LOTUS Renewal: Glory to the Light Weekend
LOTUS Renewal: Glory to the Light Weekend
Up to 30 in group
August 29 - 31, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Celebrate the completion of the LOTUS shrine renovation during a special weekend of devotion and unity
- Participate in powerful Homa (fire) ceremonies and interfaith prayer offerings
- Attend the Light of Truth Universal Service and experience spiritual traditions from around the world
- Witness the sacred Khumbabhishekam water blessing ceremony at LOTUS
- Enjoy music, chanting, and dance performances in honor of the shrine’s renewal
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Our beloved Sri Santalinga Maruthachala Adigalar, born in 1961, comes to us from Perur, a town close to Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. He is the spiritual head of the Perur Ashram in Perur, South India and he is also the head of the Arulmigu Dhakshinamoorthy Ashram in Ooty Hill Station, Tamil Nadu. Swami Marutachalam’s guru, Sri Santalinga Ramaswamy Adigalar, was a lifelong friend of Sri Swami Satchidananda. Swami Maruthachalam first came to the United States to perform the Mahasamadhi ceremonies for Sri Gurudev and has been back several times, winning the hearts of all he meets through his pure radiant spirit and dedication to Saiva Siddhanta. To this day, Swamiji maintains a close relationship with Yogaville.
Swami Maruthachalam works tirelessly to spread his love and uplifting teachings all over the globe. Swamiji has a master’s degree in Tamil philosophy and was awarded a Ph.D for his outstanding research work on ‘The Doctrine of Santalingar’. He also has a law degree. Under his leadership and guidance many people have visited Mt. Kailash and other Holy Places across India. Swami Maruthachalam has delivered thousands of discourses and lectures on Tamil culture, heritage and rituals in accordance with worldwide sangha Tamil tradition.
To help destitute people, Swamiji has established a free hospital and is also extending financial support for needy students seeking education. He has initiated an every-day meal program for impoverished people in the local community.
His title of Adigalar describes Swami Maruthachalam perfectly as he truly is a Servant of All.
Details of this retreat
Join us at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville to celebrate “LOTUS Renewal: Glory to the Light.” This weekend will be a time to come together and renew our commitment to the universal message of LOTUS dedicated to the Light of all faiths and to world peace. Sri Santalinga Maruthachala Adigalar from Tamil Nadu, India, has graciously offered to conduct a Homa (fire ceremony) as a blessing to LOTUS. A Kumbhabhishekam will not be taking place at this time. LOTUS Renewal also includes interfaith programming.
Friday, August 29
7:30 pm Prayers for World Peace at Guru Bhavan (GB)
Saturday, August 30
7:00 am Sunrise Homa (fire ceremony) at LOTUS grounds
12:00 pm Meditation in LOTUS.
12:45 pm Luncheon (compliments of the Ashram for those at the Homa).
Darshan at Ananda Kutir: sign up at Sivananda Hall (SH) lobby
3:30 pm for families with children, followed by 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm sessions for adults.
7:30 pm LOTUS Renewal: Glory to the Light Evening Program at Sivananda Satsang Hall (SSH) with chanting, video, dance offerings and message from Swami Maruthachalam.
Sunday, August 31
10:00 am Light of Truth Universal Service and Program at LOTUS ALL Faiths Hall, celebrating the 39th Anniversary of LOTUS. This includes a tribute by a senior devotee honoring Sri Gurudev’s interfaith vision, peace prayers and musical offering.
12:00 pm Meditation. The sangha offer rose petals and meditate in upper sanctuary.
12:45 pm Luncheon ($15 donation).
3:30 pm Optional Activities: see information schedule.
7:30 pm LOTUS Renewal: Glory to the Light Closing Program with interfaith chanting, music, and videos.
Friday, August 29
7:30 pm Prayers for World Peace at Guru Bhavan (GB)
Saturday, August 30
7:00 am Sunrise Homa (fire ceremony) at LOTUS grounds
12:00 pm Meditation in LOTUS.
