Shanti Nilayam (JJK Gurukulam Retreat Home) is located in a village called Pallippuram near by Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, South India. It is surrounded by lush green tropical woods like coconut and mango trees as well as long extended paddy fields. You can also discover varieties of birds and tropical animals around the Shanti Nilayam.
Shanti Nilayam is a unique place where people from all over the world can connect with themselves and be in touch with nature. Our interactive approach will empower you to tap into your full potential, develop your inner being and deepen your experience in Yoga, Vedanta and Meditation. To guide and support you, we have experienced teachers who have been trained by Indian Masters.
We are conducting courses to learn Sanskrit, Vedanta and Yoga. If you would like to be in our Retreat, kindly contact us to get more information. Our approach to Yoga and Vedanta is very simple and direct. We are not promising to anyone that you will get enlightenment after attending our courses, but we can guarantee that you will have a completely different attitude towards your life.
What is important to know
Our guests are required to follow the Shanti Nilayam’s daily schedule, which includes plenty of time for socialising, learning, and relaxing. All guests attend the morning and evening Prayers, the morning Yoga practice and lecture and each day to make the most of your stay to contribute to the community experience.
Each day starts with prayer and ends with Satsang, a practice that is at the core of Shanti Nilayam life. Here we meditate, chant, listen to an inspiring talk or reading on scriptures.
Hatha Yoga practice is held at 08:15. The practice is based on the sun salutation, pranayama, the classical twelve basic postures and of course proper relaxation. The focus is on mastering these basic asanas, later on variations are added to improve the flexibility of the physical body.
Meals are served twice a day at 10:00 and 19:00, are based on a healthy vegetarian diet, using as much as possible seasonal and locally-sourced food.
Karma Yoga at 14:00 gives you the opportunity to help around the Shanti Nilayam, but also to meet like-minded practitioners and be a part of the Gurukulam community. It is an important aspect of the schedule and opens you into a more subtle understanding of yourself. Karma Yoga is the foundation on which all yoga practice is based.
The daily 11:30 workshop/lecture takes you into the deeper practices of yoga, explaining the theory, philosophy and psychology behind which will enhance your practice and expand the mind.
Shanti Nilayam Retreat Home Daily Schedule |
|
| 05:30 | Wake-up |
| 06:00 to 06:50 | Prayer |
| 07:00 | Herbal Tea |
| 07:30 to 08:00 | Japa Meditation Practice |
| 08:15 to 09:45 | Yoga Practice |
| 10:00 to 10:30 | Brunch (Indian vegetarian meal) |
| 11:30 to 12:30 | Lecture (talks on various Yoga & Vedanta topics) |
| 13:30 | Herbal Tea |
| 14:00 to 15:00 | Service (Karma Yoga) |
| 16:00 to 17:15 | Asana Self Practice or Nature walks |
| 18:00 to 18:45 | Prayer |
| 19:00 to 19:30 | Dinner (Indian vegetarian meal) |
| 19:45 to 20:30 | Satsang (Q &A ) |
| 21:30 | Lights off |
The daily schedule may change from time to time according to need. The schedule is mandatory unless otherwise indicated.
Make A Donation
Shanti Nilayam (JJK Gurukulam Trust) is a non-profit charitable institution for doing humanitarian work and is completely staffed by volunteers. Those who wish to donate may contact mailto: jjkgurukulam@gmail.com
Contact Us
Please make any enquiries about Shanti Nilayam and its activities through the Shanti Nilayam e-mail jjkgurukulam@gmail.com (This is the easiest way to direct your enquiry)
The permanent postal address of the Shanti Nilayam is:
Shanti Nilayam (JJK Gurukulam Retreat Home)
Pallippuram, P.O. Kodannur
Thrissur District, Post PIN Code 680563
Kerala, India
Email us for more informaiton: jjkgurukulam@gmail.com
Accommodation
The Shanti Nilayam offers two simple and functional types of accommodation.
- Alakananda Rooms: Shared twin rooms with private bathroom
- Dormitory: separate women and men, containing up to 6 beds.
For all types of accommodation two bed sheets, pillow, pillow case, and mosquito nets are provided, solar heated water is available.
There are no single rooms.
General Rules
Shanti Nilayam Rules and Guidelines:
Maintaining a positive spiritual atmosphere requires the involvement and participation of all guests and staff. In this regard we request your cooperation in observing the following rules and guidelines.
The Shanti Nilayam reserves the right of admission and guests may be asked to leave if their behaviour is contrary to the Shanti Nilayam rules and teachings.
Shanti Nilayam is an abode of peace and shelter from the pressures of worldly life. It provides a safe space for personal development and the pursuit of spiritual ideals. People come from many walks of life and from every corner of the world to experience the profound spirituality of ancient India, and the centuries-old disciplines of Yoga and Vedanta.
Guests’ behaviour and dress code should be respectful of the local culture and enhance the spiritual atmosphere. Observance of the dress code should be maintained at all times including during asana classes or silent walk.
Registration & Visa requirements:
Guests are required to bring a valid photo ID along with them. Foreign Nationals are required to bring their original passport. A visa is required from most countries to visit India.
Check-in / Check-out:
All guests check in and out at reception upon arrival and departure. If you are leaving outside office hours (8am to 8pm), please check out the previous day.
All bedding has to be returned before departure.
