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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of this pilgrimage?
A: To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Kriya yoga in modern times, and to follow in the footsteps of some of the earliest, great Kriya masters. In ancient times Kriya Yoga's practice was widespread across India. Gradually it withered away under the influence of Kali Yuga. This sacred technique was preserved for hundreds if not thousands of years by a handful of monks living in the remotest areas of the Himalayas. In November/December of 1861, Mahavatar Babaji initiated Shri Lahiri Mahasaya into the practice of Kriya Yoga. Now called the father of modern day Kriya Yoga, Shri Lahiri Mahasaya then brought these techniques to the world by teaching them to others, regardless of caste or religious creed. As a result, Kriya Yoga is now practiced around the world. This pilgrimage commemorates the 150th anniversary of Kriya Yoga in modern history, honoring the masters responsible for its resurgence around the world. We will explore its historical source, contemplating its origin from a simple cave and eventually spreading from city to city to affect people from all walks of life.
Q: Who is organizing the pilgrimage?
A: Kriya Yoga International Organization (KYIO) is organizing the pilgrimage.
Q: Who may participate in this pilgrimage?
A: This event is open to kriyavans from our Kriya yoga lineage. For your comfort, please note that an uphill hike of approximately 1-2 hours, depending on your fitness level, will be required to visit the cave of Mahavatar Babaji.
Q: Where will this pilgrimage go? What sites will be visited? What will I see?
A: For a detailed itinerary of the pilgrimage go to the itinerary page. Please note that the itinerary may change somewhat based upon weather, unexpected changes in train schedules due to strikes, etc.
Q: Where will we stay?
A: Lodging is being arranged for pilgrims in hotels, guest houses, ashrams, and sleeper trains along the pilgrimage route. Please note, if you have any special needs, it is important for you to notify Kriya Yoga International upon registering in order to ensure that your needs can be met.
Q: How is it possible to visit so many different cities/states in so few days?
A: For some of our journey we will be using sleeper trains for transport between cities. This will allow us to do a great deal of travel during the evening hours, freeing most of our days for pilgrimage sightseeing.
Q: What will the temperatures be like during the pilgrimage?
A: Our first stop, in the mountainous region of Ranikhet, will be our coolest location. Daytime temperatures typically range in the high 40's to mid 60's Farenheit (8.3 to 15.5 Celsius) and drop down into the 30's F (-1 to 3.8 C) at night. You will require a warm coat, hat, scarf and gloves in the evening and layers during the day. For the remainder of the pilgrimage, daytime temperatures will range from the low 50's to high 70's F (10 to 25 C) and nighttime temperatures will range from the high 40's to low 60's F (8.8 - 20 C).
Q: What will a typical day look like on this pilgrimage?
A: We will rise early for meditation, afterward enjoying breakfast as a group before beginning our day of travel and sightseeing. While on location at sacred sites we will hear commentary, sometimes discourses, about the history and significance of the sites. We will have sattvic, vegetarian meals and travel either by bus or train to arrive at the next location. Additional time will be made available for group or individual meditation. The daily schedule will be very active as there is a packed itinerary.
Q: How do I register and participate?
Complete and submit a registration form and your payment(s) as instructed. You will then receive e-mails from Kriya Yoga International acknowledging receipt of your registration and payment, and welcoming you on the pilgrimage. If you are in the process of applying for a passport and/or an Indian visa, you may note that on your registration form when you submit it. Then when you receive your passport and/or Indian visa, submit those details separately.
You will then receive e-mails from Kriya Yoga Institute welcoming you on the pilgrimage and acknowledging receipt of your registration.
Q: Can Kriya Yoga Institute help me get my passport and an Indian visa?
A: No. Every participant is responsible for securing his or her own travel documents. Please go to your country's proper websites to complete the various applications required to procure these documents. Links are provided on the Passport Information page. Note that this process can take weeks or even months to complete so plan accordingly. In addition, the Indian government requires that your passport is good a full six months after your planned departure date from India, so make sure your expiration date falls after the six-month period following the pilgrimage.
Q: How do I get to New Delhi, India, the starting point for this pilgrimage?
A: All participants must make their own travel arrangements to and from New Delhi. If you are traveling to India from another country with a particularly large time difference, you may wish to consider arriving a few days early to get over jetlag before beginning the pilgrimage.
Q: How much money should I bring with me?
A: All of your meals, transportation, accommodations, admission fees and tips are covered in your registration fees. However, you are still likely to need some spending money for personal expenses such as shopping for souvenirs/gifts, books, additional tips, snacks, etc. We suggest that you bring approximately $300 - $500 US dollars (about 200 to 300 British pounds or 250 to 350 Euros). Please note that it is advisable to also carry a credit card for emergency use. It is relatively rare to find shops that accept American Express credit cards. Visa or Mastercard are more commonly accepted in big cities but cash in the form of rupees is most likely the only option you'll have in most locations. Make sure to carry small denominations, as change is a frequent and challenging issue.
