Bhakti Ashram
ExperienceLive Bhakti through daily practice, wisdom, seva and community
Step into the daily rhythm of an ashram through morning sadhana, japa meditation, kirtan, wisdom study, introspection, light shared seva, practical workshops and community life.
Created especially for sincere seekers who are new to Bhakti or still building the foundations of their spiritual practice.
Not only something to learn about — but something to live.
For twenty-one days, you are invited into the daily life of an ashram: rising early, chanting, studying, serving, reflecting and living in a supportive spiritual community.
Bhakti is approached here not only as an inspiring feeling or uplifting experience, but as a path of regular practice, wisdom, service, discipline and transformation of daily habits.
The Bhakti Ashram Experience is rooted in the tradition of Krishna consciousness and draws from the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavata Purana and other important Bhakti texts. The teachings are presented in an accessible way for people who are new to Bhakti.
The experience is designed as one complete journey from the 1st to the 21st. We therefore prioritise applicants who are ready to participate for the full cycle.
Bhakti, practised — not just studied
Participants enter a guided daily rhythm of morning prayer, japa meditation, kirtan, wisdom classes, introspection, light shared seva, practical learning and evening devotional programs.
The purpose is to help you understand the foundations of Bhakti, practise them in a supportive environment, observe their effect on your life, and begin developing habits that can continue after the experience.
No advanced knowledge is required. What matters most is sincere interest, openness to learn and willingness to participate fully.
- Understand the foundations of Bhakti
- Develop a regular rhythm of japa, study, seva and reflection
- Learn through direct experience rather than theory alone
- Observe your mind, habits and relationships more clearly
- Discover how spiritual practice can become part of everyday life
A day in the ashram
Each day follows a balanced rhythm of practice, learning, reflection, rest, seva and community.
We begin the day in a peaceful devotional atmosphere with simple morning prayers.
Those who wish may join yoga, while others continue with personal japa meditation.
A shared period of mantra meditation grounds the day in focus, steadiness and remembrance.
A nourishing breakfast before the morning devotional program and study.
A devotional gathering in a spirit of gratitude, kirtan and reverence.
Daily study of Bhakti teachings and reflection on how they apply in life.
Quiet time for journaling, reading, reflection and internalising the teachings.
Guided practical sessions exploring different aspects of Bhakti life.
Time to rest, recharge, integrate and attend to personal practice.
Simple shared seva may take place before or after the evening program, depending on the needs of the day. The evening may include kirtan, wisdom talks, reflections or special sessions with teachers and kirtaniyas.
A shared evening meal and time to gently close the day.
A peaceful close to the day and preparation for rest.
Full participation
The daily rhythm is an essential part of the experience. Participants are expected to attend the main practices, classes, seva, workshops and evening programs. Free time is intended primarily for rest, personal practice and integration.
Each day carries a different mood, and a fresh opportunity for learning, reflection, and realisation.
Come experience Bhakti — and observe what changes within.
Choose your cycle
The experience runs from the 1st to the 21st of each selected month. In the Expression of Interest, you can share your preferred cycle and any other months you could realistically attend.
Spaces are limited in every cycle. If your preferred month is full, we may ask whether another available cycle could work for you.
Express Your Interest
Bhakti wisdom for everyday life
In the daily wisdom classes, we study essential teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavata Purana and other important Bhakti texts.
The teachings explore the nature of the self, the mind, the world, relationships, character, habits and spiritual purpose. They are presented in an accessible way for people who are new to Bhakti, while offering enough depth for early-stage practitioners who want to build stronger foundations.
Participants are encouraged not only to listen, but to reflect, ask questions, apply the teachings and observe their effect in daily life.
Themes covered
Learn Bhakti with your hands
Alongside daily practice and wisdom study, participants explore Bhakti through guided workshops, light shared seva and practical learning.
These sessions help translate spiritual principles into lived experience — from preparing and offering prasadam to learning kirtan, basic instruments, selected pujas, discipline, habits of sadhana and ways of guiding the mind.
Some days may also include team experiences, walks by the Ganga and visits to sacred places around Rishikesh.
