From February 23 to March 1, 2025, the tranquil setting of the Govardhan Retreat Centre became the spiritual home for the first-ever Śaraṇāgati Retreat, organized by the Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE). This inaugural retreat welcomed 145 participants—both Indian and international—into a deeply immersive experience centered on the practice of śaraṇāgati, or full surrender to Lord Kṛṣṇa, a foundational tenet of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava philosophy.

The retreat was personally envisioned and led by Sacinandana Swami, who aspires to offer this retreat annually to benefit devotees seeking to deepen their inner connection with the Holy Name. Each morning began with guided japa sessions under his meditative direction, encouraging heartfelt and attentive chanting. Quoting Vidagdha-Mādhava (1.15),

Sacinandana Swami shared: “I do not know how much nectar the two syllables ‘Krish-na’ have produced. When the Holy Name of Krishna is chanted, it appears to dance within the mouth. We then desire many, many mouths. When that Name enters the holes of the ears, we desire many millions of ears. And when the Holy Name dances in the courtyard of the heart, it conquers the activities of the mind, and therefore all senses become inert.”

Surabhi Kunda at night.

Adding depth to the experience were insightful presentations by Gauranga Darśana Das, focusing on “The Holy Name in the Bhāgavatam.” His research-based seminars brought to light the lives of Bhāgavatam personalities who exemplify surrender, offering participants philosophical grounding and practical takeaways.

The weeklong retreat also included soul-stirring kīrtanas, group introspections, and intimate satsaṅgas. Pilgrimages to sacred places around Girirāja Govardhan brought participants closer to the divine mood of Vraja and reinforced their spiritual reflections.

One attendee remarked, “This retreat helped me understand that surrender is not a one-time event, but a mood to be cultivated daily—through sincere chanting, prayer, and heartfelt association.”

Blessed by the presence of senior devotees and rooted in the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda, the 2025 Śaraṇāgati Retreat marks the beginning of what promises to become a cherished annual tradition of spiritual rejuvenation and deepening commitment on the path of devotion.

A playlist of the retreat can be watched यहाँ. For information on future retreats and VIHE’s educational offerings, please visit our वेबसाइट or email us यहाँ.