VERY FINAL SPOTS
Veda Studies Retreat
Śiva Saṅkalpam - Gurupūrṇimā
Mandali Retreat Center, Quarna Sopra, Italy
Sun 06 to Sat 12 July 2025
Join Shantala in Italy to celebrate Gurupūrnimā and learn the Śiva Saṅkalpa Sūktam, where the mind is encouraged to become self-mastered, akin to Śiva. This potent 32-verse hymn, acts as both a Mantra and Vow (vrata), inviting calmness, aligning with righteousness, and fortifying resolve. It nurtures the mind towards our life's purpose and soothes during times of confusion or despair. The hymn's refrain, "tan me manaḥ śiva sankalpaṃ astu," emphasizes its transformative power in creating a strong connection between practitioner and mind, vital for karmic healing and transformation.
UPDATE 2 JULY 2025: We have a few final spots in 4-bed Dormitory Rooms (female), as well as ONE SINGLE or DOUBLE room (write to [email protected]). You can reserve your spot by clicking here >>
IMPORTANT: If you are new to Veda Studies, be aware having finished the Veda Studies Foundation Course is required. You can do this self-paced, although we advise to follow the live session of 6 weeks that starts in May (click for more info).
YOUR INVITATION
Dear students,
I am delighted to invite you to join me for a transformative retreat at Mandali on the sacred occasion of Gurupūrṇimā in July 2025. When I visited Mandali in Spring 2024, I was struck by its sense of calm and serenity. Nestled in the embrace of the Alps and overlooking the serene Lago d’Orta, the retreat space feels like a sanctuary designed for inner reflection. Every corner—from the spotless guest rooms to the peaceful teaching spaces and panoramic terraces—invites us to pause, breathe, and reconnect. The nourishing all-vegetarian cuisine, the lush gardens, and the warmth of the environment offer an ideal backdrop for the spiritual work we’ll undertake together.
During this retreat, we will immerse ourselves in the chanting of the Śiva-saṅkalpam, a powerful and heartfelt prayer to divinize the mind. This ancient chant sings the glory of the mind, calling for it to be filled with auspicious thoughts and aligned with dharma. Like a saṅkalpa, which starts as a gentle intention and manifests in the most powerful ways, we will practice shaping our thoughts to reflect the divine. Through this chanting, we will honour the mind as a deity, seeking to cultivate noble actions, clear vision, and unwavering fortitude.
I hope you feel inspired to join us for this journey of inner elevation and transformation.
With gratitude,
Shantala Sriramaiah
About Mandali
Located just 75 minutes from Milan Malpensa airport, the Mandali retreat centre sits high on a hilltop with sweeping views of Lake Orta and the Swiss alps (more info on location at the bottom of the page). Mother nature embraces its guests with the majestic sunrises, gorgeous hiking trails and raw beauty.
A truly idyllic setting to find calm and clarity in the mind and body. Mandali was architecturally inspired by the typical Italian medieval towns that surround it. Most of the construction was completed by repurposing a large amount of locally reclaimed materials.
In order to uphold the atmosphere of a quiet, alpine village, Mandali’s structures are found meandering a cobblestone path that follows the curves of the peaceful valley it oversees.
The accommodation
Mandali is made up of many high-quality, cosy rooms that can accommodate our full chanting group. Yet, not all the rooms are the same in order to suit various needs and budgets. There is a range from dormitories to premium single rooms overlooking the gardens and the stunning Lago d’Orta, as well as a few larger hermitages with their own kitchenette.
The food
Colourful, delicious, and locally sourced food, some of which are grown in our own garden, is carefully prepared daily for wholesome and balanced nourishment during your stay. Mandali serves three meals a day and filtered water, herbal teas, and fresh fruit are available all day long. One part of the restaurant is reserved for silent breakfast.