Eight threads of devotional life
Bhakti Morning Sadhana
Morning prayers, japa meditation and optional yoga.
Kirtan and Devotional Sound
Daily chanting and shared experiences of mantra and sacred music.
Bhakti Wisdom Study
Teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavata Purana and other Bhakti literature.
Seva in Practice
Simple shared seva and community responsibilities undertaken as part of personal Bhakti practice.
Introspection and Reflection
Time for journaling, study, self-observation and personal realisations.
Workshops and Practical Learning
Guided sessions on cooking, offering, kirtan, instruments, puja, discipline and habits.
Sacred Places and Shared Experiences
Selected visits, walks and activities that support learning and connection.
Community and Shared Growth
Living respectfully with other sincere seekers while learning cooperation, responsibility and healthy boundaries.
A space for sincere seekers
The Bhakti Ashram Experience is primarily created for:
- People who are new to Bhakti
- Early-stage practitioners who want to understand the foundations more clearly
- Seekers who would like to develop regular habits of japa, study, seva and personal sadhana
- People who are open to learning, receiving guidance and participating fully in a structured daily rhythm
- Those who want to explore Bhakti not only as an inspiring feeling, but as a committed spiritual practice
You do not need previous knowledge or advanced spiritual experience.
What matters most is sincere interest, openness to learn and willingness to participate.
The teaching level and daily structure are designed primarily for people who are new to Bhakti or still building the foundations of their practice. Those already established in a serious long-term Bhakti practice may find other Bhakti Yoga Rishikesh programs more suitable.
People coming from other spiritual paths are welcome to express interest when they are genuinely open to learning and practising within the Bhakti tradition.
In their own words
“Before coming, I felt open and excited, but also a little nervous because I had committed to something for three whole weeks. I quickly realised there was nothing to be nervous about — the atmosphere was very welcoming, and we connected as a group straight away. It was a seamless transition into a more structured way of living. One change I want to continue is learning to see a Divine presence in everything.”
“It is an experience that helps you grow in ways you may not expect. What surprised me most was the pace at which that growth happened. The three weeks helped me ask deeper questions about how I want to live.”
“I joined because I wanted to reconnect with my spiritual practice. The teachings, daily program and community helped me deepen that connection and return to a clearer spiritual path.”
One complete 21-day journey
The Bhakti Ashram Experience is designed as a complete 21-day journey.
Shared Room
- Shared accommodation
- Daily prasadam meals
- Full participation in the program
Single Room
- Private accommodation
- Daily prasadam meals
- Full participation in the program
Because spaces are limited, priority is given to applicants who can join for the complete 21 days.
Payment, cancellation, early-departure and refund conditions will be provided in writing before payment is requested.
A simple application process
Because the experience involves shared living, a full daily schedule and limited spaces, participation is confirmed through a simple application process.
- 1
Express your interest
Complete the form honestly and tell us about your background, motivation, availability and preferred cycle.
- 2
Application review
Our team will review your answers. Not every applicant will automatically be invited for an interview.
- 3
Short conversation
Selected applicants may be invited for a brief online or in-person interview so that we can understand them better and clarify any questions.
- 4
Confirmation
When your application is accepted and space is available, you will receive payment information, practical next steps and a Participant Agreement.
Please note
Submitting the Expression of Interest does not automatically confirm an interview or a place in the experience.
Information provided through the form is used to assess suitability and organise participation. Sensitive information is accessible only to authorised team members and is handled according to our Privacy Policy.
The Bhakti Ashram Experience is a structured 21-day period of spiritual practice, learning, seva and community life.
Participants are expected to begin on the 1st, follow the full daily schedule, and enter with sincerity, openness and willingness to participate.
Because spaces are limited, participation is confirmed through an application process. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions before expressing your interest.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Bhakti Ashram Experience for?
The experience is primarily designed for sincere seekers who are new to Bhakti or still at an early stage and would like to build stronger foundations. You do not need previous knowledge or advanced spiritual experience. What matters most is openness to learn, willingness to participate and genuine interest in developing a regular spiritual practice. The teaching level may be less suitable for people who have already followed a serious Bhakti practice for many years.
Can I join for less than 21 days?
