Shivratri Celebrations
2013 - FAQ

Here you will find many questions answered. Please go through all questions carefully, if there are any further queries or your question cannot be found, please email courses@vvmvp.org

ARRIVAL QUERIES

PROGRAM AND PAYMENT QUERIES

ASHRAM QUERIES

HOUSING QUERIES

Arrival Queries

All queries related to documents needed, passport, visa, transport, on-the-spot registration, arrival procedures, etc.

How do I arrange for transport from the airport?

Your options are:

• Order a pre-paid taxi on arrival at Bengaluru International Airport
• Book through Ashram's own travel agency, Sumeru travels: taxi@sumerutravels.com (Please include your name, program and stay duration, airline information for arrival, and departure too if required)

What are Check-in and Check-out times?

• Check-in for any program is till 10 pm, one day prior to the program start date.
• Check out for any program is till 12:30 pm one day after the program ending date.

Do I need to bring any documents before I arrive for Check-in? (For International Participant's ONLY)

Arrival Documents required (International Participants):

• 2 C-forms completed and signed
• Print out of program registration form
• Confirmation email containing registration ID number
• Photocopy of passport
• Photocopy of current Valid Indian visa

Arrival Documents required (National Participants):

• Print out of program registration form
• Confirmation email containing registration ID number
• Please carry any of your ID Proof

My visa is in my old passport which passport should I photocopy? (For International Participants ONLY)

Kindly photocopy both your old and new passport pages, and the VALID visa page.

My passport expired but I have extended its validity. What pages should I photocopy? (For International Participants ONLY)

Kindly photocopy the passport page with your name, date of birth etc, AND the page that indicate the NEW date of expiry.

I can't lift heavy things will there be someone to help me with my suitcase when I arrive?

There will be Shuttle services to take you from reception to your room. If additional assistance is needed, the welcome team will provide you with help.

Rudrapuja

I wish to come to attend the Rudrapuja. How much do I have to pay?

You can come and attend the Rudrapuja without any charge. However, if you wish to take Sankalpas for the Rudrapuja, please contact the Pooja Desk (sanskriti.vds@gmail.com) for more details.

Program and Payment queries

All queries dealing with payment, registration for any program, program contribution queries, etc

How do I register for a program online?

 

Can I register and pay for more than one person at one time for one program?

Yes. Kindly follow the appropriate links to process.

I am an Indian Passport Holder but live in another country, how do I determine the amount to pay?

Your program contribution is determined by your country of residence from past one year. Kindly choose your country of residence and pay the relative amount.

I am a PIO/PAN cardholder, how do I determine the amount to pay?

Your program contribution is determined by your country of residence from past one year. Kindly choose your country of residence and pay the relative amount.

What are the methods of payment?

• Online Credit / Debit Card Payment (Visa/Master type Card)
• In person, on arrival (subject to availability)

Please Note: Online Transactions are the quickest and most secure way to guarantee your place, desired accommodation type for your chosen program. In-person payments are at your discretion.

What should I pack/prepare for my program?

• Loose, light clothing that is comfortable to move in.
• Clothing that covers your shoulders and ankles, nothing too revealing, please.
• Cheap flip-flops/ slippers
• Mosquito repellent and coil
• Torchlight and batteries
• Handheld Radio (e.g. your mobile phone) and earphones for language translation facilities, if available. (radios will be also be available for purchase in ashram)
• Locks and keys for all your suitcases
• Yoga mat (Yoga mats can be purchased in the Divine services at Ashram)
• Toiletries: Body wash, Shampoo, toilet paper, clothes washing powder or soap (Toiletries listed and more are also available for purchase at the Divine services at Ashram)
• One Shawl or jacket for the cool mornings and evenings
• Towel (thinner the better, to ensure quick drying)
• Notebook and pen to note down knowledge (also available at Divine services for purchase at Ashram)
• Relevant chargers- phone, camera
• Umbrella
• If you require translation, please ensure that someone who is affiliated with the Art of Living orgranisation is there to provide this service for you. Either bring them along and book their accommodation prior with yours, or another program participant, etc.

If we have registered and paid for the program under one name, but due to unforeseen circumstances, such as the person dropping out, another person would like to replace that registration, what are the formalities?

