Welcome to a deep and nourishing yoga and meditation retreat in Tiruvannamalai, South India — at the foot of the sacred mountain Arunachala, one of India’s most powerful places for meditation, self-inquiry and spiritual practice.
The retreat will take place at Sunshine Guesthouse, a simple, warm and welcoming guesthouse close to Arunachala and the living spiritual atmosphere around the mountain.
This retreat is an invitation to step out of everyday life for a while and enter a field of practice, stillness, breath, movement, devotion, inquiry and warm community. For ten days we will live close to Arunachala, close to the spiritual atmosphere of Tiruvannamalai, and close to ourselves.
This is not a luxury retreat. Sunshine Guesthouse is simple, peaceful and authentic — a place that supports inner practice rather than outer distraction. The retreat is for those who feel drawn to depth, simplicity, sincere practice and the living spiritual atmosphere around Arunachala.
The retreat will take place at Sunshine Guesthouse, a simple, warm and welcoming guesthouse close to Arunachala and the living spiritual atmosphere around the mountain.
This retreat is an invitation to step out of everyday life for a while and enter a field of practice, stillness, breath, movement, devotion, inquiry and warm community. For ten days we will live close to Arunachala, close to the spiritual atmosphere of Tiruvannamalai, and close to ourselves.
This is not a luxury retreat. Sunshine Guesthouse is simple, peaceful and authentic — a place that supports inner practice rather than outer distraction. The retreat is for those who feel drawn to depth, simplicity, sincere practice and the living spiritual atmosphere around Arunachala.
The essence of the retreat
The retreat will bring together many of the practices that are most alive in my own path and teaching: Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga, meditation, pranayama, deep breathwork, Kriya and Kundalini practices from the Himalayan Yoga tradition, Kriya Yoga meditation, self-inquiry, silence, Yoga Nidra, mantra, heart song, kirtan, liberating movement and time for rest and integration.
The approach is both grounded and alive. Some sessions will be dynamic and energizing, while others will be quiet, meditative and inward. We will work with the body, breath, nervous system, energy, heart and awareness in a balanced and integrated way. The intention is not to perform or achieve, but to listen more deeply, soften old patterns, awaken life force and come closer to what is real.
The retreat will bring together many of the practices that are most alive in my own path and teaching: Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga, meditation, pranayama, deep breathwork, Kriya and Kundalini practices from the Himalayan Yoga tradition, Kriya Yoga meditation, self-inquiry, silence, Yoga Nidra, mantra, heart song, kirtan, liberating movement and time for rest and integration.
The approach is both grounded and alive. Some sessions will be dynamic and energizing, while others will be quiet, meditative and inward. We will work with the body, breath, nervous system, energy, heart and awareness in a balanced and integrated way. The intention is not to perform or achieve, but to listen more deeply, soften old patterns, awaken life force and come closer to what is real.
Kriya & Kundalini practice
A special part of this retreat will be Kriya and Kundalini practices from the Himalayan Yoga tradition. This is not Kundalini Yoga in the Yogi Bhajan / 3HO tradition, but a broader Himalayan and Kriya Yoga stream connected with Mahavatar Babaji, Kriya Yoga and modern integrated yoga lineages.
The active practices may include dynamic breathwork, mantra, movement, yoga postures, inner focus, work with prana and subtle energy, and practices that awaken vitality, clarity and inner fire. These practices will always be held within a grounded and respectful framework, with emphasis on safety, self-regulation, individual boundaries, nervous system awareness and integration.
The more active practices will be balanced with still meditation, silence, grounding and self-inquiry.
A special part of this retreat will be Kriya and Kundalini practices from the Himalayan Yoga tradition. This is not Kundalini Yoga in the Yogi Bhajan / 3HO tradition, but a broader Himalayan and Kriya Yoga stream connected with Mahavatar Babaji, Kriya Yoga and modern integrated yoga lineages.
The active practices may include dynamic breathwork, mantra, movement, yoga postures, inner focus, work with prana and subtle energy, and practices that awaken vitality, clarity and inner fire. These practices will always be held within a grounded and respectful framework, with emphasis on safety, self-regulation, individual boundaries, nervous system awareness and integration.
The more active practices will be balanced with still meditation, silence, grounding and self-inquiry.
Meditation, silence and self-inquiry
Tiruvannamalai is deeply connected with Ramana Maharshi and the path of self-inquiry. During the retreat, we will allow the atmosphere of Arunachala to support a deeper inner listening.
Self-inquiry can begin with simple and honest questions: Who am I beneath my roles and stories? What is here when I stop running? What is asking for my attention? What happens when I rest as awareness itself?
