Yoga Jijñāsā
Returning to Root
A one-week immersion in practice, study, and ritual
with Dr. Vigneshwar Bhat & Tim Feldmann
February 15–21, 2027 – Rushikulam, India
Small group setting (~20 students)
What Awaits You
In a time when yoga is becoming increasingly popularised, many students feel a quiet pull to return to something more essential. This week in Rushikulam is a small-group study immersion rooted in traditional practice, philosophy, and ritual. It is not a yoga holiday, but a living classroom, where daily practice, inquiry, and simple living inform one another.
Each morning begins with Mysore-style practice and prāṇāyāma guided by Tim. The afternoons unfold with Dr. Vigneshwar, centred around the foundational Sāṅkhya text Tattva Samāsa, alongside chanting, discussion, and ritual.
You are not staying in an anonymous retreat centre. You are entering a traditional Indian yoga family environment, with shared spaces, home-cooked meals, daily rhythms, and a setting that supports sincerity, humility, and study.
This immersion invites you to slow down, listen more closely, and meet yoga through lived experience rather than concepts alone.
Jijñāsā —The heart of the immersion
At the centre of this program is the yogic principle of jijñāsā — our sincere yearning to inquire. This retreat is shaped around your curiosity and your desire to understand the deeper meaning of your practice.
We will create a space for you to bring philosophical questions you have never had the chance to ask about your practice, Yoga, tradition, symbolism, scripture, and other uncertainties that naturally arise along a committed path.
Daily Rhythm
Morning Sādhana with Tim
Each day begins with Mysore-style āsana and Prāṇāyāma. Tim will support you in refining your practice in a way that is intelligent, sustainable, and rooted in tradition. The mornings create a stable base for the inner work of the afternoons.
Afternoon Jñāna & Yajña with Vigneshwar
Afternoons are dedicated to study and ritual. Jñāna includes teachings from Tattva Samāsa, chanting, stories, symbolism, Q&A, and open discussion — with space for doubt-clearing and clarification. Yajña introduces the Vedic fire ritual as a living practice: mantra, offerings, symbolism, and the yogic meaning of “sacrifice.” One or more full yajña will be guided during the week.
Evening Sangha
We are at a traditional yoga gurukula. Evenings are for satsang or rest. We share meals, meditation, and reflection.
Pilgrimage
One day is dedicated to pilgrimage, extending the study beyond the shāla. We will visit sacred sites around Yellapur such as Sahasralinga, Yana, or Gokarna (exact itinerary to be confirmed).
Who This Immersion Is For
This immersion is for you if you:
- Wish to explore yoga beyond physical āsana
- Value study, ritual, chanting, and traditional teachings
- Carry questions or doubts and want space to clarify them
- Feel drawn to learning in India, close to lineage and daily life
- Are open to simple living, shared rooms, and being part of a family environment
Meet Your Teachers
Dr. Vigneshwar Bhat
Dr. Vigneshwar Bhat was born and raised in Karnataka. He holds a Ph.D. in Karma Meemamsa from Karnataka Sanskrit University and earned gold medals for his M.A. degrees in Poorvameemamsa Vidwat Uttama and Sahitya Acharya from Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha, Tirupati.
He is a Vedic priest and professor with expertise in Śauta, Smārta, Tāntrik, and Paurāṇik rituals. His research focuses on Indian philosophy, yoga, Vedas, Sanskrit, and Indian culture and traditions.
Tim Feldmann
Originally from Denmark, Tim has practiced and taught yoga for more than three decades. He is authorized directly by Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Jois and certified at Sharath Yoga Center in 2025. His background as an international dancer and choreographer informs his teaching, with emphasis on technique, alignment, anatomy, and sustainable practice. Nearly two decades of study with classical yoga scholars in South India inform his work.
Destination, Accommodation & Food
The immersion takes place at Rushikulam International Centre for Indic Studies and Research in Yellapur, South India. Rushikulam is a place of study, practice, and daily life — not a luxury retreat centre, but a living environment rooted in tradition.
Accommodation is simple and shared (2–4 people per room), in keeping with the spirit of a study immersion. All rooms have private bathrooms and a small basic area with a kettle for tea or hot water. Shared spaces and daily rhythms support a sense of community and presence rather than comfort or privacy as a priority.
Meals are prepared fresh each day in the Rushikulam kitchen by Dr. Vigneshwar’s wife. The food is home-cooked, vegetarian, and sattvic — simple, nourishing South Indian meals made with care and seasonality to support daily practice and study. Breakfast, a light midday meal, and dinner are shared together, traditionally eaten sitting on the floor as part of the everyday rhythm of life at Rushikulam.
Pre-Retreat Preparation
- Three months before the retreat, participants are asked to get the text Tattva Samāsa, which will serve as the foundational study material for our time together.
