Mahāśivarātri 2026 - Śiva, Śakti, and the Living Wisdom of South India

February 11th-25th, 2026

Join David Cross and Judes Yang on a transformative journey across vibrant South India, from the East to West. David and Judes - dynamic yoga teachers with over three decades of collective immersion in the heart of numerous yogic traditions - have curated this personal and experimental trip from their hearts to share for all.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime odyssey and David and Judes are brimming with excitement to share the insights gleaned from their years of exploration and devotion. Known for their infectious passion, they will lead you through breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples, and the profound practices that nourish body and soul.

This invitation is also an opportunity to directly experience the kaleidoscope of South Indian arts, festivals, and knowledge systems that are the backdrop of Indian practices we may be more familiar with such as yoga. The richness of lived wisdom traditions - astrology, martial arts, dance, deities, Ayurveda, festivals, etc - can only be felt when witnessing them for yourself, in their own context.

We will begin on the open road, traversing from the eastern shores of Tamil Nadu to Kerala, "God's Own Country," in the west. This pilgrimage through the temples of Tamil Nadu is a passage of discovery, brimming with rich experiences centered around the festival of Mahāśivarātri. We will visit the five temples associated with the five elements, visit Śakti in the exalted Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, circumambulate the holy mountain of Arunachala, and see a myriad of performances during the night of Mahāśivarātri at Kalarigram. Each mile will yield new wonders, vibrant cultural experiences, and breathtaking vistas, creating an unforgettable road trip of a lifetime.

We will then arrive at the tranquil haven of Kovalam Beach for eight glorious days of Ayurvedic rejuvenation. We have found that an integration period after a (mind-blowing) week on the road is crucial to get the most out of your experience, and the opportunity to pause and truly rest is a rare and sacred gift. A week being loved-on Ayurveda-style (daily massage, nourishing food, deep rest) on the shores of the Arabian Sea will leave you feeling full, refreshed, and deeply renewed before you return home.

Are you ready to embark on this unforgettable adventure? Then join us now!

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Śivarātri, the night of Śiva

Lord Śiva is one of the central deities in the Hindu pantheon, given the name "Mahādeva," or "Ultimate Divinity." He is also "Śaṅkara," or "bringer of peace." He is the ultimate yogi and the symbol of the primordial teacher, "Ādiguru." He is precious to all yogis, as he is said to have given humanity the forms of both yoga and dance. In South India, he is preeminent, and the majority of the greatest temples are devoted to him and his consort, Śakti. Śivarātri, or "the Night of Śiva," is the most important Śiva festival and we are thrilled and honoured to be taking a group to India to experience this sacred night for ourselves. We will experience this event in the context of a rich tapestry of intersecting knowledge systems and cultural practices.

Week One: Five Element Temple Tour of Tamil Nadu

Arriving in Chennai, the bustling capital of Tamil Nadu, we will set out for a spectacular tour of some of the major temples in South India. For yoga practitioners and adventure-seekers alike, this portion of the trip will showcase the rich cultural tapestry from which yoga and other practices emerge. From the Rahu-Ketu puja in Srikalahasti to the Tantrotsav festival hosted by Kalarigram in Puducherry to the pradakshina of Arunachala, this journey will be overflowing with cultural experiences. Do not worry if these terms are unfamiliar; the exploration and experience of these cultural phenomena will be the primary goal of the group.

Chennai February 11-12

Srikalahasti February 12-13

Arunachala February 13-14

Mahāśivaratri and Tantrotsav in Puducherry February 14-16

Madurai February 16-17

Kanyakumari February 17-18

Questions about the itinerary?

Feel free to ask any questions below!

Week 2: Rest and Integrate in an Ayurvedic Retreat Center

After over a week on the road, we will have seen a LOT, and no doubt will be a little road-weary... To integrate our experiences, we will spend a week at Uday Samudra Ayurveda, a retreat center on the beach in gorgeous Kovalam. It is a luxury most of us have never experienced... Daily massage, sattvic food, and a team of Ayurvedic practitioners to help however you may need. Judes and I will teach daily yoga and hold space for group discussion/learning that will be programmed based on the group's desires. This portion of the trip is vital to integrate our experiences together and to leave India feeling deeply nourished and refreshed.

Daily Massage

Enjoy daily Abhyanga, Ayurvedic oil massage

Daily Yoga

Daily āsana and meditation to set the body right after a week on the road

Ayurvedic Food

Light, healthful, and rejuvenating meals using local ingredients

Local programming

Enjoy exploring the local temples, beaches, and Kalari around Trivandrum.

About David

Hi! I'm David and I'm so happy you're here. I've been a student of yoga for over 15 years and while my path has been meandering, I am delighted to have landed on yogic studies as my main life's work. Culture is a crucial vessel for spirituality, and the intersecting knowledge systems (philosophy, yoga, dance, Āyurveda, Jyotiṣa, etc.) are best understood when studied in conversation with one another and in the context of the living culture itself. This contemplation is at the heart of my own studentship, and I hope to share that inquiry process with my own students.

About Judes

For over two decades, internationally recognized yoga teacher Judes has delivered impactful global teaching, fueled by a profound life purpose: for people to empower themselves to see and know their own unlimited potential. Through her transformative journey since 2005, marked by relentless pursuit of mastery across the entire spectrum of Yog-vedantic traditions, including Yoga Asana, Pranayama, Vedic Mantra, Ayurveda, Himalayan Kundalini & Meditation, and Vedic Astrology, she crafts uniquely personalized practices designed not just to guide you, but to actively illuminate your highest potential within a deeply supportive and transformative space where profound self-discovery naturally unfolds.

About Our Driver

Karthick Raghavan is our driver for the week on the road and he is wonderful... I have been a guest on his bus before and during our week together we became close friends. There is nothing like a guide with local knowledge, and a good driver is necessary in navigating India. Plus... he has a wonderful sense of humour!

Investment

To qualify for Early Bird, a non-refundable deposit of $550 must be received by August 12th.

Roommate flexibility:

Early Bird Pricing: $4900

Regular Pricing: $5900

Single occupancy:

Early Bird Pricing: $5899

Regular Pricing: $6799

All payment must be received by December 12th. Payment plans available

I accept payment via Stripe (accepting all major cards), e-transfer, and Wise for international participants.

*Prices include tax, and are in Canadian Dollars

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Pay your deposit now!

Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity before the early bird discount expires!

What's Included

All Accommodation
Most meals
Driver Costs
Eight daily massages at Uday Samudra
Daily yoga at Uday Samudra (and on the road by the group's request)
Group activities (Rahu-Ketu puja, Tantrotsav entry, etc.)

Not Included

Transportation to and from the Airport
Airfare
7 meals
Personal expenses (i.e. personal purchases, rickshaw rentals, etc)
Visas, health insurance, travel insurance
Thiruvananthapuram activities (temple outings, Kalari, etc.)