Some parts of the retreat may be held in silence, especially mornings, some meals or certain practice periods. Silence is not meant as something rigid or heavy, but as a supportive container for presence, rest, clarity and integration.
Tiruvannamalai is deeply connected with Ramana Maharshi and the path of self-inquiry. During the retreat, we will allow the atmosphere of Arunachala to support a deeper inner listening.
Self-inquiry can begin with simple and honest questions: Who am I beneath my roles and stories? What is here when I stop running? What is asking for my attention? What happens when I rest as awareness itself?
Some parts of the retreat may be held in silence, especially mornings, some meals or certain practice periods. Silence is not meant as something rigid or heavy, but as a supportive container for presence, rest, clarity and integration.
Arunachala and Tiruvannamalai
Arunachala is regarded by many as one of the most sacred mountains in India. For centuries, seekers, yogis, saints and ordinary people have come here for meditation, pilgrimage, prayer, silence and transformation.
Tiruvannamalai is not a polished tourist destination. It is intense, alive, dusty, devotional, beautiful, chaotic and deeply spiritual. There are temples, ashrams, cows, pilgrims, chai stalls, sadhus, monkeys, traffic, incense, chanting, silence — and the constant presence of Arunachala.
As part of the retreat, we may visit some of the sacred places connected with Arunachala, such as Ramana Ashram, caves, temples or other places of practice and pilgrimage. Some days may include excursions, walks, time near the mountain or a more spacious rhythm, depending on the group, timing and energy.
Arunachala is regarded by many as one of the most sacred mountains in India. For centuries, seekers, yogis, saints and ordinary people have come here for meditation, pilgrimage, prayer, silence and transformation.
Tiruvannamalai is not a polished tourist destination. It is intense, alive, dusty, devotional, beautiful, chaotic and deeply spiritual. There are temples, ashrams, cows, pilgrims, chai stalls, sadhus, monkeys, traffic, incense, chanting, silence — and the constant presence of Arunachala.
As part of the retreat, we may visit some of the sacred places connected with Arunachala, such as Ramana Ashram, caves, temples or other places of practice and pilgrimage. Some days may include excursions, walks, time near the mountain or a more spacious rhythm, depending on the group, timing and energy.
Dates and structure
Arrival day: 10 January 2027. Participants arrive at Sunshine Guesthouse, settle into their rooms, rest and land. This will be a gentle arrival day, with a simple evening gathering.
Retreat program: 11–20 January 2027. The main retreat program includes yoga, meditation, breathwork, Kriya practice, silence, inquiry, mantra, meals, rest, community and possible excursions.
Closing day: 20 January 2027. We will close the retreat with morning practice, breakfast and a closing circle. Participants may travel onward after the retreat or choose to stay longer in Tiruvannamalai.
The full moon will be around the night of 21–22 January, and this is traditionally a powerful time for Girivalam — the pilgrimage walk around Arunachala. This can be a beautiful and unforgettable experience, but also intense and crowded. It is not included as a formal part of the retreat, but participants who feel drawn to it may choose to stay a few extra days.
Arrival day: 10 January 2027. Participants arrive at Sunshine Guesthouse, settle into their rooms, rest and land. This will be a gentle arrival day, with a simple evening gathering.
Retreat program: 11–20 January 2027. The main retreat program includes yoga, meditation, breathwork, Kriya practice, silence, inquiry, mantra, meals, rest, community and possible excursions.
Closing day: 20 January 2027. We will close the retreat with morning practice, breakfast and a closing circle. Participants may travel onward after the retreat or choose to stay longer in Tiruvannamalai.
The full moon will be around the night of 21–22 January, and this is traditionally a powerful time for Girivalam — the pilgrimage walk around Arunachala. This can be a beautiful and unforgettable experience, but also intense and crowded. It is not included as a formal part of the retreat, but participants who feel drawn to it may choose to stay a few extra days.
Example of daily schedule
The exact schedule may vary depending on the group, excursions, rest needs and the natural flow of the retreat. The morning meditation, morning yoga/breath/kriya practice and the evening session will usually happen most days, while some midday periods may be adjusted for excursions, temple visits, pilgrimage or integration time.
07.00–07.30 — Meditation
07.30–08.00 — Light snack or drink
08.00–09.30 — Yoga, breath & kriya practice
09.30–10.30 — Breakfast
11.30–13.00 — Philosophy and inquiry
13.30–14.00 — Lunch
14.00–16.30 — Free time / rest / nature
16.30–17.30 — Yoga Nidra, relaxation and breath
18.00–19.15 — Yoga, kriya, free dance, mantra or heart song
19.15–20.00 — Dinner
The exact schedule may vary depending on the group, excursions, rest needs and the natural flow of the retreat. The morning meditation, morning yoga/breath/kriya practice and the evening session will usually happen most days, while some midday periods may be adjusted for excursions, temple visits, pilgrimage or integration time.