Teaching rooms
Mandali's practice rooms are equipped with sound systems, various lighting options, state-of-the-art ventilation and temperature control. The temple, dome, diamond room and outdoor terrace are multi-functional spaces dedicated to your practice.
(this is the smaller Dome space)
Spa facilities
Our bodycare centre is a peaceful space designed for relaxation and includes a sauna, steam room, swimming pool, and our guest’s favourite…a jacuzzi with epic views! We also offer massage and bodywork treatments provided by our experienced therapists. Treatments can be booked upon arrival.
Sustainable ecosystem
To be in harmony with our environment is one of Mandali’s core values. From the early days, a foundation was laid for a sustainably managed ecosystem. Eco-friendly materials were used for its construction, wood chips fire our heating system, and solar energy powers our kitchen and swimming pool.
Sustainable ecosystem
Mandali's garden inspires you to live in harmony with nature as you take in the graceful presence of flowers, bees, chestnut trees and our resident cats; Barolo, Bhumi and Shanti. Scattered across the garden you will discover many peaceful places for you to walk, sit and ponder. We also have a sweet little pond, lovingly guarded by Ganesha.
The Teaching
Shantala will teach the Śiva Sańkalpa Sūktam traditionally recited as part of the Mahānyāsam. One remarkable aspect of this prayer is that our mind is the deity, inseparable from Śiva, enabling us to harness its potential for karmic transformation.
yene̱daṃ bhū̱taṃ bhuva̍naṃ bhavi̱ṣyatpari̍gṛhītama̱mṛte̍na̱ sarvam̎ |
yena̍ ya̱jñastrā̍yate sa̱ptaho̍tā̱ tanme̱ mana̍ḥ śi̱vasa̍ṅka̱lpama̍stu ||1||
Key points of this retreat:
► Experience the traditional adhyayanam method with Shantala. Adhyayanam is the listening and repeating after the teacher to learn to chant a text.
► Learn about the significance of Gurupūrṇimā in relation to Śiva.
► Explore the related practices - śivopāsana mantra-s, śiva dhyānam, 108 names of Śiva & Dakṣiṇāmūrti mūla mantra japa on Gurupūrṇimā.
► Practice the Rudram (and possibly other hymns) live in community. If you have not yet learned these hymns with Shantala, you are assured a powerful listening experience.
► Immerse yourself in the meditative experience of chanting this text, which has a refrain and therefore easy to learn and enjoy in community.
TENTATIVE PROGRAM
The program starts on Sunday 6 July in the late afternoon. If you arrive at Milano Malpensa Airport by noon, you have plenty of time to get to Mandali. Shantala begins her welcoming session after dinner. The program ends on Saturday 12 July at the end of the morning, followed by a final lunch. If you would like to arrive one or two days earlier, there are plenty of accommodation along Lago d'Orta or Lago Maggiore.
Saturday 5 July
If you arrive early in the region, you may want to already meet with other participants. More info about this follows, also see more about tourism options at the bottom of this email.
Sunday 6 July
- From mid-afternoon: arrival participants at Mandali
- Late afternoon: meeting with Shantala & orientation
- Evening: welcome dinner, evening meditation
Monday 7 July
- Morning: yoga, chanting session 1, break, chanting session 2
- Afternoon: lunch at Mandali, session 3
- Evening: dinner at Mandali, evening meditation
Tuesday 8 July
- Morning: yoga, chanting session 1, break, chanting session 2
- Afternoon: lunch at Mandali, session 3
- Evening: dinner at Mandali, evening meditation
Wednesday 9 July
- Morning: yoga, chanting session 1, break, chanting session 2
- Afternoon: lunch at Mandali, session 3
- Evening: dinner at Mandali, evening meditation
Thursday 10 July - Gurupurnima
- Morning: yoga, chanting session 1, break, chanting session 2
- Afternoon: lunch at Mandali, session 3
- Evening: dinner at Mandali, evening meditation
Friday 11 July
- Morning: yoga, chanting session 1, break, chanting session 2
- Afternoon: lunch at Mandali, session 3
- Evening: dinner at Mandali, evening meditation
Saturday 12 July
- Morning: yoga, chanting session 1, break, chanting session 2
- Afternoon: lunch at Mandali, departure
Due to Mandali's location, there won't be any leisure / tourist visits during the retreat. During off-hours you can go hiking, enjoy the spa facilities, or simply relax in your room, on the grass, or in the garden. If you would like to explore Italy after the retreat, it would be best to first go to Milan or Malpensa Airport, and travel further from there. With a (rental) car, you can easily explore all other lakes, Italy's coast, and other regions.