Unfortunately, all registrations are NON- TRANSFERABLE, NON- CANCELLABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Can I just show up and register before the program?

This is at your own discretion, however there is a high likelihood you MAY be able to join your chosen program, but accommodation at the ashram MAY NOT be available.

If you do want to come in person and try your luck, you will be directed to Ashram's travel agency, Sumeru Travels, upon arrival. They will arrange your registration for the program, your accommodation outside the ashram and transport to and from the ashram to your hotel for the duration of your program.

To avoid disappointments, we highly recommend booking and paying online, as soon as possible.

Can I do two programs simultaneously?

Yes. For example, one can attend both Part II program and Sahaj Samadhi program simultaneously.

If additional short programs are offered, please check with the reception when you have arrived at Ashram for details, payments and timings, to avoid clashes in your schedule.

During the time you are required to be in silence as part of your program, please refrain from participating in any other programs at that time. You may participate, before going in or after coming out of silence.

Are meals included in the program contribution?

Yes. Room stay and meals are included in the program contribution. Meal timings are roughly:

Breakfast 7.30-8.30 am
Lunch 12:30-1:30 pm
Dinner 8:00-9:00 pm

Who can I contact for queries about the programs if I'm not in Bangalore?

You may email:
internationalevents@vvmvp.org or courses@vvmvp.org
You may call:
(91) (80) 26080236

Who can I contact for queries about the programs when I am in Bangalore/Ashram?

 

Events desk: +91 80 67262802 (New Reception, near Gate no.5)

Info desk: +91 80 67262626 / 27 / 28 (Opposite to Vishalakshi Mantap)

Ashram Queries

All queries dealing with ashram services, venues, timings of satsang, meeting Guruji, etc

I am interested in Ayurvedic treatments, whom can I contact?

Please contact:
Sri Sri Ayurveda Panchakarma
T: (91) 80 2843 2991, 3272 1298
E: info@ssapd.org | www.ssapd.org

What other services are available in Ashram?

Divine shops

• Books, Audio tapes and CDs, Videos, etc.
• Snacks, Art of Living clothing, books, toiletries, First-Aid objects, bottled water, etc.

Nadi Pariksha (life style consultancy)

• Ayurvedic Medical Consultation that is conducted by pulse observation.

Madurya

• Sarees, Churidhars, Salwar Kameez (Punjabi) Sets, etc
• Jewelry
• Indian figurines, books, bags etc

Canteen Vishala
You can purchase food, tea, coffee, ice-cream, fruit juice, cake, etc from 10 am - 10 pm

Locker service
Storage for valuables and important documents (located behind Canteen Vishala)

Shuttle service
Complimentary pick-ups and drop-offs inside the ashram campus for senior citizens, disabled persons or those less able to walk.

Internet Cafe

• International and National Phone calling facilities
• Printing and Scanning Facilities
• Internet facilities

Foreign Exchange available at Sumeru travels
Change your money

ATM

• Canara Bank (located under Madurya)
• State Bank of India (located near Gate No. 1)

Astrology services (by appointment)
Please visit Vedic Dharma Sansthan
(located below Madurya shop)

Ayurvedic Treatments (5 min walking distance from Gate No.3)
Sri Sri Ayurveda Panchakarma

Beauty Parlours (located near Gate No.1 and in Panchakarma)
Waxing, manicures, pedicures, hair cutting (for females only)

Ashram Clinic/ Pharmacy (for Allopathic (western) medicine & First Aid)

• Near Gate No. 3
• Emergency Ambulance service from Apollo Hospital Bangalore, also available

Laundry Service
Near Gate No. 3, in front of Ashram Clinic

Dining Hall (Kitchen)
Meals available, as part of your program contribution, are eaten here.

Toilets

• located on the base floor of Vishalakshi Mantap
• located behind Canteen Vishala
• located next to Dining Hall (kitchen) and Divine Shop

Are there any rules and customs in the Ashram or on the program that I should be aware of?

