Join Paramesh for a Live Q&A + Guided Practice on October 9th - 7PM CET.
Journey to the Holy Mountain Arunachala
A Sacred 16-Day Retreat & Pilgrimage in Tiruvannamalai, South India
December 1-16 2025
What to expect
This 16-day retreat & pilgrimage is a profound immersion into the sacred traditions of India, centered around the holy mountain Arunachala - the spiritual heart of Tiruvannamalai.
Over the course of our journey, you will:
Practice Hatha Yoga.
Sit in silent meditation, connecting with the stillness at the heart of your being
Learn how to interpret your Vedic Astrology Chart
Sing devotional kirtan and bhajans to awaken the heart
Attend teachings on the life and wisdom of Sri Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi
Explore the ancient science of Vedic astrology.
Visit sacred temples, mountain caves, and the revered Ramana Ashram.
Walk the sacred pilgrimage trail (Girivalam) around Arunachala.
You’ll also have time to explore Tiruvannamalai at your own pace - wandering its vibrant streets, visiting hidden temples, or indulging in rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage treatments.
A Sacred Time to Visit
Our reatreat coincides with the Karthigai Deepam festival, the most celebrated event of the year in Tiruvannamalai. During this time, a sacred fire is lit atop Arunachala, visible for miles, symbolizing the eternal light of consciousness. To witness this in person and absorb the holy atmosphere is an unforgettable blessing.
Two Weeks of Immersion
Week 1
Led by Paramesh, this week focuses on the life and teachings of Sri Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi, offering deep study, guided & silent meditation, and sacred site visits.
Week 2
Led by experienced Vedic astrologer Oana Gonzalez, this week explores Vedic astrology in depth, offering both practical learning and spiritual insight.
Have Questions About the Retreat?
Join Paramesh for a live Q&A session where you can get answers about the upcoming event and experience a short guided meditation and breath practice together.
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
7:00 PM CET
Live Online - Free to attend
This is a space to connect directly, ask about the retreat experience, accommodations, travel, or the meditation practices we’ll explore together. All are welcome.
Fill out this form to register and receive the event link.
"Paramesh’s teachings radiate from his very presence, reaching you on a profound level."
"Attending his philosophy classes has been an absolute gift!
He beautifully draws you into the wisdom of Yoga, transforming each class into a joyous and enriching experience.
His way of being inspires me deeply, and I’m endlessly grateful to have him as a guide on this incredible journey. I can’t wait for the next meditation and chanting session - just magical."
Ludovica, Italy
“I have had the opportunity to work with several high ranking, even famous, astrologers. Without doubt working with Oana was the most insightful and helpful look at my chart by far.
I was given understanding and direction that had not previously been revealed. Oana has an unusual ability to stick to the point, to see the nuances and subtleties in a situation.
E.D., Colorado
About Arunachala
The holy mountain Arunachala is one of the most sacred places in all of India. It is here that one of India’s greatest spiritual masters, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi, chose to make his home for most of his life. Ramana Maharshi regarded Arunachala as both his Guru and the spiritual heart of the world.
Many great yogis throughout the years have made the caves and surrounding areas of Arunachala their home and this continues to this day.
Each of India’s great spiritual centers carries its own unique character and lineage. Among them all it is Tiruvannamalai (Arunachala) that represents the most direct, the most formless and the least ritualistic of paths, the path of Self-enquiry, whose gateway is the silent transmission of Truth.
About Tiruvannammalai
Tiruvannamalai, nestled at the foot of the holy mountain Arunachala, is a historic town about 120 miles southwest of Chennai. Centered around its large and magnificent temple, it has long been a place of pilgrimage and spiritual practice.
Throughout the year, various festivals draw devotees from across South India, none more so than Karthigai Deepam, usually held in November or early December. During this sacred celebration, a great beacon of ghee (clarified butter) is lit at nightfall on the mountain’s summit, its flame visible for miles—a powerful symbol of divine light.
About Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi
Ramana Maharshi, reverently called Bhagavan, was one of the most influential spiritual teachers to emerge from India in the first half of the 20th century. Even great masters such as Paramahamsa Yogānanda traveled to meet him and offer their respects.