ACCOMMODATION
Mandali is made up of many high-quality, cosy rooms that can accommodate our full chanting group. Yet, not all the rooms are the same in order to suit various needs and budgets. There is a range from shared, dormitory-style rooms to premium single rooms overlooking the gardens and the stunning Lago d’Orta, as well as a few larger hermitages with their own kitchenette, which are great for families or small groups of friends.
Shared Dormitory (20-23 m2)
The shared room is designed in a simple dormitory style with two sets of bunk beds. An en-suite bathroom is provided, and there are additional toilets and showers in the hallway.
Budget option - No surcharge
Hermitage Shared Room with Garden View (23-24 m2)
If you wish to opt for a more luxurious shared room, the Hermitages are spacious and designed to be shared with up to 4 people. The Hermitages are studios with a built-in kitchen, and a lounge area. There are 2 beds upstairs and 2 downstairs. These rooms are for families or 4 friends who sharing a room.
Budget option, surcharge: € 87 p.p.
Single / Double with Garden or Lake View (17-18 m2)
Most rooms are designed for single occupancy. Comfortable, refined, and tastefully decorated, every room has an en suite bathroom and Queen-sized bed to help you sleep deeply and peacefully. You may book this room also as a double.
Surcharge applies
Twin Room with Garden (ALMOST FULLY BOOKED) or Lake View (17-18 m2)
The twin rooms fall in the same category as the single/double rooms, except that each room has two single beds, an ensuite bathroom and a quiet veranda. All rooms overlook the garden and Temple, or overlook the stunning Lago d’Orta. You can book this as two friends sharing, or as a solo traveler who wants to share the room with another guest.
Surcharge applies
Premium Single / Double with Lake View (22-23 m2) - FULLY BOOKED
Treat yourself to our premium single or double room that comes with a bathtub on the veranda or inside the room. Experience the magic of relaxing in your bathtub with sweeping lake views to keep you company.
Surcharge applies
Premium Twin / Double with Lake View (23 m2)
Your back door will lead you to the practice rooms and village, whilst your front door will lead you to wide open spaces and lake views.The Premium Twin room comes with a double bed but can also be booked by two people who wish to sleep in two separate single beds. The twin setup can only be booked by a couple or two friends who already know each other.
Surcharge applies
Room Sharing
If you come alone and want to avoid the single surcharge, you can opt for a four-bed dormitory. These male or female rooms have either bunkbeds or a combination between bunk beds and single beds. Some key points:
► You will not pay for the single surcharge
► You will not have to find room partners yourself
► There are limited dormitories available (first come first serve)
Those who book first will be offered the option to book in a twin room for more privacy (surcharge applies). If you want a single room, a double room (book for 2 persons), or share a twin room (book for 2 persons), then you can book those immediately.
Travel with Family or Friends
If you want to bring one or more friends or family members who do not want to join the Vedic chanting sessions, they are more than welcome without joining the program. They can enjoy all facilities and be part of the group for the meals. Please let us know in advance and we can make you a proposal.
PARTICIPATION FEE
The participation fee depends on the registration date and room preference. The base rate applies to a stay in the shared dormitory (max 4 people). For other rooms a specific surcharge applies, i.e. for single, double, and twin rooms, for premium rooms, and for lake view rooms.