Prohibited Items:
Smoking, alcohol, drugs, meat, fish, eggs, garlic and onions are not allowed. The use of mobile phones is only permitted in designated areas outside of class times. Photography, video, audio recording during classes and ceremonies is only possible with the permission of the director. Pets are not allowed.
Attendance:
Attendance at all Shanti Nilayam activities is mandatory. As a mark of respect for the teacher and as a practice of self-discipline, guests are required to be on time and to remain for the duration of each programme. Asana classes are open to resident guests only.
Silence:
Guests are requested to observe silence during meals, before morning Prayer and after evening Satsang. Lights out after 21:30
Karma Yoga:
The Shanti Nilayam is a charitable, non-profit organisation supported by dedicated volunteer staff. One hour a day is allocated to karma yoga or selfless service when we ask the guests to help out in the Shanti Nilayam. It is a lot of fun and you soon feel part of the Shanti Nilayam community.
Dress Code:
Women as well as men must cover shoulders, midriff and legs. Tight fitting, transparent and revealing clothing are not permitted.
This includes:
- Shorts above the knee • Leggings
- Low cut and sleeveless t-shirts • Tank tops
Male-Female Relations:
To respect the local culture and the monastic tradition, kindly restrain expressions of affection such as hugging or kissing in public. Guests at the Shanti Nilayam are advised to observe celibacy (brahmacharya) as part of the spiritual discipline. Male and female dormitories are separate.
Men are not allowed in the ladies’ dormitory and vice versa.
The Shanti Nilayam organisation of India disapprove of and condemn any form of harassment directed at guests, staff or visitors.
Harassment Policy:
Specifically no harassment, proposals or innuendos with a sexual connotation will be tolerated during any programme or activity organised by the Shanti Nilayam. Guests and students participating in such programmes and activities are accordingly made aware of this policy and invited to apply it in their personal behaviour during their stay. Any guest or student who thinks she/he may be the victim of unsolicited advances or any other form of sexual harassment is asked to notify a senior Swami or director immediately in order for corrective action to be undertaken without delay. Complaints made to a senior Swami or director will be treated confidentially and the alleged violator or any third party will not be advised of the complainant’s identity without the latter’s consent.
Minimum Stay:
An initial minimum payment for three nights’ accommodation at the Shanti Nilayam is required upon arrival and registration. This payment is non-refundable and non-transferable in the event of early departure.
Payments & Donations:
Daily donation rates at the Shanti Nilayam include classes, food and accommodation. Dates and donations are subject to change without notice. For all programmes guests are subject to the suggested donation in effect at the time of payment.
Meals:
We serve simple, nutritious south Indian vegetarian food for brunch (10:00), herbal tea with snack (13:30) and dinner (19:00).
Drinking Water:
Filtered water or herbal water is freely available.
Vaccinations:
Guests are advised to check with their local health authority regarding vaccinations required for visiting India.
What to bring:
Sandals comfortable clothes, long sleeve t-shirt and meditation shawl for cool mornings and evenings, yoga asana mat and cushion, water bottle and a torch, toiletries, towels, natural mosquito repellent, personal items
Child Policy:
Unfortunately due to the increased numbers of guests and limited accommodation we can not accommodate children below six years of age during the high season, October to April.
Please note:
The teaching language of the Shanti Nilayam is English.
The daily schedule times and activities may vary according to need.
Free Day:
Saturday is a free day in our Shanti Nilayam, unless contra-indicated by a specific course. Guests are required to attend morning Prayer and evening Satsang. There are no lectures on the free day. The morning Yoga asana practice and meals are run as usual.
Facilities
The facilities below are available at specific times only (please check with the office).
All facilities are closed during classes, meals, lectures, Satsang and after 18:00.
Safe Keeping:
Valuables may be stored in safe-keeping facility in the reception area.
We do not accept responsibility for guests’ personal belongings
Internet and Wifi:
The Shanti Nilayam provides free wifi facility for guests during specific hours. Due to local conditions internet connectivity can be unreliable. There is an internet space which guests can use for browsing and printing at a nominal cost.
Library:
The library houses a variety of books on yoga and related topics.
Post:
Incoming and outgoing mail is possible at the Shanti Nilayam. Please check at reception.
Recycling:
Any unwanted items, such as used clothing, medicine etc. may be left at reception for distribution to those in need.
Travel Information
By Air
There are daily international and national flights into Kochi. From the airport, you can take a pre-paid taxi directly to the Shanti Nilayam (55km). The pre-paid taxi booth is situated near the exit as you come through arrivals. If you need a pick up kindly write to us.
By Train:
Thrissur Central Railway Station is connected by rail to all main cities in India. When you reach Thrissur, you can take a prepaid taxi or auto-rickshaw from the stand at the entrance to the Station. Shanti Nilayam is 13 km away from the central station Thrissur.
You are advised to book rail tickets early. Trains are usually fully booked near the time of travel. Train e-tickets can be booked up to three months in advance via the internet. Train information can be obtained via www.indianrail.gov.in. Credit card bookings can be made via www.irctc.co.in.
Bus Service:
Pallippuram, where Shanti Nilayam is located, is 13 km from Thrissur. You can reach here from Thrissur via Kurkenchery, Palakkal, Ammadam then will be the Pallippuram. There are many Pallippuram in Kerala, therefore you have to tell taxi driver specifically “Ammadam Pallippuram”. When you reach Pallippuram there is a Devi temple after that there is Sivaji Nagar Bus stop from there turn right, 500 meter away the Shanti Nilayam is located. You can see sign board Shanti Nilayam.