Pilgrimage to the Northeast

While seeing through the eyes of the Sages, The Northeast is the land of shakti and the perfect place for shakti sadhana. The fully awakened shrines of this land serve as a doorway to finding our own Divinity within. It is a land of the wish-granting goddess, Kamakhya, in Assam, and the embodiment of beauty and bliss, Tripurasundari, in the state of Tripura. It is the land of Sri Lakshmi, as sacred water bodies of Manipur, and it is the land of peace and serenity which we can breathe while walking through the forests, streams, and hills of Meghalaya.

Tripurasundari Temple in Udaipur, Tripura

Our pilgrimage in Tripura centers around the Tripurasundari temple, one of the most sublime aspects of the Divine Mother, and a sister-shrine to Kamakhya. Additionally, we’ll connect with the historic Manikya Dynasty, which governed and enriched this part of the world with enlightened leadership. A boat ride on Rudra Sagar (sacred lake) to the island where the dynasty’s summer palace, Neermahal, still stands, will take us back in time in ways that inform this and the remainder of our pilgrimage. In Agartala, we’ll explore Ujjayanta Palace, now Tripura State Museum, which was the Manikya Dynasty’s mainstay and houses, in addition to the region’s fascinating regal and tribal history, the royal portraits of Manikya kings and queens.

Manipur

In this ancient “city of gems”, we’ll engage with local tribal communities and explore their customs, traditions, and arts; shop at the world-renowned Ima Market (Nujpi Keithel, or, Women’s Market), established in the 16th century and operated solely by women to this day; boat on Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, a major biodiverse and economic mainstay for the region, and sacred glory from the ancient past. And a visit to the Sri Govindajee temple in Imphal will offer a unique and delightful experience unlike any other…

East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya

Traverse through the historic hill station, Shillong, en route to the southernmost Meghalaya, recognized for its cleanliness, eco-awareness, and record rainfall creating one of the most biodiverse places in the world. This beautiful region is home to the Khasi community, known for their living root bridges and lifestyle where nature takes the fore. In these striking green hills, we’ll hike into the gorge of Cherrapunji, explore the region’s glorious waterfalls and cliffside limestone cave systems, and relax and unwind at a one-with-nature, farm-to-table resort —built, styled, and run in Khasi Tribe tradition. Nearby is the enchanting village of Mawlynnong—a surprise that awaits you!

Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam

Kamakhya temple, a Sri Vidya temple in the tantric tradition, is home to the ten Maha Vidyas — aspects of the Divine Mother through which we come to know ourselves and the divinity within. Known as the Wish-fulfilling Goddess, Kamakhya has been a stronghold of tantra sadhana in The Northeast for ages, and is central to the Tradition and its teachings still today. Read more about Kamakhya and living experiences of Pandit Tigunait and Swami Rama in Touched by Fire and Living with the Himalayan Masters.

“This pilgrimage is a step toward finding our own essence; the essence of our Creator and Her creation. The goal of this pilgrimage is to fill the vessel of our own body and mind with elixir so that we can walk on our inner path untiringly and share the fruits of our inner quest with our fellow beings and the natural world. It is a pilgrimage filled with thrill, spiritual illumination, and insightful reflection regarding where humanity is headed — and should be headed. Said succinctly, it is the flagship excursion to The Northeast offered by the Himalayan Institute and guided by the Masters who watch over this land.”

—Pandit Rajmani Tigunait

Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD