Upcoming retreats 2025
Sacred Beginnings: Homecoming of the Heart Retreat
India's Call to the Soul
September 10-18, 2025; Sri Narayani Peedam, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
A homecoming of the heart, into the warm embrace of the Divine Mother.
Is it that time? Yes. Are you feeling stuck or wanting to shake free? Yes. How’s your energy? Need a boost? Yes! Are you looking for a new perspective? Yes!!
Do you need to turn the page and begin the next mysterious chapter? Yes, yes, yes!!
Join Anandanetti:Antoinette on a homecoming of the heart, into the warm embrace of the Divine Mother. Limited spots are available to accompany Anandanetti:Antoinette as she journeys to the Mother energy of India; the sublime loving heart of Sri Sakthi Narayani Amma.
Here is your opportunity for inspiration, transformation and transcendence, with the focused guidance and loving support, that you can only experience in such a remarkable and sacred place — Sri Narayani Peedam | Golden Temple, Vellore
“The word 'Peedam' in Tamil means 'seat', 'throne' or 'place of worship'. Sri Narayani Peedam refers to 'the seat' of Goddess Narayani. It is from this seat in this blessed land, with its history of great sages, that the entire universe is taken care of.” — narayanipeedam.org
As you suspend and step out of your everyday life to reflect, heal, prepare; allow for the miraculous to blossom, and the mystery to unfold — where time and space stand still. You can create anew the life of your dreams; hear the call to your soul, return home to your heart, or begin your sacred journey within.
What will you create?
From first-time seeker, to experienced spiritual aspirant, Anandanetti:Antoinette facilitates and supports your Indian encounter with a deft touch, skilful insight and gentle guidance, creating the safest of spaces for you to journey deeply to the intimate depths of your heart, your relationship with yourself and the Divine Mother.
“My role is to help you to be your own wayfinder, it may be a discovery, or it may be a returning, even a merging, but Sri Shakti Amma is all love and she is calling us to be in her sublime energy. She will make us laugh from our souls, cry tears of unbridled joy and feel the power of her pure love. Who would want to miss out on that?” — Anandanetti/Antoinette
Experience 7 days of divine energies at Peedam under the light of the beloved Narayani, Sri Sakthi Narayani Amma, who gently and lovingly helps us to release, old and ingrained pain and suffering, re-discover unconditional love, leap across inner landscapes to new and uncharted joys, insight and wisdom.
She is the essence of the Mother, loving and protective, and in her presence, you will discover yourself anew, restored, energised and ready to create the next chapter of your blessed life.
Immerse yourself in a truly safe and supportive space, experience awe and wonder, and rediscover the true mystery that lies within you and around you.
"The retreat with Anandanetti was a wonderful experience."
Information and fees
The fee for the retreat is $1,875 per person twin share (pay in full at the time of booking to receive a 5% discount) and covers everything you will need during your retreat. The number of guests will be limited to a maximum of 20.
What is included:
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7-day retreat under the guidance of inner peace activist, Antoinette:Anandanetti, with sacred music, kirtan and support from Rob Sampson.
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1-night single or twin-share accommodation and breakfast in 5-star Trident Hotel, Chennai on arrival including airport pickup.
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Shopping trip to the fabulous Pachaiyappas Silks in Vellore for suitable clothing to wear in Peedam, or something special for you to take home.
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7-nights twin-share accommodation and 3 meals/per day at Kamala Nivas Guest House.
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Car transfers to and from Chennai (Minimum 2 people per car).
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A full program of clearing practices, chanting, meditations and inner work.
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Daily visits to the temple to see Sri Sakthi Narayani Amma.
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Walking the Star Path daily – initial guided visit and explanation of its purpose.
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Daily mentoring and group check-ins.
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Experience the remarkable work of the Peedam community, touring sustainability initiative Green Sakthi, Narayani Hospital and Schools.
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Time for quiet rest and contemplation as well as journaling and visioning.
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Optional opportunities to attend and experience a variety of specific devotional practices at temples throughout Peedam. These are filled with celebration and blessings from Amma and bring much grace to you and your loved ones:
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Sponsorship of Lakshmi Puja - a beautiful and moving ritual in honour of Lakshmi Narayani held in the Golden Temple at dawn. Additional charges apply.
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Sponsorship of Sri Sukhta Homam - a powerful cleansing puja for yourself, family and loved ones in the fire of purification. Additional charges apply.
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Sponsorship of Sri Srinivasa Puja - an electrifying off-the-richter-scale Puja of purification and joy honouring Vishnu, the consort of Lakshmi and precursor to Avatars Krishna and Rama. Held at the Srinivasa Temple. Additional charges apply.
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Plus many more, which we'll tell you all about at the information evening.
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Online information evening to assist you to prepare for the trip.
What isn’t included:
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Your flights. You will need to book these. If you wish to travel with the group, please contact us for the flight information.
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Your visa for India. It is best to allow a minimum of two weeks to get a full visa (valid for 1 year) or 5 days to obtain an eVisa (valid for 30 days) – Costs can vary.
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Travel insurance. Please note this is compulsory and we would encourage you to bring a copy of your policy with you.
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Meals or other food or drinks outside of what is supplied at the ashram. Please note all food is strict vegetarian and specific dietary requirements cannot necessarily be fully catered to (eg dairy-free, gluten-free) so we suggest you bring some supplies with you (eg gluten-free bread or cereals) if this may be an issue. There is a supermarket and fruit & veg-type store in Vellore (about 20 mins away via Tuk Tuk) which has a range of Indian foods. There are street vendors near the ashram who also sell fruit & veg in season if required.
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Transfers to and from the airport if you are travelling outside the group times.
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Travel into Vellore on day trips.
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Any extra sponsorship activities undertaken at the ashram e.g. Gho Puja
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Passport (if you don’t have one already).
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Any additional accommodation expenses. Should you wish to stay at the ashram outside of the stated dates or if you wish to change your allocated accommodation arrangements, these will be at your own expense.
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Spending money on gifts, souvenirs, or clothing.
"The friendships I made and stories we shared made us feel more like a family..."
Your itinerary
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10 September – Meet at Sydney airport to travel with the group (Or you can also travel on your own on a flight/airline of your choice if you prefer).
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Arrive in Chennai (most flights arrive late evening). Overnight stay at the 5-star Trident Hotel. You will be picked up from Chennai airport by a hotel car so please advise your flight details in your registration.
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11 September – Chennai – breakfast, meet and greet with the group and welcome from Antoinette:Anandanetti. Travel to Peedam in private air-conditioned transport (Travel time 2.5 - 3 hours drive). 2 hour stopover in Vellore at Pachaiyappas Silks to shop for suitable ashram attire and gifts.
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Arrive at Peedam. Check-in and settle, but be ready to be called to Puja for your first experience of Amma
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12-18 September – Daily program commences at 7am. The retreat concludes in the afternoon of 18 September.
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Late afternoon travel by air-conditioned transport to Chennai airport in plenty of time for your flight.
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Once you arrange your own flights to Chennai (return), visa and travel insurance for this trip, we will look after everything else! You are welcome to travel with the group (email us for flight details) or arrange to arrive in Chennai the Wednesday night (10 September).
Accommodation
The rooms at Kamalanivas Guest House are modest, but well above the standards of most ashram accommodation. Rooms have A/C and ceiling fans, tiled western-style bathrooms in each room, and standard beds which are adequate. You are supplied with a pillow and bed linen but please bring your own towel. Should you wish to have your own pillow, you can buy one in Chennai (I usually bring my own pillow…Netti). A bathroom mat can be handy too.
You may need to triple-share depending on how busy the ashram is. We have requested twin-share rooms but may have to be a bit flexible.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Kamalanivas are included in your fees, and is an Indian menu. The food is fresh and excellent quality and flavour. You may decide to bring some food, such as breakfast cereal or snacks, or if you have special dietary needs. We often visit the Divine Cafe (next door) for extra treats of Chai (Masala Tea).
"You will have so much fun and many wonderful experiences; you will remember forever."
Booking details
Pay your deposit ($500) to:
Gold Heart Group Pty Ltd
Bank: Commonwealth
BSB: 062-511
ACCOUNT: 1037-5731
Description: (Your Surname) India
You can also pay using Credit card (Surcharge of 1.9%). Pay in full at the time of booking for a 5% discount.
To confirm your booking, please email Antoinette with the subject line “(Your Name) is coming to India.”
To help manage your cash flow, you can pay in instalments. Fees must be paid in full 30 days prior.
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Deposit - $500 to secure your place
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Instalment 2 - $500 due April 1
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Instalment 3 - $500 due June 1
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Balance - August 1
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Purchase your travel insurance (Preferably before booking your flights in case of an emergency cancellation due to ill health. Then you may be covered for your flights).
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Book your flights - arriving in Chennai the night of 10 September unless you are arranging your own travel and transfers and not travelling with the group. If you wish to travel with the group, please contact us for the flight information.
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Obtain your Indian visa apply through India Visas Online.
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Email Antoinette once you’ve made your final payment.
Include in the email:
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Date of your payment.
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Indian Visa number.
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Travel policy number and provider (you can send a copy of your cover note if this is easier).
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Flight details (flight number arriving into Chennai and arrival time so we can arrange your airport transfer to the Trident Hotel).
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If you are travelling with the group or travelling early and require a private car pickup.
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Any special dietary requirements (e.g vegan/gluten-free. Whilst we can't guarantee this can be catered for we will do our best).