My One Week Soul Synthesis: Daily Schedule of a Transformative Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh

1. Why I Chose a Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh

• From Burnout to Bhakti: My Search for Healing and Stillness

In the chill of a Swedish March, I found myself staring at my laptop screen, emotionally drained and physically exhausted. Life had become a loop of stress, screen time, and sleeplessness. I knew I needed more than just a vacation. I needed transformation, healing, and, above all, reconnection. Something told me to go East. That gentle inner nudge soon turned into action when I searched for yoga retreats in India.

• Choosing Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital of the World

Rishikesh had always been on my spiritual radar. It’s where sages walked, the Beatles meditated, and the sacred Ganga flows with grace. They call it the Yoga Capital of the World, and I can see why. This holy town is more than just picturesque landscapes and ancient temples; it’s an energy field that draws seekers. I knew instantly that Rishikesh would be the backdrop for my renaissance.

• Why Mrityunjay Yogpeeth Stood Out Among the Best Yoga Retreats

Among dozens of options, Mrityunjay Yogpeeth glowed with authenticity. It wasn’t the fanciest or trendiest, but something about its devotion to classical yoga and community living drew me in. Reviews spoke of soulful teachers, heart-opening experiences, and an environment that genuinely supported growth. I booked a one-week retreat with excitement and a flutter of nervousness.

• My Arrival – March 10th, 2025 – Welcomed with Warmth and Intention

Landing in Dehradun, I took a cab that weaved through lush foothills and vibrant streets. Upon arrival at Mrityunjay Yogpeeth in Tapovan, Rishikesh, I was greeted with a tilak on my forehead, a marigold garland, and a cup of warm herbal tea. It felt less like checking into a retreat and more like being welcomed home. As I gazed out at the mountains and heard the Ganga flowing nearby, a sense of sacred stillness began to settle within me. The journey had truly begun.

3. My Daily Schedule: A Glimpse Into Ashram Life

• 7:00 AM – Shatkarma (Body Cleansing)

Every morning began with Shatkarma, ancient yogic cleansing practices designed to purify the body and prepare it for deeper practices. The first time I tried Jal Neti (nasal cleansing with a neti pot), I was sceptical. But once I got past the initial awkwardness, I felt a clarity in my head and sinuses that was unmatched by any cold medicine. It became one of my favourite rituals.

• 8:00–10:00 AM – Hatha Yoga & Pranayama with Alignment Focus

Under the expert guidance of Yogacharya Rajeev, our morning Hatha Yoga sessions were both challenging and enlightening. Unlike gym-style yoga classes back home, this was a sacred science here. Rajeev Ji focused on alignment, breath synchronisation, and the philosophical roots of each posture. The class ended with Pranayama – deep, conscious breathing that left me both energised and tranquil.

• 10:00 AM – Yogic Brunch (The Sattvic Nourishment)

Brunch was always a delight. The food was purely sattvic – fresh, vegetarian, and infused with Ayurvedic wisdom. Think warm mung dal khichdi, steamed vegetables with ghee, herbal teas, and fruits that tasted like sunshine. Eating in silence, with awareness and gratitude, turned every meal into a meditative ritual.

• 11:00–12:30 PM – Vedic Wisdom: Astrology, Sound Healing & More

Late mornings were devoted to knowledge. We attended sessions on Vedic astrology, Ayurvedic lifestyle, and sound healing. One session that stood out was a crystal bowl healing with Anahata Ma, whose voice and instruments sent vibrations straight into my cells. I felt as though I was being rearranged on a molecular level.

4. Afternoons of Reflection, Asana, and Seva

• Community Seva: The Joy of Giving Back

After a nourishing brunch and insightful morning sessions, the afternoons at Mrityunjay Yogpeeth invited us into the practice of Seva – selfless service. From sweeping the ashram courtyard to helping in the kitchen or watering the garden, these seemingly simple tasks were deeply humbling. There was a profound joy in contributing without expectation. I realised how often in daily life we overlook the sanctity of service.

• Asana & Adjustment Workshop: Deepening My Practice

One of the highlights of the retreat was the daily afternoon Asana & Adjustment workshop. Here, we explored the finer points of alignment, posture correction, and assisted stretching. With personal attention from instructors, I felt my body unravel and expand in ways I never thought possible. I discovered the joy of staying longer in asanas, using props, and understanding the inner anatomy of each pose.