07.00–07.30 — Meditation
07.30–08.00 — Light snack or drink
08.00–09.30 — Yoga, breath & kriya practice
09.30–10.30 — Breakfast
11.30–13.00 — Philosophy and inquiry
13.30–14.00 — Lunch
14.00–16.30 — Free time / rest / nature
16.30–17.30 — Yoga Nidra, relaxation and breath
18.00–19.15 — Yoga, kriya, free dance, mantra or heart song
19.15–20.00 — Dinner
Food, accommodation and what is included
For participants joining the full retreat package, accommodation and vegetarian meals at Sunshine Guesthouse are included from 10–20 January. The meals are part of the shared retreat rhythm, and some meals may be held in silence to support presence and integration. On certain excursion days, the meal plan may be adjusted.
The full retreat package includes accommodation at Sunshine Guesthouse, the full retreat program from 11–20 January, daily yoga, meditation, breathwork and Kriya sessions, use of the yoga and meditation hall, vegetarian meals during the retreat period, guidance and group support, possible visits or excursions to sacred places around Arunachala, and taxi transport from Chennai airport to Tiruvannamalai at arrival if coordinated with the group travel plan.
The price does not include international flights, travel insurance, visa for India, return transport to the airport after the retreat, extra nights before or after the retreat period, personal expenses, optional extra excursions, or extra meals and transport outside the retreat plan.
For participants joining the full retreat package, accommodation and vegetarian meals at Sunshine Guesthouse are included from 10–20 January. The meals are part of the shared retreat rhythm, and some meals may be held in silence to support presence and integration. On certain excursion days, the meal plan may be adjusted.
The full retreat package includes accommodation at Sunshine Guesthouse, the full retreat program from 11–20 January, daily yoga, meditation, breathwork and Kriya sessions, use of the yoga and meditation hall, vegetarian meals during the retreat period, guidance and group support, possible visits or excursions to sacred places around Arunachala, and taxi transport from Chennai airport to Tiruvannamalai at arrival if coordinated with the group travel plan.
The price does not include international flights, travel insurance, visa for India, return transport to the airport after the retreat, extra nights before or after the retreat period, personal expenses, optional extra excursions, or extra meals and transport outside the retreat plan.
Retreat options and prices
There are several ways to join the retreat. Online registration and deposit payment are processed in NOK. International participants can pay the deposit by card, and their bank or card provider will convert the amount to their local currency.
The remaining balance can be paid later by invoice for Norwegian participants, or by Wise / international transfer for international participants. USD prices for the remaining balance are fixed international payment amounts.
1. Full retreat package — shared room, Early Bird before 31. August 2026
Total price: NOK 9,000 / approx. USD 990
Deposit upon registration: NOK 2,000 / approx. USD 220
Remaining balance: NOK 7,000 / USD 760
This option is for participants staying at Sunshine Guesthouse in a shared room as part of the retreat group. It includes accommodation, vegetarian meals, the full retreat program, use of the yoga and meditation hall, and coordinated group taxi transport from Chennai airport to Tiruvannamalai at arrival.
The Early Bird price applies only to the full retreat package.
2. Full retreat package — shared room, Standard
Total price: NOK 10,000 / approx. USD 1,090
Deposit upon registration: NOK 2,000 / approx. USD 220
Remaining balance: NOK 8,000 / USD 870
This option includes the same as the Early Bird full retreat package: accommodation in a shared room at Sunshine Guesthouse, vegetarian meals, the full retreat program, use of the yoga and meditation hall, and coordinated group taxi transport from Chennai airport to Tiruvannamalai at arrival.
3. Full retreat package — single room, Early Bird before 31. August 2026
Total price: NOK 11,000 / approx. USD 1,200
Deposit upon registration: NOK 2,000 / approx. USD 220
Remaining balance: NOK 9,000 / USD 980
This option is for participants who would like a private room at Sunshine Guesthouse. It includes accommodation in a single room, vegetarian meals, the full retreat program, use of the yoga and meditation hall, and coordinated group taxi transport from Chennai airport to Tiruvannamalai at arrival.
Single rooms are limited and offered depending on availability.
4. Full retreat package — single room, Standard
Total price: NOK 12,000 / approx. USD 1,300
Deposit upon registration: NOK 2,000 / approx. USD 220
Remaining balance: NOK 10,000 / USD 1,090
This option includes the same as the full retreat package, with accommodation in a private room at Sunshine Guesthouse. Single rooms are limited and offered depending on availability.
