Mahāśivarātri Retreat
February 2025
Welcome to the Mahāśivarātri Retreat!
Śivarātri, the night of Śiva, occurs once a month on the 14th night of the waning moon phase. On these nights, there is a characteristic energy that is conducive to spiritual progress and inner peace, and is celebrated in homes and by individuals wanting to deepen their spiritual practice.
Mahāśivarātri, on the other hand, is an annual event that falls on the 14th night of the waning moon in the month of Phalguna (February-March). Mahāśivarātri is closely tied to specific planetary and astronomical alignments, which are considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition. These planetary characteristics create a natural upsurge of energy in the human system. The practices and rituals of Mahāśivarātri are designed to take advantage of this potent energy for the specific purposes of cultivating clarity, insight, harmony and beauty.
In 2025, Mahāśivarātri will occur on February 25 (Eastern Time).
This year, we will celebrate Mahāśivarātri through a deep dive into the Śiva tattva - pure awareness.
Over the days leading up to Mahāśivarātri, we will explore the meaning of the Śiva pañcākṣara mantra and its applications through:
1. Initiatory energy and awareness practices
2. Rituals
3. Yantra drawing and meditation
4. Inquiry using sections of the Śrī Rudram as the central text.
The Śrī Rudram is a revered Vedic hymn dedicated to Rudra, a form of Lord Śiva. It is found in the Kṛṣṇa Yajurveda, specifically in the Taittiriya Samhita (4.5 and 4.7), and is considered one of the most powerful and sacred hymns in Hindu tradition.
On the night of Mahāśivarātri, we will engage in nightlong meditative and ritual practices that bring together the insights and teachings of the preceding days.
Artwork: AI-generated
Retreat Options:
1. In-person stay at Svaguhā Retreat Center near Detroit, Michigan with shared accommodations (2 per room), two meals a day, and all sessions. This option is limited to 8 participants.
2. In-person, with off-site accommodations, two meals a day, and all sessions.
Other retreat details: This is a silent retreat. Aside from teaching and satsaṅgha sessions, there will be absolutely no talking, unless talking with Kavithaji.
Devices, including mobile phones will not be allowed.
Retreat logistics: The Mahāśivarātri retreat will take place in Michigan at Svaguhā, which means one's heart or the cave of one's own heart.
All sessions will occur at Svaguhā and all (vegetarian) meals will be served here. There are plenty of Airbnb and hotel options in the area. The closest airport is Detroit Metropolitan (DTW). Amtrak and bus services may be available, especially in Ann Arbor.
Address: 46266 Spinning Wheel Dr, Canton MI 48187
Dates: Check-in: 4 PM, February 20, 2025 Check-out: 11 AM, February 26, 2025
Meals provided: Brunch and Dinner (February 21-25) and Brunch (February 26)
Retreat begins at 9 AM on February 21, 2025. Mahāśivarātri celebrations will conclude by 7 AM on February 26, 2025.
Prerequisites
Recommended courses:
1. Bliss Meditation (free)
2. Shivoham Self-Study (link to the course will be provided upon enrollment)
RETREAT Details:
Included in the retreat:
Shivoham Self-Study Course.
Daily facilitated practices.
Daily chanting and yantra learning sessions.
Guided meditations, rituals, and satsaṅgas with Kavithaji.
Homework and other materials.