The participation fees are €2497 and the below urcharges are per person (not per room), so you should simply add them up.
NOTE: not all rooms below are available anymore
Single occupancy
If you would like a private room only for yourself.
➔ Single Garden (17-18 m2): surcharge €597 p.p.
➔ Single Lake (17-18 m2): surcharge €697 p.p.
➔ Premium Single Lake (22-23 m2): surcharge €897 p.p.
Double / twin occupancy (book for 2 persons)
If you would like a private room with your partner or a friend.
➔ Double Garden: surcharge €297 p.p.
➔ Double Lake: surcharge €347 p.p.
➔ Twin Garden: surcharge €297 p.p.
➔ Twin Lake: surcharge €347 p.p.
➔ Premium Double Lake: surcharge €447 p.p.
➔ Premium Twin Lake: surcharge €447 p.p.
Twin occupancy shared (book for 1 person)
If you come alone and would like to share a twin room.
➔ Twin Garden: surcharge €297 p.p.
➔ Twin Lake: surcharge €347 p.p. (if Twin Garden is fully booked)
Dormitory 4-persons (book for 1 person)
You can book a bed in these rooms if you come on your own.
➔ Dormitory Garden 4-persons: no surcharge
➔ Hermitage Garden 4-persons: surcharge €87 p.p.
Upon acceptance of your reservation request, a €500 non-refundable and non-transferrable reservation fee is to be paid within 5 days. The remaining amount must be paid 3 months before the retreat starts.
What is included?
✓ 6 nights accommodation (based on sharing a dormitory)
✓ 6x vegetarian breakfasts, lunches & dinners
✓ herbal teas, coffee, filtered water
✓ fresh fruits, and fruit-flavored water
✓ spa facilities: swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room
✓ gāyatrī upāsana practices
✓ all Vedic chanting lessons by Shantala
✓ practice materials, workbook & online recordings
✓ yoga sessions in the morning
What is not included?
✗ single room (surcharge)
✗ room upgrade (surcharge)
✗ spa treatments
✗ international airfare, visa fees
✗ airport transfer to/from Quarna Sopra
✗ travel & medical insurance (recommended)
✗ cancellation insurance (recommended)
✗ additional hotel nights
✗ personal purchases / expenses
FOR WHO IS THIS RETREAT?
It is essential that you are familiar with Shantala’s teaching style and Vedic chanting from her lineage. These are the minimum requirements for joining the retreat:
✓ Successfully completed Foundation Course before the retreat
✓ Knowledge of Veda chanting rules as taught in our lineage
✓ No smoking or drinking alcohol during the retreat
✓ Only vegetarian food will be served
Retreat participants will have to dress appropriately for Indian traditional teachings. Registered participants will be advised on appropriate clothing.
The retreat is not for:
✗ Those who did not yet finish the Foundation Course before the retreat
✗ Those completely new to chanting & Sanskrit
✗ Those who do not intend to follow the live sessions at the retreat
✗ Those who just want to have an holiday-style retreat in Italy
✗ Those who have not studied previously with Shantala
YOUR TEACHER
The course is developed and taught by Shantala Sriramaiah. Born and raised in Bangalore, India, she studied Sanskrit and chanting from an early age, as part of her family tradition as well as in school. Much of her inspiration comes from her mother Saroja, who taught chanting classes in their family home for over 30 years. She continues studies with various Vedic scholars and pundits, including Guruji M.S. Sreenivasan from the Challakere Brothers, and brings all their teachings to these courses. Shantala is the founder of Veda Studies and has taughter Vedic chanting to thousands of students from around the world.
RESERVE NOW
We have only a few final spots available. You can book your spot by clicking the button below. We will get back to you within 24 hours. Payment follows only after we confirm that you can join and that we have a room for you.
How long until we meet at Mandali?
HOW TO GET TO MANDALI?
