India Summer Retreat 2025 at OM Ashram
A Sacred Celebration of Gurupurnima
In July 2025, OM Ashram welcomed a large group of devotees, from across India and around the world, to celebrate Gurupurnima, one of the most spiritually significant annual events in the yogic tradition.
The Significance of Gurupurnima
Gurupurnima marks the moment when the first sunray touched the Earth and life began. It honours the guru tattva, the divine guiding principle that removes ignorance and illuminates the path to liberation.
Also known as Vyasa Purnima, the day commemorates the birth of the great sage Veda Vyasa. He not only authored the Mahabharata, but also systematised ancient knowledge by dividing the eternal Veda into four sacred texts: the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda.
Spiritual Holidays in a Divine Environment
Devotees gathered at OM Ashram not only to have darshan of Vishwaguruji, but also to spend their holidays in the serene spiritual atmosphere of “ekant vas” – a sacred retreat dedicated to inner silence, prayer, yoga and meditation. The eco-gardens of the ashram offered peaceful surroundings, where horses and cows freely roam, enhancing the natural beauty of the place.
Daily Spiritual Practices across OM Ashram
OM Ashram, a vast complex with numerous temples and places of worship, offered devotees the chance to participate in daily prayers starting at 5:00 AM and closing the day with evening prayers at sundown.
The early morning prayers began at the Ganeshji and Hanumanji temples near Holy Guruji’s accommodation building, followed by sacred rituals at the Shiv Lingam and the blooming kalpa vriksha (wishing tree), a grand baobab tree with radiant white flowers.
The Bhakti Sagar – a beautiful, round, straw-roofed building – hosts the morning Shiva prayers and Bhagavad Gita recitation (12th and 15th chapters), followed by calming yoga classes.
Daily Durga prayers are held at the Samadhi Temple of Swami Punyanand Bhartiji, both in the morning and evening.
At sunrise, the grand Shiva Temple opens its doors for worship. Pandits lovingly decorated the Dwadas Jyotirlinga, preparing for the main morning prayer. The divine atmosphere continues at the Mahasamadhi Hall of Holy Guruji, where the Guru Arati (prayers) are chanted, echoing throughout the ashram.
Parampara Exhibition and Heritage
The Mahasamadhi Hall also hosts an inspiring exhibition of the OM Sri Alakhpuriji Siddha Peeth Parampara, showcasing photos and life stories of all the masters of Parampara (lineage):
- Param Mahasiddha Avatar Sri Alakhpuriji
- Paramyogeshwar Svayambhu Sri Devpuriji
- Bhagwan Sri Deep Narayan Mahaprabhuji
- Hindu Dharmsamrat Paramhans Sri Swami Madhavanandaji
- Vishwaguru Mahamandaleshwar Paramhans Swami Maheshwaranandaji
Sustainable Living and Divine Cuisine
All meals are lovingly prepared in the traditional Indian kitchen, using open-fire cooking and clean energy from the ashram’s biogas plant, which converts cow dung from the gosalas (cow shelters) into cooking fuel. As much as possible, fresh fruits and vegetables from the ashram’s organic garden are used – ensuring purity, freshness and a deep connection to the Earth. This eco-friendly and self-sustaining approach reflects OM Ashram’s dedication to sustainability, health and harmony with nature.
Afternoon Programs and Inspiring Talks
The afternoons came alive with spiritual lectures and musical events at the Ashram Café. Highlights included:
- “Tapasya & Spirituality” by Swami Yogeshji
- “Guru & Disciple” by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Gyaneshwar Puriji
- “Why is Pranayama Important" by Tyagpuri
- “Importance of Ashram Life” by Captain Neeraj
- “Miracles of Sri Devpuriji” by Raju from Kailash
- “Optimal Breathing and Pranayama” by Agni Dev
- “Inner Leadership – Life with Greater Purpose workshop” by Ramadevi
- “Ways to Improve Personal Practice” by Swami Daya
- “Ashram Life” by Swami Mangal Puri
- “Social Relations" by Swami Sanjivani
- “Wonders of Ayurveda” by Hemvati
- “Yoga in Daily Family Life” by Mansukram and Yamuna
- Musical concert by Croatian songwriter Anand Pur, joined by Krishna Puri, and Hemvati
Additionally, participants had the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate with Ayurvedic massages and pedicure treatments, adding a nourishing and healing touch to their retreat experience.
Evening Devotion and Satsangs
Each evening concluded with prayers at OM Ashram and Bhakti Sagar, profound satsangs with swamis, including Mahamandaleshwar Swami Gyaneshwar Puriji and Mahamandaleshwar Swami Phul Puriji, followed by soulful bhajans and tranquil meditation.
Gurupurnima Night – A Night of Divine Bhakti
On the eve of Gurupurnima, the ashram echoed with bhajans sung continuously throughout the night. A stream of singers took turns in offering their devotion through song, and many devotees celebrated the night by dancing joyfully in divine ecstasy.
The Day of Gurupurnima – A Divine Awakening
The sacred day began with the recitation of the Guru Gita, followed by Guru Puja to Vishwaguruji at Sataguru Darbar. Hearts filled with love, devotees offered sacred items such as flowers, coconuts, dakshina (donations) and orange shawls, while chanting powerful mantras.
Thousands from around the world lined up to express their love, devotion and gratitude to Vishwaguruji and Swami Avatar Puriji, who graced the Vyas Gadh together. The Guru Principle – the eternal force guiding consciousness from darkness to light – was deeply felt and honoured.
Pilgrims continued their journey to the Holy Guruji Mahasamadhi, offering malas, coconuts and prashad, and finally received darshan of the majestic Dwadas Jyotirlinga at the central Shiva Temple.
In the Heart of the Ashram, Forever Welcome
The atmosphere was divine. The hearts were full. The scent of fresh flowers mingled with sacred vibrations. The 2025 Summer Retreat at OM Ashram left a deep, lasting impression on all who attended – an unforgettable spiritual journey immersed in the love of the Gurudev.
As the echoes of mantras and bhajans continue to resonate in the hearts of those who came, OM Ashram warmly invites all seekers, devotees and lovers of peace, to visit this sacred land in the future. Whether for a short retreat or a deeper spiritual immersion, OM Ashram offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with your inner self. Come and experience the timeless peace, beauty and blessings of OM Ashram – your spiritual home.