• Silent Walks Along the Ganga: Nature as a Teacher

A favourite part of my afternoons was the silent walk to the Ganga. With a journal in hand and no need to speak, I simply walked, listened, and observed. The sacred river, flowing endlessly, became a metaphor for my inner state. One day, I saw a sadhu meditating by the water with a stillness that echoed through me. These walks brought clarity, stillness, and deep connection.

• Personal Journaling – My Self-Inquiry Moments

Before the evening sessions, I carved out time to sit by myself with pen and paper. I had brought a journal titled “Soul Pages,” and it quickly filled with reflections, emotional releases, and surprising insights. Writing became a daily act of self-inquiry, a mirror for my inner world. Each entry was a breadcrumb on my path to deeper self-understanding.

5. Evenings in Rishikesh – Bhakti, Stillness, and Sacred Rhythm

• 5:00 PM – Advanced Yogic Techniques / Meditation

Evenings at Mrityunjay Yogpeeth began with advanced practices that shifted our awareness from the body to the subtle layers of being. We practised Trataka (candle gazing), Antar Mouna (inner silence), and deep meditative states guided by our teachers. One evening, during Yoga Nidra, I experienced a sensation of floating, like my body dissolved, and I merged into light. It was unlike anything I’d known.

• 6:00 PM – Bhakti Circle: Singing the Soul’s Song

Our Bhakti sessions were the soul of the evenings. We sat together in a circle, singing kirtans, playing instruments, and losing ourselves in the joy of collective chanting. These evenings weren’t about performance; they were about presence, surrender, and joy. I remember one night, we sang “Om Namah Shivaya” until tears streamed down my face. Something ancient inside me was awakening.

• 8:00 PM – Yogic Dinner & Digital Detox

Dinner was light, warm, and nourishing – often a mix of soups, chapatis, seasonal sabzis, and herbal teas. We practised mindful eating, and the absence of phones at the table felt like a gift. No buzzing, no scrolling – just connection with food and community. After dinner, the ashram lights dimmed, and we settled into silence.

• Nights in Silence – Crickets, Stars & Soul Space

The ashram observed mauna (silence) from 9 PM to 9 AM. Those quiet hours were some of the most potent. I lay on my bed, listening to the rhythm of crickets and distant temple bells. I often stepped out to gaze at the stars, feeling a sense of oneness I had never known in my busy urban life. Night after night, silence became my most profound teacher.

6. Themed Days of Transformation (Week 1)

Day 2 – Purification Through Shatkarma & Breathwork

Waking up before dawn on my second day, I wasn’t expecting to be holding a copper neti pot within minutes of brushing my teeth. Yet there I was, performing Jal Neti again, this time with more ease. The cleansing practices were followed by Kapalabhati and Bhastrika pranayama—intense breathing that left my body tingling and mind clear. That morning’s theme was purification, and I felt it not just physically, but emotionally too. I cried unexpectedly during savasana. I later learned that purification often brings emotional release.

Day 3 – Heart-Opening Yoga & Devotional Chanting

By the third day, our yoga practice focused on backbends and heart-opening poses like Ustrasana (Camel Pose) and Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose). Guruji explained how each posture correlates with emotional centres in the body. As we chanted the Hanuman Chalisa in the evening, I felt my chest soften and expand. The sense of love in the room was palpable. One student, a shy man from Brazil, shared his story, and we all ended up hugging and crying. It was a heart-awakening day in every sense.

Day 4 – Inner Silence: Yoga Nidra & Self-Inquiry

This was a quieter day, intentionally so. We took a vow of silence until dinner. After our asana class, we practised Yoga Nidra—deep yogic sleep—guided by Anahata Ma. In the stillness, I touched something eternal inside myself. The afternoon was spent journaling and reflecting. The teachers encouraged us to write about “Who am I?” It sounds simple, but peeled layers off my identity. Irealisedd I had been holding onto labels and expectations that no longer served me.

Day 5 – Sound Healing, Mantras & Chakras Activation

Sound became the centre of our practice today. We learned about the chakras—the energy wheels of the body—and how each has a corresponding seed sound or bija mantra. During a guided meditation, crystal bowls and gongs resonated with each chakra. I felt vibrations in places I didn’t even know existed. That evening’s kirtan was electric; we chanted with such passion that it felt like the walls were pulsing. My inner energy system felt rewired. The transformation was happening.