Mandali is located in the small village Quarna Sopra, up on the mountain above and at about 20 minutes from Omegna at the Northern tip Lago d’Orta, approximately 75km Northwest from Milano.
By plane
The nearest airport is Milano Malpensa International Airport (MXP), which is 1h15 drive from/to Mandali. We discourage to fly to Milano Linate or Milano Bergamo Orio al Serio because they are further away by car and are not well connected by public transport. If you get a good international connection to Linate, you may consider that. It will take about 3h30 to get to Omegna by train (and possibly bus).
From Malpensa airport to Mandali you can choose 2 options that can be arranged by Mandali:
• up to 3 people —> by car, €150 one-way (only cash in €)
• 4 to 8 people —> by minivan, €200 one-way (only cash in €)
There are public transportation options from Milano and Malpensa Airport to Omegna (at the lake), but it depends much on when you arrive and where exactly you travel from. From Omegna there are only a few public buses per day that drive up hill to Quarna Sopra, where Mandali is.
By car
Mandali is easily reachable by car, at about 30 minutes driving from the E62 highway (exit Gravellona). If you come from / drive through France or Switzerland, all main mountain passes and tunnels should be open, but always check and keep in mind that some tunnels may have (very) long waiting times at certain times in the summer.
By train & bus
Omegna has its own train station, but you must likely transfer a few times to get there. There are also various long distance bus services that connect the Milano area with the Lago Maggiore and Lago d’Orta region. And finally, there various international bus connections to Milano and Milano Malpensa Airport, including Flixbus.
www.comazzialibus.com/ComazziAlibus/
Car rental
It may make sense to rent a car at the airport, especially if you arrive at Milano Bergamo Orio-al-Serio, Milano Linate, or airports farther away. If you have a few extra days, you may want to explore the other beautiful lakes (Maggiore, Como, Garda), or one or more cities, the stunning coastline, the high Alps, or one of the many cultural sights. You can always contact Edgar for some suggestions.
LEISURE TIME
Extending the Veda Studies retreat with a few extra days in Italy is a great idea. Even if you arrive just a few days early or stay just a few days longer, you will find plenty of opportunities to explore this amazing country. It is also the best way to make your (intercontinental) travel a bit less stressful. Note that the retreat is 100% focused on teaching. There will be moments to relax or to go for a hike, but there will not be any time reserved for touristical outings.
Traveling from Milano (Airport) to the lovely small towns of Stresa or Baveno on Lago Maggiore, is relatively easy. You can spend a full afternoon on the stunning Borromeo Islands of Isola Bella, Isola Superiore, and Isola Madre. From there it is just a short trip to Omegna, the city at the North of Lago d’Orta. Also, here you will find plenty of accommodations, and for those who arrive early in Omegna, we may coordinate a meetup for participants on Saturday afternoon/evening. It will not be possible to stay at Mandali, but if you take a taxi or bus up the hill on Sunday afternoon, you will arrive in a relaxed way.
If you want to explore Northern Italy a bit more, we recommend hiring a car. Within a few hours you can get to Lago di Como, Lago d’Iseo, and Lago di Garda, as well as towns like Como, Bellagio, Bergamo, Brescia, and Verona. If you would like to discover even more of Italy, cities like Turin, Genova, Pisa, Lucca, Venice, Cremona, Bologna, and Florence, are all easy to reach within 2-5 hours. All these places are more than worth it. For places further away, we recommend taking a flight, e.g. to Rome, Naples, or Palermo. If you book on time, there will be plenty of affordable tickets available.
It’s also easy to get to Switzerland, both by train and car. Visit incredible places like Zermatt, Saas-Fee, or the Aletsch Glacier, and drive over mountain passes such as Simplon, Furka and Grand Saint Bernard.
Wherever you choose to go before or after the retreat, in this part of the world you simply cannot go wrong. Everything is beautiful, everything is fascinating, and the food is fantastic in every place.
© Veda Studies BV - 2025