛhari – a guide to right living, wisdom & discernment. (Acharya Jayakumar ji)

🕉 Being a Master of Desires – understanding & managing rāga–dveṣa psychology (Gita 3.34). (Acharya Srinivasan ji)

Highlights:

• 🪷 Dakshinamurthy Puja & Subramanya Puja
• 🪷 Vedanta classes, Yoga, Dhyaanam, Satsang (Q&A)
• 🪷 Experience ashram life amidst nature (elephant country 🐘)

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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.

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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

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