12:45 pm Luncheon (compliments of the Ashram for those at the Homa).
Darshan at Ananda Kutir: sign up at Sivananda Hall (SH) lobby
3:30 pm for families with children, followed by 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm sessions for adults.
7:30 pm LOTUS Renewal: Glory to the Light Evening Program at Sivananda Satsang Hall (SSH) with chanting, video, dance offerings and message from Swami Maruthachalam.
Sunday, August 31
10:00 am Light of Truth Universal Service and Program at LOTUS ALL Faiths Hall, celebrating the 39th Anniversary of LOTUS. This includes a tribute by a senior devotee honoring Sri Gurudev’s interfaith vision, peace prayers and musical offering.
12:00 pm Meditation. The sangha offer rose petals and meditate in upper sanctuary.
12:45 pm Luncheon ($15 donation).
3:30 pm Optional Activities: see information schedule.
7:30 pm LOTUS Renewal: Glory to the Light Closing Program with interfaith chanting, music, and videos.
Getting Here
Directions
Yogaville offers transportation from the airport, train and bus stations in Charlottesville, VA. If you are driving Google Maps has reliable turn-by-turn directions.
Accommodation
Availability of complimentary accommodations is determined by the order of booking.
Dormitory
The most popular accommodations we have are Dormitory Accommodations – shared room and shared bath. We have two dormitories, Vivekananda Vihar and Ramalinga Nilayam, which are centrally heated and air-conditioned and convenient to meals and programs.
Lotus Guest House (Private Room)
Each room in our six unit guest house is equipped with a small refrigerator, queen size bed and full bath. Each room in our nine unit guest house is equipped with a queen sized bed and full bath, and no refrigerator.
Tenting
Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are twelve campsites. Campers have use of the bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities nearby Vivekananda Vihar dormitory. Camping is available from March 15th to December 1st.
Shared Dormitory: Bottom Bunk
Bottom bunk in a shared dorm room.
Dorm rooms contain 4-8 beds.
Shared bathroom
Dorm rooms are not coed
Availability is Gender Specific
Private Dormitory
This is a private room with a shared bathroom in our Ramalinga Nilayam Dorm - Females Only
LGH: Full Bed
Private room and Private Bath. A single Full bed and a private bath designed for those seeking peace in solitude.
LGH: 2 Twin beds
Private Room and Private Bath. Two twin Beds and a private bath that is ideal for friends looking to experience the bliss of Yogaville.
LGH: Queen Bed
Private Room and Private Bath. A queen bed or a queen with two day beds and a private bath that is perfect for couples and families searching for a peaceful time together. Please put in the personal comments if you need a room that includes trundles.
Tent-Site
Open from Mar. 16–Nov. 30. Closed from Dec. 1–Mar. 15
Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are Eighteen campsites. Campers have use of the nearby bathhouse as well as laundry facilities at the LGH Building 3. Also, all tent sites have tent platforms for a more comfortable and dry tenting experience. Fires and Stoves are not Permitted. Price is per person per night.
Please bring your own tent, tie downs, tarp (weather protection). bedding and towels.
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Yogaville is home to the Light of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS). The LOTUS is a unique temple dedicated to interfaith understanding and the Light within all faiths. Individual altars represent and honor the different world faiths and spiritual paths. The vision, design and inspiration of Sri Swami Satchidananda, LOTUS was dedicated in 1986. It demonstrates, “Truth is One, Paths are Many.” In the peaceful countryside of Virginia, the doors of LOTUS are open to welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Organic, vegetarian/vegan food
Labeled ingredients
Lacto-vegetarian
Gluten-free and vegan options
Salad bar
Large herbal tea selection
Coffee is available for purchase at Mandala Cafe
What's Included
- Accomodations
- Meals
- Meditation Sessions
- Yoga Classes
What's Not Included
- Transportation
- Airfare
Last Chance
