Questions | Return To Silence

Questions

These are questions that come up most often along the way.

Are you a teacher or guide?

What is your role in all of this?

I am not a teacher. I am not a guru.
What I offer is space for stillness, for honesty, and for what is already alive in you to be seen.
I walk the same path I once needed others to light for me.
My intention is to open minds to the radical possibilities already within.
These are truths waiting to be recognised, not taught.
My role isn’t to lead you somewhere. It’s to sit beside you while you remember where you already are.

Can I follow you on Instagram or Facebook?

No. I don’t maintain any social media platforms, apart from YouTube where I quietly expand on this space through film.

I don’t advertise. Whoever is drawn here is drawn by grace.
If this space speaks to you and feels real, you’re welcome to share it with a friend or someone close.
That’s enough.

How is this pilgrimage different from a retreat?

This isn’t a retreat. It’s a return.

There are no programs, no schedules, no performances.
It’s not therapy, not a wellness retreat, yoga training, or detox holiday.
There’s no fixing, and no one to impress.

This is a pilgrimage held in sacred presence,
where stillness, silence, and honest connection guide the days, not agendas.

This is not about becoming someone.
It’s about remembering quietly and honestly who you already are.

Nothing to fix. Just space to remember.

Who is this pilgrimage for?

It’s for spiritually sensitive people who want real depth, not spiritual ego.
For burnt-out seekers, therapists, healers, artists, and wisdom-carriers who’ve spent years giving and are ready to be held.
It’s for those in transition, those grieving, awakening, or changing, who feel Arunachala calling them inward.

Do I need to have experience with meditation or Indian spirituality?

No. What matters is your sincerity, not your background.
This isn’t about being “spiritual.” It’s about being honest, open, and ready to meet yourself more deeply.

Will we be doing things every day?

Yes, but not in a rushed or packed way.
We’ll visit powerful sites, walk around Arunachala, spend time in silence, and have space for deep conversation and inner reflection.
There’ll be plenty of time to drink lots of chai and enjoy delicious, wholesome food.
It’s a rhythm of presence, not performance.

Is it physically demanding?

Most days are gentle and spacious.
There is one optional trek to Parvathamalai that is physically challenging, but everything else is walked at a mindful, grounded pace.
You can opt out of anything that doesn’t feel aligned.

Do I need travel insurance?

I recommend that you do.
Travel insurance offers peace of mind in case of flight changes, medical issues, or unexpected interruptions, especially when travelling abroad.

Is it safe to travel alone?

Yes. Tiruvannamalai is a spiritual town with a strong pilgrim community and a deeply rooted devotional culture.

You’ll be picked up personally from Chennai Airport, and everything is taken care of from the moment you land.

Do I need to organise my own travel to India?

Yes, pilgrims are responsible for making their own way to Chennai International Airport.
From there, I will meet you personally and bring you to Tiruvannamalai by private taxi.

Do I need a visa for India?

Yes, all international visitors require an e-Visa.
Be sure to apply online for a tourist e-Visa before departure and ensure your visa covers your full time in the country.

What should I pack?

Comfortable clothing for warm weather, respectful attire for temples (shoulders and knees covered), walking shoes or sandals, and anything else that supports your quiet time. A journal is always a good idea.

Is there WiFi and mobile reception?

Yes. The guesthouse has WiFi, and there is reliable mobile coverage in Tiruvannamalai.

Still, you may find yourself wanting to unplug more than expected.

Can I stay longer after the pilgrimage ends?

Yes. I’m happy to recommend peaceful guesthouses or ways to extend your time here, if that feels right for you.

Can I come with a friend or partner?

Yes. This pilgrimage is available for solo travellers, couples, or small groups of up to three.

Each person will be held in their own experience while sharing the journey together.

Who is Ramana Maharshi?

Ramana Maharshi (1879–1950) was a revered Indian sage who lived in Tiruvannamalai, at the foot of Arunachala.

He awakened to the Self at age 16 through a spontaneous inquiry into death, and taught the path of silence, stillness, and self-inquiry.

Ramana welcomed seekers from all backgrounds and spoke simply: “Who am I?” was his central teaching.

His presence still radiates from Arunachala, which he called the spiritual heart of the world.

What is Arunachala and why is it sacred?

Arunachala is the physical manifestation of Lord Shiva, still, silent, and unmoving.

The Skanda Purana (an ancient Hindu scripture dedicated to Lord Shiva and his son Skanda) tells how Lord Shiva appeared as a column of endless light to humble Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Later, He took the form of Arunachala, a mountain of pure being, beyond the mind’s reach.

Sri Ramana Maharshi said,

“Arunachala is the Self in the form of a hill.”
(Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi, Talk 398)

To be near it is to sit in the presence of Lord Shiva, not as idea, but as living silence.

I’m religious and have deep faith, can I still come?

Yes. People of all faiths, backgrounds, and creeds are welcome.

This isn’t about belief systems. It’s about sincerity, presence, and meeting life as it is.

Whether you’re grounded in prayer, ritual, or silence, there’s space for you here.

Can I bring up things that are unusual, mystical, or hard to talk about?

Yes. Nothing is off limits here.

This is a space for honest, open, and non-judgmental conversation, whether it’s mystical, emotional, existential, or completely unexpected.

You’re welcome to bring whatever is alive in you. I’m happy to sit with and explore anything that comes up, gently, privately, and in confidence.

I’ve had my own experiences too, and if the moment arises, I’m happy to share them.