Though Ramana left his body decades ago, his presence continues to radiate peace and self-awareness to seekers around the world. His teaching is open and accessible — you don’t need to join any organization, adopt a belief system, or worship anyone or anything to receive its transmission of bliss and clarity.
Bhagavan points directly to your innermost Self, the unchanging Reality underlying all existence. As he taught, life and the world are like a movie projected on a screen. Through his simple yet profound practice of asking “Who am I?”, you discover that you are not the passing scenes, but the screen itself—ever-present, unchanging, and free.
"He is one of the most kind hearted, open-Minded and curious people that I’ve met, and he has the gift of seeing the best in everyone."
The yoga teacher training I did with La Casa Shambala was particularly special because of Paramesh.
It was such a beautiful and inspring thing to witness during the training, and you could see that touched people’s heart.
I’m very grateful of the journey that I shared with Paramesh, which has become the beginning of a spiritual transformation that I had not forseen.
Colbie, China
About the Retreat Location
The Meditation: The Heart of Yoga retreat takes place at Karuṇā Retreat Center, a secluded sanctuary in the Serra de Monchique mountains of southern Portugal's Algarve region.
Karuṇā means "compassion" - and everything about this place invites you into that spirit. Located in the green mountains of Serra de Monchique, the area is known for its healing thermal water, medicinal plants, pure air and lush green landscapes.
The Retreat Center offers a stunning view over Portugal's southern coast and the Atlantic Ocean and is just 30 minutes away from pristine beaches and less than 15 minutes away from the picturesque village of Monchique and Caldas de Monchique (Thermal SPA).
Getting to Karunā
The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), located approximately 85 kilometers from Karuṇā.
Travel time is about 1 hour and 8 minutes by car.
Lisbon Airport is 2hr 40 minutes away.
After registering, you will receive more detailed travel instructions.
Your Accommodations
Accommodations include 18 double rooms total: 12 in the main house and 6 in surrounding buildings.
Most rooms feature shared bathrooms, though 3 rooms have private bathrooms.
All rooms offer views over the southern coast of the Algarve.
Practice Spaces Built for Transformation
The large meditation hall features wooden floors and a view over the Atlantic Ocean.
The dining hall is spacious, yet intimate, so it’s perfect for large or small groups - you'll enjoy every meal with a view.
Nourish the Body, Support the Journey
Three fresh vegetarian meals are prepared daily, often with organic, locally sourced ingredients.
The center maintains a non-smoking environment with no alcoholic drinks, meat or fish allowed.
Vegan and Gluten-Free options are available upon request.
Meals are more than fuel - they're part of your journey.
Rooted in Lineage, Designed for Presence
Founded under the guidance of Tibetan masters, Karuṇā was created as a refuge for introspection, sincerity, and spiritual practice. Karuṇā is amongst one of the most secluded and silent places in this area and is home to a variety of local flora and fauna.
The entire space supports your ability to drop into stillness with its isolated location perfect for those seeking silence, seclusion and peace.
A Place that Holds You
Karuṇā offers spring-fed drinking water, walking trails through forested hills, eco-conscious design, and a peaceful atmosphere free from distractions. Every detail invites you to soften, settle, and remember yourself.
Karuṇā is more than a retreat center. It's a field of deep care - where your nervous system can finally exhale, and your meditation practice becomes a natural extension of being.
Here, stillness is not something you force. It's something you come home to.
Location
Sangam House is a safe and beautiful place for people to come and immerse themselves deeply in the incredible richness of the sacred city of Tiruvannamalai, Sri Ramana Maharshi, and the Holy mountain Arunachala.
Sangam house is a charming building with comfortable modern accommodation, an incredible view of Arunachala, lush landscaping, and a swimming pool to cool down in.
What makes this place exceptional is its extraordinary view of the Holy Arunachala from the roof and its proximity to the Ramana Maharshi Ashram, which is just a 10-minute walk from the front door.
The fee for the retreat covers three nourishing meals a day so you can come as you are and immerse yourself in the experience.
We have double and triple rooms available (same price)
Roof Meeting Yoga Space
Meeting Space, Living Room and Verandah
Rooms
“My reading with Oana has been both insightful and extremely helpful at a time when I needed some input into some issues in my life."
"She really has taken the time to see what was happening for a particular situation.