• Please wear clothing that covers your shoulders and ankles.
• Hot water for bathing is available from 4-6 am. If you have a button to turn on the Hot Water in your bathroom, please turn it on at least 15 mins before you intend to bathe.
• If your program requires you to be in silence, please refrain from talking, whispering, or communication with anyone in any way to reap full benefits of the program.
• Men and Women do not share accommodation. Men will be housed with other men, and women housed with other women.
• At Yagnashala and Vishalakshi Mantap, men and women sit separately.
• No shoes, food or drink, except for bottled water, is allowed inside Vishalakshi Mantap or Yagnashala
• Vishalakshi Mantap and Yagnashala are quiet zones, please refrain from talking loudly, bringing children inside and having your phone on, as people might be meditating.
• There will be group Sadhana (Padmasadhana, Pranayam, Bhastrika and Kriya) every morning during your program, please listen to announcements for timings the night before, at the end of Satsang.
• Rudrapuja will take place every Monday at Yagnashala (subject to change), please listen to announcements for timings the night before, at the end of Satsang.
• Lost and Found is located in the Housing Office
• Please do not wear any expensive footwear
• Please wear your nametags at ALL TIMES for security reasons
• Ladies are requested to tie their hair during any puja.
• Water that is safe to drink can be purchased at the divine shop, or filled in the Kitchen (Dining Hall) or the various taps, which indicate "Drinking Water"
• No alcohol, cigarettes or drugs are allowed in the ashram
• No meat is allowed in ashram (includes chicken, duck, fish, shrimp, prawn, egg, beef, pork, lamb, venison, etc)
• Please avoid eating cut fruit from the stalls on the road in front of the Kitchen (Dining Hall), as we cannot guarantee the cleanliness and hygiene of the stalls.
• Everyone should be in their own rooms at 11 pm
• If you are designated seva, please do it. If you missed group allocation for seva, then please perform seva on your own initiative. (e.g. wiping plates, serving food, cleaning Vishalakshi Mantap)

How can I meet Guruji in person?

 

What time and where is satsang?

Monday to Saturday: Usually starts at 6:30 pm, unless otherwise announced.
Sunday: Usually around 4:30 pm, unless otherwise announced.

Satsang Locations

Vishalakshi Mantap (Meditation Hall)
Outdoor Amphitheatre (located in front of Vishalakshi Mantap)
Yagnashala (located on the downhill slope in front of Housing)

Is there wireless Internet access available for my laptop in the ashram?

You can purchase pre-paid Wireless Internet access, please consult

Housing Queries

All queries dealing with housing, accommodation, for yourself or any additional members, group queries, etc

Are room upgrades available after registering?

This is subject to availability. For housing related queries, please contact Housing Department directly, either prior by email housing@vvmvp.org, or in person when you arrive.

Is it possible for my friends and I to reserve a room together?

This is subject to availability. For housing related queries, please contact Housing Department directly, either prior by email housing@vvmvp.org, or in person when you arrive.

If I want to bring my child and/or nanny, what formalities should I follow?

Unfortunately, there are no babysitting or child-minding facilities available at the Bangalore Ashram. Thus, if the child is old enough to take care of itself or if you want to bring your own nanny for the duration of your program/stay to take care of your child, please contact Housing to reserve accommodation as there might not be rooms available closer to the dates. They will need to have "Ashram Stay Registration Forms" filled out either prior to or on the day of, their arrival.

If ashram accommodation is full, what are my options?

Sumeru travels will be able to assist you in booking accommodation outside but close to the ashram. In addition, they will provide the transport required back and forth during the program.

I have booked accommodation outside the ashram, (either on my own or through Sumeru Travels) where do I go when I arrive at ashram?

If you have booked your own accommodation outside the ashram, please inform the welcome team at reception and they will direct you for printing of your nametag for the program.

If you have booked with Sumeru Travels, the welcome team at reception will direct you to Sumeru Travels where they will process your registration, stay and printing of your nametag for the program.

Please note: If you have booked your stay outside the ashram on your own, ashram will not be held responsible for your safety, transport & security.

Is the ashram wheelchair accessible?

There is ramp access to Vishalakshi Mantap, Canteen and Yagnashala, however that being said, there are still steps to the accommodations, to get inside Vishalakshi Mantap, etc.

Please contact Housing and Administration offices at ashram before you make your registration. A full-time care assistant at an extra cost is subject to availability which administration may be able to book for your comfort during your stay at ashram. However we would like to stress the point that a care assistance is subject to availability, if we cannot provide you with an assistant, your mobility in the ashram will be your responsibility.