May 23rd - 25th 2025
Rejuvenate from a busy life, to a peaceful spiritual retreat in the idyllic Blueridge Mountains  

For Those Seeking to Reconnect and Deepen their Sadhana

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Discover spiritual serenity at our Retreat nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Immerse yourself if an authentic experience designed to deepen your practice, calm the mind, and awaken the soul.

This retreat will focus on Ganapati, the remover of obstacles and bestower of wisdom. This retreat is designed to help ground people into their spiritual practice for increased power in practice.

Reserve Your Spot Today

Mountain Light Retreat Center — Experience Tranquility

Reconnect with your sadhana and nature in the amenities of Mountain Light Retreat Center set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Formerly a 20th century church and mission, this five and a half acre estate has transformed into a nurturing space for spiritual retreats and seekers.

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Retreat Highlights

Vedic Rituals

Ganapati Mantra Empowerment

Teachings

Authentic Yoga

Nature Immersion

Ayurvedic Nourishment

Embrace this opportunity to reconnect with your inner self. Reserve your spot today to embark on a transformative journey with Swamiji in nature.

Your Path to Empowering your Practice Awaits

Every part of this journey is designed to help you connect 

Spiritual Experiences 

Puja
Mediation
Hatha Yoga
Sandhya Vandanam
Mantra Recitation
Homam

Included in Price

3 days, 2 nights of accommodations
3 nourishing, Ayurvedic meals per day
Daily movement practices
Daily guided meditations 
Vedic rituals, Teachings, Ceremonies
Sadhana and Wellness giftbags

Travel Information

The airport of Charlottesville,  (CHO), is about a 27 minute drive from Mountain Light Retreat Center. Please arrange to take a taxi from the airport. If desired, we will try to pair you with other retreat guests arriving and departing at the same time. 
The retreat will begin at 3pm on Friday, May 23rd and close at 3 pm on Sunday, May 25th. 

Daily Rhythm 

Friday May 23rd
3:00pm -- Registration
4:00pm -- Yoga Asana Practice
5:30pm — Dinner 
6:30 pm -- Orientation & Session with Swamiji
7:30pm -- Punyaha Vachanam (Rituals of Purification)
​8:00pm -- Evening Sandhya Practice and Gayatri Chanting 

Saturday May 24th
5:30am — Morning Sandhya Practice and Gayatri Chanting 
7:30am — Breakfast
9:00am — Teaching By Swamiji on Ganesha
10:30am — Group Chanting Practice
12:00pm -- Lunch 
1-4:00pm — Independent Reflection Time
4:00pm — Yoga Asana Practice 
5:30pm — Dinner
6:15pm — Evening Session with Swamiji
8:00pm — Evening Sandhya Practice & Gayatri Chanting ​

Sunday May 25th 
5:30am -- Morning Sandhya Practice & Gayatri Chanting 
7:30am — Breakfast 
8:30am — Teaching on the Practice
9:30am — Homam Performed by Swamiji and a Vedic Priest
11:00am — Mantra Empowerment & Individual Blessings 
12:00pm  — Lunch 
2:30 pm -- Departure ​

The Ganapati Mantra Empowerment

On the final day of the retreat, we will offer a Mantra Empowerment for the Ganesha Mula Mantra with Vedic Homam rituals. Experience the divine presence of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, as we chant mantras. Ganesha is said to hold the power to remove all obstacles to help attain increased success in our spiritual practice, and in every aspect of life. 

Welcome to Your Sacred Escape

Mountain Light offers serene and comfortable lodgings, thoughtfully designed to reflect simplicity and the beauty of nature. Enjoy peaceful nights of rest to rejuvenate your body and spirit in the calming setting of the mountains. If you are joining the retreat with a friend and would like to share a room, please let us know.

Reserve Your Spot Today

Single Occupancy Room

Early Bird Special / $1,120​

Double Occupancy Room

Early Bird Special / $750 ​

Price increases to $950 for a shared room and $1,300 for a single room on Jan. 1st 2025.  

Retreat includes: overnight accommodations, delicious vegetarian Ayurvedic meals, daily teachings and group practices, daily yoga asana classes, Vedic rituals, and mantra empowerment.  ​

Cuisine 

Indian Inspired, Vegetarian Ayurvedic Meals 

Please inform us if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions. We will do our best to try to accommodate everyone.  

​​Facilitators 

Swamiji Gananathamritananda Giri

Swamiji is the guiding spiritual presence and Spiritual Director at the Soma Matha Spiritual Center in Schuyler, Virginia. Author of "Sri Vidya: Goddess Yoga" and "Vedic Remedies," Swamiji possesses profound expertise in yoga, Ayurveda, Vedic astrology, mantra, and Vedic rituals. He shares wisdom drawn from many years of dedicated practice under the guidance of his masters. Committed to empowering seekers from diverse backgrounds, he helps them unlock the mystical benefits of spiritual practices. Throughout the retreat, Swamiji will offer insightful teachings, lead various Vedic rituals, and perform the Ganapati Mantra Empowerment. Additionally, he will oversee meal preparation, applying his knowledge of Ayurveda and culinary art training to ensure nourishing dining experiences for all attendees.

Mochani Devi Gay

Mochani Devi Gay is a dedicated devotee of the Soma Matha Spiritual Center, where she has been lovingly serving for four years. Certified as a Yoga instructor by Satchidananda Ashrama in Virginia, Mochani will lead Yoga practices, Sandhya Vandanam, and Gayatri chanting sessions during the retreat. Beyond her teaching, she will act as a retreat facilitator, attentively addressing questions and attending to the needs of all participants, ensuring everyone feels nourished, cherished, and connected to their inner selves and nature's rhythms. Additionally, Ms. Gay operates a healing practice and herbal apothecary through East Flora Wellness, inspired by her Caribbean roots, focusing on balance through mindfulness, natural therapies, and Ayurveda.

Coming Soon

We will be bringing in one traditionally trained Vedic Purohit (Priest) to assist with the Yajna ceremony on the final day. We will update with his photo and bio as soon as participation is confirmed. ​

Cancellation Policy

A full payment or deposit through our payment plan is needed to guarantee your spot at the Soma Matha Vedic Retreat. The retreat and any payments made are non-refundable.