Yoga Jijñāsā
Returning to the Root
A one-week immersion in practice, study, and ritual with Dr. Vigneshwar Bhat & Tim Feldmann
February 15–21, 2027 – Rushikulam, India
Practice • Study • Ritual • Inquiry
One-Week Immersion with
Dr. Vigneshwar Bhat & Tim Feldmann
Rushikulam, India — February 15–21, 2027
In a time when yoga becomes increasingly popularised, many practitioners feel a quiet longing for something truer—an urge to reconnect with heart, purpose, and the inner clarity awakened in Yoga’s original teachings.
This week in Rushikulam is an invitation to return to source.
Rushikulam Retreat 2027
- Dates: February 15-21, 2027
- Teachers: Dr, Vigneshwar Bhat & Tim Feldmann
- Level: Intermediate practitioners & dedicated Students
- Style: Ashtanga • Jñāna Yoga • Ritual • Study Immersion
- Group Size: 20-26 participants
- Accommodation: Simple, shared rooms at Rushikulam
- Price: From USD 1,250
Yoga Jijñāsā
Returning to the Root
A one-week immersion in practice, study, and ritual with Dr. Vigneshwar Bhat & Tim Feldmann
February 15–21, 2027 – Rushikulam, India
Spiritual Uplift
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 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.
A Living Classsroom
This week is not a yoga holiday.
It is a traditional immersion — a living classroom where practice, study, ritual, and inquiry weave together.
At Rushikulam, you are welcomed into a traditional yoga family environment, close to the daily rhythm of Dr. Vigneshwar’s household.
Simple rooms, home-cooked food, chanting, bells, children, temple life — this is the atmosphere of a traditional gurukula.
Your curiosity will lead the way.
Your doubts are welcome.
Your practice will meet its roots again.
Impressions
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 Retreat Is For
This retreat is for anyone passionate about Ashtanga Yoga — whether you’re just beginning your
journey or already have an established practice.With expert guidance from Kino MacGregor and Tim Feldmann, you’ll have the opportunity to
deepen your understanding and connection to the practice in a supportive group environment.
We kindly ask that participants are prepared to practice Mysore-style, with Surya Namaskar and
the basic Standing Poses memorized. Prior Mysore experience is not required — just an open heart
and mind for the practice.
This immersion is ideal for practitioners who:
Are seeking to experience yoga’s root
To reconnect with heart, purpose and the inner clarity awakened in Ashtanga’s inspired path
Feel drawn to yoga beyond physical āsana
Long to reconnect with lineage, depth, and meaning to return to source
Value chanting, study, ritual & tradition
Carry questions or doubts and want clarity
Want to learn directly from Dr Vigneshwar and Tim Feldmann
Welcome simple living and being part of a traditional indian family
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.
Spiritual Sādhanā &
Philosophical Uplift
This immersion offers refuge: a week devoted to simplicity, sincere practice, ritual, and the timeless guidance of Vedic and Yogic wisdom.
Each morning begins with Mysore-style practice and Prāṇāyāma guided by Tim.
After brunch, afternoons unfold with Vigneshwar, centred around the Sāṅkhya text Tattva Samāsa.
Together, we explore āsana, prāṇāyāma, dhyāna, chanting, Vedic fire ritual (yajña), storytelling, and devotional symbolism.
Through open discussions and doubt-clearing, we enter layers of yoga rarely touched in regular trainings.
Example of a daily Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 05:30 – 08:30 | Morning Sādhana — Tim Mysore-style āsana Prāṇāyāma |
| 09:00-10:30 | Brunch |
| 11:00-13:00 | Free Time |
| 13:00 | Snack and Chai |
| 14:00 – 17:30 | Afternoon Studies — Dr. Vigneshwar Jñāna: Tattva Samāsa, chanting, devatā symbolism, stories, discussion Yajña: Fire ritual, mantra, offerings, symbolic meaning Evenings |
| 18:00 | Dinner Satsang, quiet reflection, family atmosphere. Daily time for doubt-clearing. |
| 20:00 | Bed Time |
Activities include:
- Fire ritual
- Mantra
- Offerings
- Symbolic meaning
- Ecstatic dance
Pilgrimage Day
- Visit sacred sites such as Sahasralinga, Yana, or Gokarna.
