From 26th February to 2nd March 2025, the JKYog Bhakti Ashram became a divine sanctuary of devotion, celebration, and transformation during the Holi Bhakti Yog Sadhana Shivir. Aligned with Mahashivratri, the five-day Shivir opened with the sacred invocation of Gopeshwar Mahadev and welcomed devotees from across India for an unforgettable spiritual retreat with Swami Mukundananda.
Day 1: Shivratri – A Sacred Beginning of Devotion and Knowledge
The Shivir commenced on a deeply spiritual note with soul-stirring kirtans, bhajans of Annamacharya, Bhakti Ramdas, and Shivji, and collective prayers that set the tone for the days ahead. The air was thick with bhakti as Swamiji shared enlightening insights and answered seekers’ questions in a heartfelt Q&A session.
The highlight of the day was the Rudrabhishek Seva of Bhagwan Shankar Ji’s Shiv Ling, performed by Swamiji with Panchamrit. Devotees joined the Maha Aarti at midnight, chanting “Om Namah Shivay” with electrifying energy. The ashram glowed with devotion as vibrations of pure bhakti resonated through every corner.
Swamiji also began the Ishopanishad Lecture Series, introducing the concept of Pūrṇatā (completeness) with the sacred shloka:
“Om Purnamadah Purnamidam…”
The Supreme Brahman is perfect and complete—creation does not diminish His wholeness.
A short guided meditation allowed everyone to internalise this completeness, invoking a serene start to the Shivir.
Day 2: Inner Discipline, Ishopanishad Wisdom & Divine Leelas
The early hours of Brahma Muhurta welcomed devotees into a deeply focused sadhana. The calm, pre-dawn ambience amplified every mantra, every meditation, offering a gateway into higher consciousness.
Swamiji’s second Ishopanishad discourse unfolded the verse:
“ईशावास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किंच जगत्यां जगत।”
All of creation is pervaded by God—true fulfilment lies not in possession, but renunciation and devotion.
This message of detachment and surrender, explained with humour, storytelling, and deep scriptural references, struck a chord with every listener.
The afternoon brought a visual and spiritual delight—the Nauka Vihar Leela of Shree Radha Rasik Bihari Ji. In a pool decorated with fragrant flowers, devotees relived the divine boat pastime of Vrindavan. From Roopdhyan to playful splashes, the event immersed every heart in blissful seva bhav.
As the sun set, the Hari Naam Sankirtan Parikrama surged with energy. Swamiji led a massive kirtan procession, with devotees dancing and chanting, stamping the names of Radha Govind deep into their hearts.
Day 3: Jhulan Seva, Deep Sadhana & Loving Contemplation
The divine momentum continued on Day 3 with the Jhulan Seva of Shree Radha Rasik Bihari. Swamiji gently pushed the swing on behalf of online participants before devotees took turns, offering their love through sweet kirtans and floral decorations.
The morning satsang sessions evoked intense reflection. Lines like:
“If Shree Krishna’s love is not bestowed upon me, the whole world feels worse than death,” created a mood of deep longing and surrender.
Swamiji’s discourses continued to dive deeper into Vedantic truths, while collective sadhana helped anchor those teachings through experience.
Bhakti Pavilion – Seva in Action
Throughout the Shivir, the Bhakti Pavilion stood as a beacon of seva and creativity, supporting the Jagadguru Kripalu University (JKU) through heartfelt volunteer efforts.
- Bhakti Bloom distributed plant saplings to inspire positivity and sustainability.
- Bhakti Apparel, led by women volunteers, offered devotional clothing and souvenirs.
- Bhakti Bites and Naturopathy Stall provided nourishing refreshments like buttermilk, fresh juices, sattvic food, and herbal tea, encouraging both service and wellness.
Every purchase contributed directly to JKU, embodying the spirit of selfless giving.
Day 4 & 5: Culmination of Bhakti – Flower Holi with Shree Maharajji
The final days brought intensified devotion and colourful celebration. On Day 4, Shree Radha Krishna’s pastimes continued with collective meditations, deep scriptural study, and interactive discussions with Swamiji.
On Day 5, the Shivir reached its grand finale with the most anticipated celebration—Flower Petal Holi with Shree Maharajji. Swamiji lovingly performed the Phoolon ki Holi Seva on Maharajji’s murti, allowing even online participants to feel included.
The air burst into fragrance and joy as devotees showered petals in sync with dholak and mridang beats. Under the golden hues of sunset, voices rose in unison with soul-stirring Holi kirtans, creating a divine crescendo of colour, love, and surrender.
A Divine Retreat That Transformed Every Soul
Every moment of the Holi Bhakti Yog Sadhana Shivir was soaked in divine grace—from the deep silence of early morning meditations to the thunderous sankirtan parikramas. Through knowledge, seva, devotion, and play, the retreat served as a complete spiritual immersion under Swamiji’s loving guidance.
Those five days weren’t just a festival—they were a journey into inner stillness, divine love, and purposeful living.