Q: Do Indian stores and other businesses accept foreign currencies?
A: It is extremely rare if not impossible to find stores that accept any currency other than Indian rupees. In addition, traveler's checks are extremely difficult to change unless you are at a bank in a large city. Please make sure to have enough Indian Rupees on you to meet your needs, as there will be little to no time to deviate from our packed itinerary once we have begun our pilgrimage.
Q: Are there currency exchange services at the New Delhi airport?
A: There are currency exchange services at the New Delhi airport. In general you may find that the exchange rates for buying Rupees are more favorable inside the secured area of the airport upon your arrival. Fees are often slightly higher in the airport lobby outside of security. You are not able to buy Rupees before entering India, nor are you allowed to leave the country with Indian Rupees. You are advised to take a sufficient amount of cash that you can change at the airport or in Delhi, as it will be difficult to do so once the trip has started. If you choose to change money in Delhi, you must do so before the pilgrimage begins. Please plan accordingly.
Q: What is the best way to get from the New Delhi airport to the hotel where our group will meet?
A: The best way is to contact your hotel and have them pre-arrange a "hotel taxi" and driver to pick you up at the airport. Then as you step out of the airport customs area, look for a driver holding up a piece of paper with your name written on it. In lieu of this, there are government approved taxi services available for hire inside the airport, just beyond the baggage carousel. If you choose to get a taxi from the airport, it is MUCH better to book your taxi inside the airport rather than to try to hail a driver in the frenzy outside the airport doors. Beware of rip-off artists. Note that many baggage handlers will try to help you with your luggage to the taxi, only afterward revealing the fee they expect for this service. You'll find it easier to keep track of your things if you pack light and book your taxi in advance with your hotel (by phone or e-mail). If you can manage your own luggage, only allow your driver to help you with your bags. Do not allow taxi drivers to take you to any other hotel other than the one you are booked at. Many will try to convince you that your hotel has closed in order to get a commission at a hotel they have a relationship with.
Q: Can I use my ATM (automated teller machine) bankcard in India?
A: Check with your financial institution before traveling. Some ATM cards can be used at machines in the larger, metropolitan cities, depending on the financial network of your card, however, access to these machines will be minimal throughout our journey. Also, please make sure to inform your credit card companies that you will be traveling in India for the time allotted. This will allow you to avoid fraud protection efforts made by your bank that could result with your card being blocked from use for the duration of your stay.
Q: I understand that meals will be provided throughout our travels. How about water?
A: Safe drinking water will be provided for the duration of your travels. It is strongly recommended that you drink only bottled or treated water.
Q: Is it safe to eat fruit that is sold by vendors on the street?
A: To avoid contaminant borne illness, it is recommended that you eat only fresh fruit that has thick skin that can be peeled and discarded such as bananas and citrus fruits. Make sure to clean your hands with an antibacterial wipe before handling any food. Some people even use wipes to clean off their fruit before peeling it.
Q: Are vaccinations required by the Government of India for entry into the country?
A: Generally, inoculations are not required to enter the country, however, it is a good idea to have a medical checkup before joining the trip. You may ask your doctor to find out if he or she recommends any vaccines in particular for you. You may also visit: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/india.aspx for vaccine recommendations for India. While it is not necessary, it is advisable to travel with any vaccine records you may have, in the event that medical treatment is required. Note: if you are traveling from or through any yellow-fever-infected areas such as Africa, the Indian government will require you to receive this vaccine.
Q: What contact information may I leave with friends and family? How can they reach me in the case of an emergency?
A: While it is not required to travel with one, a cell phone may be helpful. Cell phone connections are sometimes possible where we are traveling. Make sure to get on an international calling plan for the duration of your travels.
You may leave this contact information with friends and family if needed in the event of an emergency:
Contact person is
Raghu Kurnool – Telephone 09437513314
Prajnana Mission - India
Nimpur, P.O. Jagatpur
Cuttack 754021, Orissa
INDIA
missionprajnana@gmail.com
Q: What can I hope to experience if I attend this pilgrimage?
A: You will have the vision of the glorious, snow-peaked Himalayas. Meditating in the mountains, you will share the sacred and rare experience of yogis living in this high altitude region. You will walk the same paths where Shri Lahiri Mahasaya and Swami Shriyukteshwarji met Mahavatar Babaji, remembering these great moments in the lives of our masters. Traveling from the mountains to the Gangetic plain, you will receive the darshan of Mother Ganga and follow her sacred path from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. Take this pilgrimage and meditate in the footsteps of the Masters. Feel their presence, love and vision while being blessed by the shrines sanctified by their sincere sadhana. This journey will enlighten each pilgrim, allowing one to experience past, present, and future -- converging at the meeting point of time and the timeless spirit.