- One month before we meet, you will join a live online orientation with Dr. Vigneshwar and Tim, offering practical guidance, an introduction to the study, and space for initial questions.
- A shared WhatsApp group will support communication and questions before the retreat, so you can arrive feeling prepared and at ease.
Pricing
Early Bird ends June 15, 2026
Shared Room (2 people)
Two separate beds · Private bathroom
€1450
*Price increases by €150 after June 15, 2026
Quadruple Room (4 people)
Four separate beds · Private bathroom
€1250
*Price increases by €150 after June 15, 2026
To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit of EUR 500 is required at the time of booking.
Scholarship: We believe in the power of Yoga as a means to create change within ourselves and through that the whole world. However, this is only possible if every single person on the planet has access to the practice regardless of financial means and economic status.
By offering one scholarship to this retreat, we hope to expand the reach of yoga to include a practitioner of a low-income, marginalized, and non-dominant community. Our intention is to help bridge the divide between the allocated resources in society and the desire for yoga.
Please email us for more information.
What’s Included
- 6 nights accommodation at Rushikulam (shared rooms)
- Daily home-cooked, sattvic vegetarian meals (breakfast, a light midday meal, and dinner)
- Daily Mysore-style āsana and prāṇāyāma practice with Tim
-
Afternoon teachings with Dr. Vigneshwar, including chanting, ritual, philosophy, and
study of Tattva Samāsa - Participation in a traditional Vedic fire ritual (yajña)
- One guided pilgrimage day to sacred sites in the region
- Optional South Indian cooking session
- Pre-retreat online orientation
- Ongoing guidance and support from the time of registration
What’s Not Included
- International or domestic flights
- Transport to and from Rushikulam (we are happy to assist with coordination)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Visa fees
How to get there
Rushikulam is located in Yellapur, Karnataka, and can be reached via several airports and ground transport options. Detailed arrival information and transfer coordination will be shared closer to the retreat.
Nearest Airports
● Goa International Airport (GOI) – approx. 3 hours by road
● Goa International Airport (GOX) – approx. 4 hours by road
● Hubli Airport (HBX) – approx. 2 hours by road
Transfers to Rushikulam
From all airports, Rushikulam can be reached by private or shared taxi. We will assist with coordinating transfers and help connect participants travelling around similar times. Public buses to Yellapur are also available for those who prefer this option.
If you plan to arrive early or stay longer, we are happy to advise on accommodation and travel in nearby regions such as Goa, Gokarna, Hubli, Hampi, or Kerala.
Address
Rushikulam International Centre for Indic Studies and Research
Mahilamandal Road
581359 Yellapur
Karnataka, India
Booking and Payment Policy
- To book and secure your place, we request a non-refundable €500 deposit.
- Once the payment is made, your place will be reserved (you will receive a confirmation email)
- The balance should be paid before November 15, 2026. If you book your place after that date, the full payment for the retreat will be requested.
- If you are looking to be paired with someone, email tinakschmelzer@gmail.com
- You must accept the booking conditions at the moment of registration.
Cancellation Policy
- The deposit won’t be refunded under any circumstances.
- If you cancel at any moment before November 15, 2026, we will refund the 50 % amount of the full retreat price.
- If your cancellation takes place after November 15, 2026, your payment won’t be refunded.
- At any moment, you could hand your booking over to some other person who would like to join the retreat.
- In the unlikely event that the retreat has to be canceled, we will refund the full amount.
- ‘Cancel for any reason’ Travel insurance is highly recommended.
JOIN US IN RUSHIKULAM
This is a rare opportunity to study with both Tim and Dr. Vigneshwar in a true traditional setting.
If you feel called to deepen your understanding and reconnect with the roots of yoga, your place in the Rushikulam family is waiting.
FAQ
Is this retreat suitable for beginners?
Not ideally. This is designed for practitioners with an established practice and an interest in philosophy and tradition.
Is this a yoga holiday?
No. This is a study immersion in a traditional Indian family setting.
What are the rooms like?
Rooms are simple and shared (2–4 people per room), with private bathrooms. Comfort is basic and in line with a traditional gurukula setting.
Can I request a single room?
Not for this retreat — accommodating everyone in shared rooms supports the community experience.
Is there WiFi?
Yes. WiFi is available, but we encourage limited use to support study and practice.
What is the food like?
Home-cooked, South Indian, vegetarian, sattvic.
How do I coordinate transport?
We assist with coordinating transfers and will connect participants travelling around similar times. A shared WhatsApp group will also help with ride-sharing and communication.
Can I arrive earlier or stay longer?
Yes. You’re welcome to arrive earlier or stay longer. Depending on availability, it may be possible to extend your stay at Rushikulam, or combine the retreat with time in nearby places such as Goa, Gokarna, Hubli, Hampi, or Kerala. We’re happy to advise and share recommendations.
Is there free time?
Yes. There is free time between sessions for rest and integration.
