On July 3rd, amidst the chanting of Vishnu Sahasranamam, Sri M had invited the spirit of “Dhanvantharaye Amrutha Kalasa Hastaya”, to grant the Amrut of wellbeing to all. As if to highlight this attribute, the kalasham in the hand of the idol had a natural golden glow to it, built into the natural stone out of which it is carved.

A time-travel to the year 2019 brings back memories of visits to various Goshalas in and around Madanapalle, Bangalore, Melkote, with the determination to bring in only the indigenous cows and zeroed in on Gir, Sahiwal, and Rathi breed of cows. The search connected us to the traditional farmers in Saurashtra, Goshala setups in Ayurveda and Yoga centres, husbandry research centres and culminated at a Goshala in Melkote, Karnataka.

Diwali is a time to let go of past negativity, welcome inner wisdom, and recognise the eternal, immortal nature of the spirit within each person. While external celebrations are joyous, the true essence of Diwali is an inner awakening of knowledge and wisdom that dispels ignorance. This internal illumination, rather than just lighting lamps, is the core celebration of the spirit.

On July 20, 2025, A Dhyan Mandir was inaugurated by Sri M in a simple yet warm ceremony, attended by a select group of those who have contributed towards this elegant meditation hall becoming a reality. Sri M unveiled the beautifully crafted ‘Aum’ while inaugurating the Dhyan Mandir for Sadhaks from all walks of life. The all-inclusive symbol of ‘OM – the Pranava’, the soundless sound pervading the Cosmos is the only point of focus in this meditative space, to explore the inner being. He reminded us that this symbol, which represents the Pranava or the all-pervading Supreme Brahman, is everywhere and is responsible for the manifestation of everything around us. It is the bridge that makes one realise that which is there is also here.

On the sacred day of Ekadashi, a very special blessing arrived at the Sacred Grove Goshala. Our gentle cow Nandini gave birth to a beautiful calf, and in honour of the auspicious day, the newborn has been named Ekadashi. Both mother and calf are healthy, and everybody at Sacred Grove is filled with joy and gratitude.

The retreat opened with Seva and Shravana sessions on August 15. As noon turned to dusk, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky as if to bless the gathering assembled for the evening Abhishek and Arti of our beloved Madanagopala. By his grace, the evening unfolded without rain, culminating in the blissful midnight celebration of Sri Krishna Janam.

On the 3rd anniversary of The Sacred Grove, Chowdepalle, we held our first integrated Swadhyaya and Ayurveda Self-Retreats—an immersive experience in solitude, self-inquiry, and holistic wellbeing.

Tucked away in the outskirts of Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh, where the air turns crisp and the trees whisper, the Sacred Grove retreat centre blossomed into an experiential learning space during this year’s Tree Plantation Festival. We believe in creating meaningful experiences that connect individuals with their natural habitat.

At The Sacred Grove, we use the concept of the Panch Mahabhutas (five elements of nature) as the foundation for connecting with nature and fostering self-development. Nestled within a lush, green campus, The Sacred Grove is where the beauty of nature meets the wisdom of ancient philosophies. Through engaging storytelling, exploratory nature walks, creative crafts, and mindful practices, participants discover the profound connections between the five elements and their inner selves. Recognizing the power of storytelling to inspire all ages, especially children, we share stories in natural surroundings—among trees, hills, and water bodies—encouraging young minds to reflect, connect with the elements, and express themselves through painting, writing, and crafting. These activities help deepen the bond between families and nature.