The Bhakti Ashram Experience is designed as a complete 21-day program, and priority is given to applicants who can participate for the full cycle. When a full stay is genuinely not possible, shorter participation may occasionally be considered depending on the applicant, available space and the needs of the group.
If approved, the first 10 days cost €200 in a shared room or €350 in a single room. The first 15 days cost €250 in a shared room or €450 in a single room. All participants must begin on the 1st day of the cycle. It is not possible to join later.
Do I need to attend the full daily schedule?
Yes. The schedule is an essential part of the experience. Participants are expected to attend the morning practices, japa, wisdom classes, seva, workshops, evening programs and community responsibilities. The experience is not designed as a drop-in retreat where participants choose only the activities they prefer.
Can I work remotely or continue outside activities?
The experience is designed for full participation and is not intended to be combined with regular remote work, courses, appointments or outside activities. A small exception may occasionally be considered for an especially suitable participant, but it must be discussed and agreed in writing before the experience begins.
What accommodation and meals are included?
Shared and single rooms are available, depending on space. Both options include accommodation, daily prasadam meals and full participation in the program. Your preferred room type is confirmed only after your application has been accepted and availability has been checked.
What kind of food is provided?
The ashram provides simple, non-spicy, lacto-vegetarian meals suited to an international group. Meat and fish are not permitted during the experience. Medically necessary allergies, intolerances, chronic conditions or dietary requirements must be disclosed in the Expression of Interest. The kitchen may not be able to provide a separate or highly specialised individual diet, and some participants may need to arrange suitable additional food themselves.
What is seva?
Seva means simple service undertaken as part of Bhakti practice. Participants may help with light shared responsibilities such as preparing the practice space, serving prasadam, cleaning shared areas or supporting simple community activities. Seva is not employment, a work exchange or a professional volunteering placement.
Is this a therapeutic or healing retreat?
No. The experience may support reflection and personal growth, but it is not a medical, psychological, therapeutic, rehabilitation, detoxification or crisis-support program. Participants must be stable enough to manage their physical health, medication, emotional well-being and daily care independently. Relevant current or previous health conditions must be honestly disclosed during the application process.
Are romantic relationships permitted during the experience?
No. The purpose of the experience is spiritual practice, learning, seva and inner growth. Dating, romantic pursuit, sexual relationships and the formation of intimate relationships between participants are not part of the program. Participants are expected to respect clear personal and community boundaries.
Are alcohol or drugs permitted?
No. Alcohol, recreational drugs, non-prescribed opiates and other intoxicating substances are not permitted during the experience. Participants must not arrive at or attend any program while intoxicated. Legally prescribed medication is permitted and should be disclosed when it may affect participation.
Which visa should I use?
International participants are personally responsible for obtaining a visa or legal status suitable for attending a short-term Bhakti Yoga experience in India. For many international visitors, a Tourist Visa or e-Tourist Visa may be the relevant category, depending on nationality and individual circumstances. Bhakti Yoga Rishikesh does not issue, sponsor, extend, convert or guarantee visas. Each participant must verify that their complete stay in India remains within the permitted dates and number of days.
Does submitting the Expression of Interest confirm my place?
No. The team will review your motivation, spiritual background, availability, health information and overall suitability. Selected applicants may be invited for a short online or in-person interview. Your place is confirmed only after you receive official acceptance, agree to the payment conditions and sign the Participant Agreement.
What happens if I need to leave early?
Early departure, cancellation, non-arrival and refund conditions are explained in the payment and cancellation policy provided before payment.
If participation is ended because of serious misconduct, false or withheld information, prohibited substances, serious boundary violations or repeated refusal to follow essential guidelines, a refund will normally not be provided. If an unforeseen health or suitability concern arises that was not previously known — or was honestly disclosed and accepted — the team will consider the unused portion of the fee after deducting services already provided and reasonable non-recoverable costs.
Come experience Bhakti — and observe what changes within
If you feel drawn to explore a devotional way of life through prayer, mantra, wisdom, seva, discipline and community, you are welcome to express your interest.
You do not need to arrive with all the answers. Come with sincerity, curiosity and a willingness to practise.
Spaces are limited in every monthly cycle