Pilgrimage to Varanasi
July 10 - July 12
'Come at once to Benares.’ With these words (to Swami Keshabananda) Lahiri Mahasaya vanished.
I entrained immediately for Benares. At my guru’s home I found many disciples assembled.
For hours that day, the master expounded the Gita; then he addressed us simply.
‘I am going home.’
.
.
.
“Lahiri Mahasaya’s beautiful body, so dear to the devotees, was cremated with solemn householder rites at Manikarnika Ghat by the holy Ganges.”
[Extracts from Autobiography of a Yogi]
July 10, 2025 celebrates the sacred occasion of Guru Purnima.
On this day, Lahiri Mahasaya's ashram in Varanasi/Benares is open for special darshan to devotees, providing a unique opportunity to intimately connect with the great Master's legacy.
Lahiri Mahasaya played a pivotal role in reviving and aiding the spread of Kriya Yoga in the 19th century. The Satyalok Lahiri Mahasaya temple is a revered spiritual site in Varanasi and houses the samadhi (shrine) of Lahiri Mahasaya and is maintained by his descendants.
This pilgrimage offers us the opportunity of darshan and meditation in Lahiri Mahasaya's ashram and thus drawing the blessings of the great Master.
Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is located on the banks of the Ganges River in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is considered one of the holiest cities in India, and is also significant in Buddhism and Jainism. It was in Varanasi that Paramhansa Yoganandaji first met Swami Sri Yukteswar.
We will also visit other known sacred spots, walk along the Manikarnika and Dasasamedh ghats, places which find momentous mention in the Autobiography of a Yogi.
PILGRIMAGE ITINERARY
July 10: Day 1: Darshan & meditation @ Satyalok
2:00 PM: Gather for orientation at Hotel Pearl Courtyard and walk to Lahiri Mahasaya’s ashram in Varanasi.
July 11: Day 2: Visits to sacred places
9:00 AM: Visit to Kashi Vishawanath temple.
2:00 PM: Visit to Anandamoyee Ma ashram
5:00 PM: Boat ride, meditation, and Ganga Arati at Dasasamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat
July 12: Day 3: Visit to Trailanga Swami temple
5:30 AM: Sunrise boat ride to Trailanga Swami temple for meditation.
9:00 AM: Breakfast & Closing Circle
Pilgrimage Cost (Estimates)
Double Occupancy – TBD
Single Occupancy – TBD
Included in the Cost
- Basic Accommodation
- All meals included
- Transfers by bus
Not Included in the Cost
Flight tickets to/from Varanasi/Pune
Bank Details
Account Name – Ananda Sangha Pune
Bank – Axis Bank
Branch – Bavdhan
Account No – 913010028222293
Account Type – CURRENT
IFSC Code – UTIB0001918
