Key Highlights
Tripurasundari Temple in Udaipur, Tripura
Our pilgrimage in Tripura centers around the Tripurasundari temple, one of the most sublime aspects of the Divine Mother, and a sister-shrine to Kamakhya. Additionally, we’ll connect with the historic Manikya Dynasty, which governed and enriched this part of the world with enlightened leadership. A boat ride on Rudra Sagar (sacred lake) to the island where the dynasty’s summer palace, Neermahal, still stands, will take us back in time in ways that inform this and the remainder of our pilgrimage. In Agartala, we’ll explore Ujjayanta Palace, now Tripura State Museum, which was the Manikya Dynasty’s mainstay and houses, in addition to the region’s fascinating regal and tribal history, the royal portraits of Manikya kings and queens.
Manipur
In this ancient “city of gems”, we’ll engage with local tribal communities and explore their customs, traditions, and arts; shop at the world-renowned Ima Market (Nujpi Keithel, or, Women’s Market), established in the 16th century and operated solely by women to this day; boat on Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, a major biodiverse and economic mainstay for the region, and sacred glory from the ancient past. And a visit to the Sri Govindajee temple in Imphal will offer a unique and delightful experience unlike any other…
East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya
Traverse through the historic hill station, Shillong, en route to the southernmost Meghalaya, recognized for its cleanliness, eco-awareness, and record rainfall creating one of the most biodiverse places in the world. This beautiful region is home to the Khasi community, known for their living root bridges and lifestyle where nature takes the fore. In these striking green hills, we’ll hike into the gorge of Cherrapunji, explore the region’s glorious waterfalls and cliffside limestone cave systems, and relax and unwind at a one-with-nature, farm-to-table resort —built, styled, and run in Khasi Tribe tradition. Nearby is the enchanting village of Mawlynnong—a surprise that awaits you!
Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam
Kamakhya temple, a Sri Vidya temple in the tantric tradition, is home to the ten Maha Vidyas — aspects of the Divine Mother through which we come to know ourselves and the divinity within. Known as the Wish-fulfilling Goddess, Kamakhya has been a stronghold of tantra sadhana in The Northeast for ages, and is central to the Tradition and its teachings still today. Read more about Kamakhya and living experiences of Pandit Tigunait and Swami Rama in Touched by Fire and Living with the Himalayan Masters.
What to Expect
Enter the world characterized by its pristine hills, valleys, rivers, lakes, forests, and living root bridges — all exuding the intrinsic beauty of their creator. To this day, the forces unique to this part of the world have protected the people of the Northeast from succumbing to consumerism and exploitation of natural resources, and helped their people to retain their purity, simplicity, and love and veneration for nature. As a result, The Northeast remained a custodian of culture and spirituality which supersedes all man-made “isms” — a culture and spirituality which mirrors and supports the temples and shrines that we are.
“This pilgrimage is a step toward finding our own essence; the essence of our Creator and Her creation. The goal of this pilgrimage is to fill the vessel of our own body and mind with elixir so that we can walk on our inner path untiringly and share the fruits of our inner quest with our fellow beings and the natural world. It is a pilgrimage filled with thrill, spiritual illumination, and insightful reflection regarding where humanity is headed — and should be headed. Said succinctly, it is the flagship excursion to The Northeast offered by the Himalayan Institute and guided by the Masters who watch over this land.”
—Pandit Rajmani Tigunait
Excursion Leader
Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD
Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD, is a modern-day master and living link in the unbroken Himalayan Tradition. He is the successor to Sri Swami Rama of the Himalayas, and the spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute. As the author of numerous books, including his autobiography Touched by Fire: The Ongoing Journey of a Spiritual Seeker, Pandit Tigunait offers practical guidance on applying yogic and tantric wisdom to modern life. For over 40 years he has touched innumerable lives around the world as a teacher, humanitarian, and visionary spiritual leader. You can view more of his teachings online in the library of Himalayan Institute Online.
Pandit Tigunait holds two doctorates: one in Sanskrit from the University of Allahabad in India, and another in Oriental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. Family tradition gave Pandit Tigunait access to a vast range of spiritual wisdom preserved in both the written and oral traditions. Before meeting his master, Pandit Tigunait studied Sanskrit, the language of the ancient scriptures of India, as well as the languages of the Buddhist, Jaina, and Zorastrian traditions. In 1976, Swami Rama ordained Pandit Tigunait into the 5,000-year-old lineage of the Himalayan Masters.
Dates & Prices
Date | Price | Early-Bird Price |
---|---|---|
February 28–March 13, 2024 | $4,399
Register before November 1, 2023 |
$4,099
Register before June 16, 2023 |
Optional Add-on: Kaziranga National Park Safari | March 13—16, 2024 |
Call 1-800-822-4547 x5 or email [email protected] for more information.