5. Retreat program only
Total price: NOK 4,950 / approx. USD 540
Deposit paid now: NOK 2,000 / approx. USD 220
Remaining balance paid later: NOK 2,950 / USD 320
This option is for participants who already live in or have arranged their own accommodation in Tiruvannamalai. It includes the full retreat program, but meals and accommodation are not included.
6. Retreat program + meals
Total price: NOK 6,000 / approx. USD 650
Deposit paid now: NOK 2,000 / approx. USD 220
Remaining balance paid later: NOK 4,000 / USD 435
This option is for participants who arrange their own accommodation in Tiruvannamalai, but would like to join the group meals at Sunshine Guesthouse. It includes the full retreat program and vegetarian meals with the retreat group. Accommodation is not included.
Your place is confirmed when the deposit has been received. More detailed payment information, including payment deadline for the remaining balance, will be sent after registration.
There are several ways to join the retreat. Online registration and deposit payment are processed in NOK. International participants can pay the deposit by card, and their bank or card provider will convert the amount to their local currency.
The remaining balance can be paid later by invoice for Norwegian participants, or by Wise / international transfer for international participants. USD prices for the remaining balance are fixed international payment amounts.
1. Full retreat package — shared room, Early Bird before 31. August 2026
Total price: NOK 9,000 / approx. USD 990
Deposit upon registration: NOK 2,000 / approx. USD 220
Remaining balance: NOK 7,000 / USD 760
This option is for participants staying at Sunshine Guesthouse in a shared room as part of the retreat group. It includes accommodation, vegetarian meals, the full retreat program, use of the yoga and meditation hall, and coordinated group taxi transport from Chennai airport to Tiruvannamalai at arrival.
The Early Bird price applies only to the full retreat package.
2. Full retreat package — shared room, Standard
Total price: NOK 10,000 / approx. USD 1,090
Deposit upon registration: NOK 2,000 / approx. USD 220
Remaining balance: NOK 8,000 / USD 870
This option includes the same as the Early Bird full retreat package: accommodation in a shared room at Sunshine Guesthouse, vegetarian meals, the full retreat program, use of the yoga and meditation hall, and coordinated group taxi transport from Chennai airport to Tiruvannamalai at arrival.
3. Full retreat package — single room, Early Bird before 31. August 2026
Total price: NOK 11,000 / approx. USD 1,200
Deposit upon registration: NOK 2,000 / approx. USD 220
Remaining balance: NOK 9,000 / USD 980
This option is for participants who would like a private room at Sunshine Guesthouse. It includes accommodation in a single room, vegetarian meals, the full retreat program, use of the yoga and meditation hall, and coordinated group taxi transport from Chennai airport to Tiruvannamalai at arrival.
Single rooms are limited and offered depending on availability.
4. Full retreat package — single room, Standard
Total price: NOK 12,000 / approx. USD 1,300
Deposit upon registration: NOK 2,000 / approx. USD 220
Remaining balance: NOK 10,000 / USD 1,090
This option includes the same as the full retreat package, with accommodation in a private room at Sunshine Guesthouse. Single rooms are limited and offered depending on availability.
5. Retreat program only
Total price: NOK 4,950 / approx. USD 540
Deposit paid now: NOK 2,000 / approx. USD 220
Remaining balance paid later: NOK 2,950 / USD 320
This option is for participants who already live in or have arranged their own accommodation in Tiruvannamalai. It includes the full retreat program, but meals and accommodation are not included.
6. Retreat program + meals
Total price: NOK 6,000 / approx. USD 650
Deposit paid now: NOK 2,000 / approx. USD 220
Remaining balance paid later: NOK 4,000 / USD 435
This option is for participants who arrange their own accommodation in Tiruvannamalai, but would like to join the group meals at Sunshine Guesthouse. It includes the full retreat program and vegetarian meals with the retreat group. Accommodation is not included.
Your place is confirmed when the deposit has been received. More detailed payment information, including payment deadline for the remaining balance, will be sent after registration.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is for you if you feel drawn to yoga as a deeper path, meditation and inner stillness, breathwork and nervous system regulation, Kriya and Kundalini-based energy practice, self-inquiry, the sacred atmosphere of Arunachala, and a warm, honest and grounded community.
You do not need to be advanced in yoga. You do not need to be flexible. You do not need to have long meditation experience. But you should feel sincerely interested in practice, inner exploration and being part of a retreat field with respect, openness and presence.
