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7th Annual Aradhana

Honoring Baba Hari Dass, Beloved teacher & inspiration

Babaji’s aradhana (annual ceremony of honor and remembrance) is observed annually the day after the full moon—this year, on Monday, September 8. We will celebrate Babaji with a puja (​​ceremonial offering), yajna (ancient Vedic ritual), and kirtan (devotional singing) at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple at Mount Madonna, followed by a bhoj (feast).

The date of Babaji’s passing was September 25, 2018, the second day of Pitru Paksha, on the day after the full moon. Pitru Paksha on the traditional Hindu calendar is an auspicious 16-day period beginning on the full moon day in late August/September. In this tradition, Pitru Paksha is an important time for annually honoring ancestors with tarpanam (making offerings) and shraddha (ritual paying homage). If one leaves their body during this period, as Babaji did, it is considered particularly auspicious.

There are a number of ways through which you may choose to participate:

  • Aradhana & Bhoj:
    Join the aradhana festivities on Monday, September 8. Arrive after 7:00 a.m. for the morning rituals that begin at 7:30 a.m., and stay for the bhoj. Please register before September 6 and include the total number of people in your party. Note: Only one vehicle per registration; register each vehicle separately.

Cost: FREE. Donations to help cover costs are welcome!

  • Aradhana Personal Retreat:
    Book an overnight stay for anytime between September 6 and September 10. Arrival and check is between 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
    Check out is 11:00 a.m., however, you may choose to stay until 5:00 p.m. and enjoy general access to the campus as for a personal retreat. Please register at least 48 hours in advance to your scheduled day of arrival.

Cost: Based on lodging selection and duration of stay

  • Aradhana via Livestream:
    Celebrate Babaji’s aradhana from afar via livestream on the Temple YouTube channel. No pre-registration necessary.

Cost: FREE

Schedule

Monday, September 8, 2025
7:00 - 7:30 a.m. PDTArrival
7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Aradhana Puja & Yajna
9:30 - 10:00 a.m.Arati
10:00 - 10:30 a.m.Kirtan
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.Bhoj

Rates & What's Included

Details & Useful Information

ARADHANA PERSONAL RETREAT RATES

Adults

Tuition FREE + accommodations & meals. Rates are per person, per night. Rates stated here apply to this program only; other retreat and program accommodations pricing may differ. Please note: no unaccompanied minors.

Children ages 13 and older
As adult
Children 5 - 12 years old - On campus
$25
Children 5 - 12 years old - Vehicle camping or commuting
$10
Children 4 years and under
FREE

Rates: Group retreat rates depend on your choice of accommodations and include access to the Mount Madonna campus, lodging, and meals.

Arrival & Departure: Plan to arrive and check-in between 3:00 pm – 5:30 p.m. Check out is at 11:00 a.m.; however, you may stay for lunch following the program closing.

Reservations: Retreats must be booked a minimum of 48 hours in advance.

Meals: Two vegetarian meals are served during retreats, including brunch and dinner. Breads, spreads, and a tea bar are also available between meals.

Accommodations & Meals

Make the Mountain Home

Rates are based on stated occupancy (i.e., double and triple rates are available only to groups of two or three people who are staying in the same room).

RAM cottages

two and three rooms

The Ram Cottages have easy access to the Wellness Center and many hiking trails. Ram Cottage #1 sleeps four and offers two bedrooms, a small kitchen, one shared full bathroom, and shared living space with an outdoor deck. Ram Cottage #2 sleeps six in three rooms and offers a kitchenette and one shared full bathroom. All beds are singles. Prices are based on stated occupancy.

Guest Rooms

Single, Double, or Tripple

These tasteful hotel style rooms, some with ensuite bathrooms, are located in our Conference Center, where there is wifi, two lovely courtyards with expansive views in which you may read and relax, and a full tea bar available at all times in the conference wing of the building. Rooms that don’t have ensuite bathrooms have access to nearby shared bathrooms and showers (private while in use). All beds are singles. There are no phones or TVs in any of our rooms. Prices are based on stated occupancy.

Rustic Cabins

Single or Double

Our simple rustic cabins are located in the Oaks Campground. They are a short 10-minute walk uphill from the Conference Center, but have a feeling of being more remote. Cabins sleep two and feature electricity and heat but no wifi or indoor plumbing. All beds are singles. A separate shower house is nearby, containing private showers and dressing rooms, and flush toilets. If this sounds a bit rustic, please consider booking a room in the Conference Center. Prices are based on stated occupancy.

Yurts

Single or Double

Located in the Oaks Campground, a 10-minute walk up the hill from the Conference Center, our yurts sleep 2-3 people and have electricity and heat, but no plumbing and no wifi. A yurt is a cozy, circular space provided by a wood structure and canvas walls. Each yurt is situated on a wooden platform, and is outfitted with a comfortable queen- and twin-size beds, linens, towels, warm comforters and blankets. A separate bathhouse with private flush toilets and shower rooms is nearby. The yurts are a short distance from the associated parking area. Note that high levels of rainfall November – April may affect yurt accessibility (walking path is available year-around).

Camping

Bring your own tent

Developed campsites are available for people who wish to bring their own tent. Sites offer access to showers and flush toilets. Although camping is usually available year-round, please be aware that we can receive significant amounts of rain from November through May.

Own Vehicle

Parking Space

Regular size parking spaces are available for your van, camper or other vehicle. There is no access to electricity. Showers and restrooms are available in campgrounds and Center buildings. Prices are based on stated occupancy.

Aradhana & Bhoj

Date

Monday, Sep 08, 2025

Time

7:30 am - 11:30 am

Location

In-Person/Online
445 Summit Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
  • Registration Details

    WAYS TO ATTEND

    • Day Visit Only
    • Overnight & Day Visit
    • Livestream Online

    Aradhana & Bhoj: Register for the aradhana & bhoj via the button above. Cost: FREE. Donations to cover the costs of food and event expenses are gratefully accepted.


    Aradhana with Overnight Accommodations: Book an overnight for Sunday, September 7, and stay for the aradhana & bhoj on September 8. Cost: Based on lodging selection.

    Personal Retreat


    Aradhana via Livestream: Celebrate Babaji’s aradhana from afar via livestream on the Temple YouTube channel. No pre-registration necessary. Cost: FREE

    Temple Livestream

  • Important Notes

    Policies

    • Advance reservations are required for all visitors.
    • 48-hour notice is required to make a reservation.
    • Balance is due in advance (Visa, MasterCard, American Express only).
    • NO food, drugs, alcohol, pets, incense, candles or other flammables are allowed on campus.
    • Dogs are not permitted. Only service animals, as defined by the ADA, are allowed and must remain harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times.

    Cancellation of free day visit

    • Please let us know if you decide not to attend so we can plan accordingly. Thank you!

    Cancellations for overnight stay

    • Cancellations made at least fourteen (14) days before the start date of your Personal Retreat reservation are fully refundable.
    • Cancellations made three (3) to thirteen (13) days prior to the start date of your reservation incur a cancellation fee of $100, and the remainder of your payment will be held as a credit toward a Personal Retreat to be taken within one (1) year. Credit is not transferable to another person or program.
    • No refunds will be given for cancellation, no-show, or early departure, less than three (3) days in advance of the start date of your reservation.