7. Bonus Week: Why I Chose to Stay Longer

From a Yoga Retreat to a Life Reset

I had booked one week, assuming it would be a brief spiritual tune-up. But by Day 6, I couldn’t imagine leaving. My body, once tense and closed, was opening. My breath had slowed. My mind was becoming still. I spoke to the retreat coordinator and extended my stay by another week. The decision was instant, instinctual. I wasn’t done.

Deepening into Devotion: More Kirtan, More Clarity

The second week brought even deeper immersion into Bhakti yoga. Devika Didi led more frequent kirtans, and I found myself singing without inhibition. I even picked up the harmonium and began learning the notes. These moments of devotional music opened doorways into my heart that therapy never touched. Bhakti wasn’t just music—it was medicine.

The Power of Routine – From Resistance to Ritual

Initially, the ashram’s structured schedule felt overwhelming. But by week two, it became my foundation. The predictability of the daily routine allowed my nervous system to relax. From sunrise cleansing to nighttime silence, I started to crave the very things I had once resisted. Routine, I discovered, could be sacred. It could be healing.

Community, Comfort, and Compassion – My New Tribe

Perhaps the most unexpected blessing was the people I met. Strangers became soul sisters and brothers. We shared chai, laughter, and stories. We practised together, cried together, and celebrated our breakthroughs. On my last night, we formed a circle under the stars and shared our takeaways. I looked around and realised I had found something I didn’t know I was looking for—a tribe.

8. Sacred Excursions That Changed Me

Sunrise Meditation at Kunjapuri Temple

One early morning, we hiked to the Kunjapuri Devi Temple, a sacred Shakti shrine perched high above Rishikesh. As the sun rose behind the Himalayas, we meditated in complete silence. The golden light washed over the temple and us. I felt connected to something vast and divine. It was one of the most spiritual moments of my life.

Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat – Evening Light & Grace

Another unforgettable experience was attending the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. Hundreds gathered by the river, lamps in hand, chanting together. The flames danced on the water as the priests offered prayers to Ma Ganga. I floated a diya on the river, sending with it a prayer for clarity and peace. Watching it drift downstream, I felt an internal release, as if years of longing had been heard.

The Walks, the Temples, the Cows – Everyday Miracles

Even the simple walks became spiritual adventures. I smiled at cows lounging in traffic, marvelled at children playing near temple steps, and paused at street shrines adorned with flowers. Every moment in Rishikesh felt like a divine reminder. You don’t need a cathedral to feel God. Sometimes, a cow’s eyes or a bell’s chime is enough.

Nature as a Spiritual Teacher in the Himalayan Foothills

The natural beauty around the ashram offered its silent teachings. Trees that had witnessed generations of seekers, mountain winds that whispered mantras, and the ever-flowing Ganga—all became my guides. Sitting by the river, I wrote a simple note in my journal: “Be like the Ganga—flow, cleanse, and surrender.”

9. Final Blessings & Takeaways from Mrityunjay Yogpeeth

Closing Ceremony by the Ganga – Tears of Gratitude

On my last day, we held a closing ceremony by the banks of the Ganga. We chanted, meditated, and released flowers into the river. When it came time to speak, I could barely talk through my tears. Gratitude overflowed. For the teachers, the practices, the land, and the transformation.

What I’m Taking Back to Sweden: Discipline & Devotion

Back in Sweden, I’ve kept many of the rituals alive—morning breathwork, silent meals, and evening journaling. But most importantly, I carry a deep devotion. A sense of connection to the divine, not as an external god, but as an inner presence. Discipline used to be something I avoided. Now, it’s my sacred container.

Why I Recommend This Affordable Yoga Retreat to Beginners

If you’re reading this and wondering if you’re “spiritual enough” or “fit enough” for a retreat like this, let me tell you, you are. Mrityunjay Yogpeeth welcomes you as you are. The experience is not about perfection, but about presence. And the affordability makes it accessible without compromising the depth of teaching.

How My Life Changed in Just Two Weeks in Rishikesh

In two weeks, I went from burnout to bhakti. From stress to stillness. From self-doubt to self-love. This retreat was more than a getaway—it was a gateway. A return to who I am underneath the noise. I don’t know when I’ll be back, but a piece of my heart will always remain in Rishikesh.

Call to Action

Whether you’re a beginner or a seeker, if your soul craves healing, clarity, and connection, let Rishikesh call you. Mrityunjay Yogpeeth welcomed me like family and sent me back a new person. Come experience it for yourself.