Pre-Retreat Preparation
● Receive Tattva Samāsa three months before
● Online introduction with both teachers one month before
Pricing (per person in USD)
Early Bird ends June 15, 2026
Shared Room
Shared room 2-4 beds
USD 1250 p.p
*Price will increase $150 USD after 15th of June 2026
$500 USD deposit required to save your spot and is non-refundable.
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.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Rushikulam is simple, shared, and comfortable, in line with the spirit of a study immersion. You will stay in shared rooms, with basic comforts and a focus on community, practice, and presence rather than luxury.
Food
Meals are prepared fresh each day in Rushikulam’s traditional kitchen.
Expect warm, nourishing South Indian vegetarian cuisine — sattvic, homemade, seasonal, and supportive of daily practice.
Dietary needs can be communicated in advance.
Place, Food & Living
The immersion takes place at Rushikulam International Centre for Indic Studies and Research,
located in Yellapur in the Western Ghats of South India.Rushikulam is a place of study, practice, and daily life, not a luxury retreat centre. Accommodation is simple and shared (2–4 people per room), aligned with the spirit of a study immersion.
Meals are prepared fresh each day in Rushikulam’s traditional kitchen. Expect nourishing South Indian vegetarian food, sattvic, homemade, seasonal, and supportive of daily practice.
What’s Included
- 6 nights accommodation at Rushikulam (shared rooms)
- Daily Mysore and pranayama practice with Tim
- Afternoon teachings with Dr. Vigneshwar
- Chanting, ritual, philosophy, and Tattva Samāsa study
- All meals (vegetarian)
- Fire ritual
- Pilgrimage day
- Optional cooking session
- Pre-retreat group call
- All teachings, guidance & support
What’s Not Included
- Flights
- Transport to/from Rushikulam (we’ll help organize and team you up)
- Travel & health insurance (absolutely recommended)
- Visa fees
- Additional meals or personal expenses
Price (first 6 bookings) USD 1250.
To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit of USD 700 is required upon booking.
Regular Prices : USD 1400
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.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.
Pricing
Early Birds
USD 150
Ends June 15, 2026
Pricing (per person, in USD)
Regular Price
USD 500
Standard Booking
Pricing (per person, in USD)
To secure your place
A non-refundable deposit of USD 700 is required upon 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.
How to get there
Rushikulam is located in Yellapur, in the Western Ghats of Karnataka.
Address: Rushikulam International Centre for Indic Studies and Research, Mahilamandal road, 581359 Yellapur, Karnataka, India
Nearest Airports
● Goa International Airport (GOI) – 2.5–3.5 hours
● Hubli Airport (HBX) – 2 hours
Typical Travel Options
● Private or shared taxi from Goa or Hubli (we will help coordinate)
● If you arrive early, or want to stay longer we can advise you on stays in Goa, Kerala, Gokarna, Hubli, oder Hampi
Once you book your spot, you’ll receive a travel guide + the group chat link so you can coordinate rides with others.
Booking and Payment Policy
- To book and secure your place, we request a non-refundable 700 € 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?
Simple, shared rooms with basic comfort. This is part of the gurukula experience.
Can I request a single room?
Not for this retreat — accommodating everyone in shared rooms supports the community experience.
Is there WiFi?
Limited. We encourage digital quiet as part of the immersion.
What is the food like?
Home-cooked, South Indian, vegetarian, sattvic.
How do I coordinate transport?
A WhatsApp group will open 6 weeks before the retreat for ride sharing. We help to organize the transfers.
Can I arrive earlier or stay longer?
Yes — you can arrive earlier in Goa or Hubli. Ask us for recommendations.
Is there free time?
Yes — between sessions and during the pilgrimage day.
