The ancient city of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its architectural splendour and its significance as the heart of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Veda Studies Chanting Retreat in Hampi was an effort to honour the historical and living heritage of Hampi, blending Vedic wisdom with the cultural legacy of this sacred land.
A Sacred Gathering in a Timeless Land
The retreat brought together participants from around the world, united by their love for Vedic chanting and spiritual exploration. Over five days, we delved into the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, one of the profound texts of the Kṛṣṇa Yajurveda. This Upaniṣad, rich with teachings on self-knowledge, ethical living, and unity with the divine, served as the perfect companion to the sacred environment of Hampi.
Reciting the verses of the Taittirīya Upaniṣad in the land of temples and sacred rivers felt like stepping into a continuum of tradition. By welcoming only participants who had completed the Foundation course, we created a space where everyone was equipped to engage meaningfully with the teachings. This intentional approach allowed us to focus on advancing the practice together. If you wish to join our future retreats, ensure you have studied the LIVE Foundation course with Shantala, with homework and feedback from the teacher. We will continue to curate our retreats with participants who have completed this foundational study.
Tradition in Practice
A highlight of the retreat was the emphasis on integrating tradition into every aspect of the experience. Participants wore traditional attire, such as sarees and dhotis, during chanting sessions and temple visits. These practices were more than ceremonial—they were a way of embodying reverence for the Vedic tradition and the sacred land of Hampi. The local women of Hampi contributed fresh flowers, baskets of bangles, and kumkum, adding a heartfelt touch to the retreat’s cultural authenticity.
A Special Gesture of Generosity
One of the retreat’s most memorable moments came with the surprise visit of Sri Hari Kiran Vadlamani, founder of INDICA. Hari ji’s presence added a touch of joy and inspiration to the retreat. In a heart-warming gesture, he gifted sarees and dhotis to our students. These gifts symbolised not only the beauty of tradition but also Hari ji’s commitment to nurturing and supporting efforts to preserve Indic knowledge systems. His gesture underscored the retreat’s theme of honouring heritage while fostering community and collaboration.
Encounters with Hampi’s Legacy
The retreat also provided participants with opportunities to explore Hampi’s historic sites, including the Virūpākṣka and Viṭṭhala temples. These visits were not just sightseeing tours but deep immersions into the spiritual and cultural essence of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The connection to Hampi’s living heritage was further deepened by a special interaction with Tirumala Venkata Devaraya, the 20th descendent of the Vijayanagara dynasty. His captivating account of his lineage and his commitment to preserving Hampi’s monuments as living temples inspired participants to see heritage as both a responsibility and a privilege.
Honouring the Living Tradition
The retreat’s dedication to preserving and reviving tradition extended beyond the chants and cultural practices. The participants received thoughtfully curated goodie bags, featuring a custom-published edition of the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, coasters crafted by local artisans, and a shawl printed with Hampi’s iconic chariot. These items symbolised the retreat’s commitment to supporting and celebrating the living traditions of the region. We are grateful to the Royal family of Hampi for helping us source some of these items for the retreat.
A Call to Revive and Revere
As the retreat concluded, it was clear that this experience had been much more than a study of Vedic chanting. It was a tribute to Hampi’s living heritage—a reminder that the sacred is not confined to texts or temples but thrives in the hearts and actions of those who seek to preserve it. This retreat was a testament to how tradition, when practised with devotion and respect, becomes a bridge between past and present, carrying timeless wisdom into the future.
Hampi, with its stunning temples and rivers, remains a beacon of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. We left the retreat with hearts full of gratitude and joy, eagerly looking forward to coming together again for the next gathering!
Many thanks to the Veda Studies Team & all our partners and vendors for this memorable retreat. We hope you enjoy some of these pictures from the retreat.
Music credits: Inspire by ASHUTOSH | https://soundcloud.com/grandakt
Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Dear Shantala, Thank you so much for sharing this experience with us. This is an extended blessing to witness these pictures and sounds. Much love to you and all the participants!
❤️