I have had many readings over the years that I walked away from with just a general explanation, but with Oana she gave me in-depth explanations that made sense to me and also gave me advice on how to better “see” the situation which had me walk away very grateful.
I would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a fresh perspective with profound insight.”
Amartya B., Paris, France
About Paramesh
Paramesh is a deeply experienced meditation and yoga teacher known for his warm presence, humor, and integrated approach.
With nearly two decades of teaching in diverse settings - from studios to hospitals to ashrams - he brings both depth and heart to every practice.
He integrates Hatha and Tantric yoga with Bhakti and Jnāna yoga, guiding students inward with clarity, compassion, and a great respect for tradition.
His integrated approach includes teachings on āsana, prānāyāma, meditation, yoga vedānta, and devotional music through kirtan and bhajan - inviting a full-spectrum experience of yoga.
Based in Portugal, Paramesh leads retreats and trainings worldwide.
About Oana
Oana Gonzalez is a Vedic Astrologer (Jyotishi) with over 15 years of experience.
A life-changing Vedic Astrology reading in India set her on a path of study and practice that continues today.
She later trained under Steven Highburger of Vedic Traditions, a respected teacher in the authentic Jyotish lineage of K.L. Mantri and Hart deFouw.
Alongside her work as a Vedic astrologer, Oana is a trained Ayurvedic practitioner, weaving traditional Indian medicine into her astrology practice to support clients in both health and spiritual growth.
Guided and inspired by her spiritual teacher Amma, Oana’s work is rooted in compassion, service, and the transmission of wisdom from authentic lineages.
Schedule
Below is the tentative schedule, subject to change. On some mornings we’ll replace yoga and meditation with special outings—such as visiting the Arunachaleshwar Temple and meditating in mountain caves. One morning or evening we'll walk the sacred pilgrimage path around Arunachala. We'll also have two free days, most likely Sundays 12/1 & 12/14.
Morning
6:30-8:30am Āsana, Prānāyāma, Meditation
9:00-9:30am Breakfast
9:30-10:00am Break
10:00-11:30am Class (Ramana or Vedic Astrology)
11:30-12:00pm Break
12:00pm-1:00pm Gentle Yoga & Meditation
Afternoon
1:00-1:30pm Lunch
1:30-3:30pm Break (Free time)
3:30pm-3:50pm Tea/Coffee
4:00pm-5:30pm Class (Ramana or Vedic Astrology)
5:45-7:00pm Kirtan and Prayers
Evening
7:00-7:30pm Dinner
7:30-8:00pm Break
8:00-9:00pm Satsang & Meditation
"His magical voice and the way he played his instrument transported me into a deep meditative state that I will never forget."
Paramesh was my yoga teacher during my Yoga Teacher Training in Portugal, and I couldn’t have wished for a better guide on this transformative journey.
Through his teachings, I gained a much deeper connection to spirituality and an understanding of yoga as a holistic way of life.
His unwavering devotion to spirituality and his personal story left a profound impression on me. Paramesh didn’t just teach us the physical practice of Hatha Yoga but also opened my eyes to the rich philosophy behind it. For the first time, I truly understood yoga as a lifestyle—something that extends far beyond the mat.
Paramesh always had an open ear for his students, offering not just knowledge but also heartfelt support and inspiration.
His captivating stories and wisdom created a safe, nurturing environment for all of us. One of the most memorable experiences was practicing Kirtan under his guidance.
I am deeply grateful for everything I learned from him, both on and off the mat. Paramesh is a truly inspiring teacher, and I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.
Luisa, Germany
Register Now and Retreat With Paramesh and Oana
"He has a very grounded, present, loving energy. His guided meditations are amazing and the chanting we all did together literally send me into bliss."
Paramesh was one of the teachers in my 200hour Ytt and im beyond grateful for that. He is definitely on top of the List of my favorite Yoga teachers! By his presence you can really tell he has been practicing a lot.
I loved learning from him about Yoga philosophy, he was very serious about the Knowledge but super open minded and down for questions as well as curious for different persepectives and we could also joke and laugh together.
Honestly i would recommend practicing with him to anyone Thank you Paramesh✨🙏🏼
Lilly
Berlin, Germany
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