The retreat may be suitable both for experienced practitioners and for sincere beginners who feel called to this kind of journey.
Language
The retreat will be taught in English. Norwegian participants are warmly welcome, and the retreat is also open to international participants and people who may already be in Tiruvannamalai during this period.
This retreat is for you if you feel drawn to yoga as a deeper path, meditation and inner stillness, breathwork and nervous system regulation, Kriya and Kundalini-based energy practice, self-inquiry, the sacred atmosphere of Arunachala, and a warm, honest and grounded community.
You do not need to be advanced in yoga. You do not need to be flexible. You do not need to have long meditation experience. But you should feel sincerely interested in practice, inner exploration and being part of a retreat field with respect, openness and presence.
The retreat may be suitable both for experienced practitioners and for sincere beginners who feel called to this kind of journey.
Language
The retreat will be taught in English. Norwegian participants are warmly welcome, and the retreat is also open to international participants and people who may already be in Tiruvannamalai during this period.
Experiences from previous participants
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"Parabhakti teaches with warmth, simplicity and humor. The retreat was beautiful — a wonderful place, nourishing food and a deeply meaningful atmosphere. I went home with more joy, inner peace and calm that stayed with me long after the retreat ended."
— Veet Maya "Ragnar creates a safe, warm and authentic space where people can truly relax and be themselves. I felt deeply seen, inspired and supported throughout the journey." — Elisabeth, doctor "Each gathering felt like a breath of fresh air — full of inspiration, learning, connection and real human warmth. The practices helped me sleep better, feel more grounded and meet life with greater clarity." — Yuliya |
"If you are looking for something that brings more depth, meaning and life energy into your life, I wholeheartedly recommend Ragnar’s retreats and trainings. There is a rare combination of presence, wisdom, humanity and genuine care."
— Eirin Samuelsen "The teaching is warm, grounded and deeply authentic. I experienced more inner peace, self-understanding and connection than I expected. It felt safe to fully be myself." — Ann-Christin, Oslo "Ragnar shares from real experience. His teaching carries both depth and simplicity, and the atmosphere in the group felt heartfelt, honest and transformative." — Tove L. |
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About the teacher
Parabhakti Ragnar Grøn is the founder and main teacher of Nordisk Yoga & Meditasjonsskole in Norway. He has more than 25 years of experience with yoga, meditation and inner work, and has been teaching yoga, meditation, retreats and teacher trainings since 2013. His teaching integrates classical yoga, Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga, Kriya Yoga, meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, trauma-informed perspectives, self-inquiry and embodied spiritual practice. His background includes Master Level and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training at Sattva Yoga Academy in the Himalayas, Kriya Yoga practice in the lineage of Paramahansa Yogananda / Self-Realization Fellowship, long-term meditation practice and retreat experience, and training in family constellations and multigenerational trauma work. His teaching is warm, grounded, clear and inclusive, with emphasis on safety, presence, depth, embodiment and integration. Rather than teaching yoga as performance or spiritual idealism, he invites students into direct experience — where practice can become real, human, transformative and deeply alive. |
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A retreat of simplicity, depth and living practice
This retreat is not about escaping life. It is about listening more deeply.
It is about letting the body soften, the breath open, the heart become more available, and the mind become quieter. It is about meeting the sacred not as an idea, but as something that can be felt in the body, in the breath, in silence, in community, and in the presence of Arunachala.
It is about remembering what is already here.
This retreat is not about escaping life. It is about listening more deeply.
It is about letting the body soften, the breath open, the heart become more available, and the mind become quieter. It is about meeting the sacred not as an idea, but as something that can be felt in the body, in the breath, in silence, in community, and in the presence of Arunachala.
It is about remembering what is already here.
Questions and contact
If you feel called to join, you are warmly welcome to get in touch. You may send a message to express interest, ask questions or request a conversation before registering at: [email protected]
More practical information will be sent to participants after registration, including travel suggestions, packing list, visa information, airport transfer details and preparation for the retreat.
Warmly welcome to a deep and nourishing retreat journey at Arunachala.
Parabhakti Ragnar Grøn
Nordisk Yoga & Meditasjonsskole
www.yogameditasjon.no
If you feel called to join, you are warmly welcome to get in touch. You may send a message to express interest, ask questions or request a conversation before registering at: [email protected]
More practical information will be sent to participants after registration, including travel suggestions, packing list, visa information, airport transfer details and preparation for the retreat.
Warmly welcome to a deep and nourishing retreat journey at Arunachala.
Parabhakti Ragnar Grøn
Nordisk Yoga & Meditasjonsskole
www.yogameditasjon.no