Yoga Jijñāsā – Returning to the Root
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
- Location: Rushikulam, Karnataka, India
- 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
From USD 1,250
Who This Retreat Is For?
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
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.
A Living Classroom
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.
Jijñāsā — The Heart Of The Immersion
At the core of this retreat is jijñāsā, the natural and sincere impulse to inquire.
Your questions are not obstacles; they are gateways.
We create a space for you to bring:
- philosophical questions
- confusion around tradition or symbolism
- the gap between knowledge & experience
- the uncertainties that arise along a committed path
Daily saṃśaya-pariśodhana is part of the process.
Retreat Highlights
Key Highlights:
- Daily Mysore & Prāṇāyāma with Tim
- Jñāna, Dhyāna & Yajña sessions with Dr. Vigneshwar
- Study of Tattva Samāsa
- Daily doubt-clearing & open discussion
- Living inside a traditional yoga family
- One full pilgrimage day
- Optional South Indian cooking experience
- Pre-retreat study guidance
- One full scholarship offered
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. He earned gold medals for his M.A. degrees in Poorvameemamsa Vidwat Uttama and Sahitya Acharya from Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha, Tirupati. His expertise extends to Śauta, Smārta, Tāntrik, and Paurāṇik rituals and he is a Vedic priest and professor.
His research interests include Indian Philosophy, Yoga, Vedas, Sanskrit, and Indian Culture and Traditions. Dr. Bhat has authored numerous papers and books, shedding light on the profound wisdom of ancient scriptures.
Tim Feldmann
Originally from Denmark, Tim has practiced and taught Yoga for more than three decades. Tim 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 asana teaching, emphasizing health and anatomy, technique and alignment. Almost two decades of studies of classical yoga philosophy with renowned scholars in South India, is always at the foreground of Tim’s contemporary teachings.
PROGRAM — Example of a daily schedule
Prāṇāyāma
Yajña: Fire ritual, mantra, offerings, symbolic meaning
Pre-Retreat Preparation
Receive Tattva Samāsa three months before
Online introduction with both teachers one month before
Destination
Rushikulam, Karnataka
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Rushikulam International Centre for Indic Studies and Research is a dedicated institute for Vedic learning. Surrounded by lush forests, rivers, waterfalls, and quiet village life, it offers a serene atmosphere perfect for study and practice.
This region is alive with tradition: festivals, temples, ancient stories, and the natural beauty that has shaped Karnataka’s spiritual heritage for centuries.
Rushikulam is not a luxury venue, it is a place of sincerity, lineage, and śānta (quiet).
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.
What to Expect
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
Pricing
Early Bird
USD 1,250
First 6 spots
Regular Price
USD 1,400
Standard Booking
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.
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.
Our Policy
Booking and Payment Policy
- To book and secure your place, we request a non-refundable USD 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.