"Between Heaven and Earth"
November 14-22, 2025

A Journey through South India with Sergey Dmitrenko!

Dates: November 14-22, 2025
Itinerary: Mamallapuram – Pondicherry – Chidambaram – Tiruvannamalai – Kanchipuram – Tirupati – Tirumala
India is a place where the Earth's most ancient culture has been preserved, along with its material manifestations: temples and other sacred sites. Indians call such places "tirtha," which means "bridge," a bridge between heaven and earth. We will visit the most sacred and frequented places of the gods Vishnu and Shiva, dedicated to the elements. Such a pilgrimage is believed to grant wishes and free one from fears.
November 14-16: Mamallapuram
Upon arrival at Chennai airport, a taxi will pick you up and take you to a hotel on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in the historic city of Mamallapuram (approximately 1 hour travel time). You'll check in and have free time for swimming and relaxation. In the afternoon of the arrival day and the following day, we'll have an excursion around Mamallapuram.
Mamallapuram is a unique stone city on the shores of the Indian Ocean, first mentioned in the 7th century AD. At that time, it was the second capital and main port of the Pallava kingdom. We'll start our walk with the Shore Temple, famous for its rock carvings dating back to the 8th century. We'll admire the famous colossal rock relief depicting scenes of Arjuna's penance and the descent of the Ganges from heaven.
We'll climb inside the old lighthouse, which offers a wonderful view of the city and the ocean. Along the way, we'll see the rock temple of Varaha, Ganesh Ratha, Kotikal Mandapa (an open-pillared hall), Krishna Mandapa, Mahishamardhini Mandapa, Durga Temple, and the Trimurti cave temple. We'll also check if Krishna's Butter Ball has rolled away! We'll conclude our excursion at Pancha Rathas – five colossal stone chariots and five temples carved from a single stone, which were hidden by sand until excavated by British archaeologists in the 19th century. All these monuments are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Mamallapuram is a city of artisan sculptors and stone carvers. In one of the many workshops, you can see both finished sculptures and observe the full cycle of sculptors' work: from roughing out a stone block to the final decorations.
In the evening, there will be time to stroll along the coast, visit souvenir shops, and have dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants.
November 16: Pondicherry and Auroville
After breakfast, we'll transfer to Pondicherry (2 hours) and visit the experimental city-commune of Auroville. Auroville means "City of Dawn," and its founder is considered to be the revered mystic and philosopher Sri Aurobindo. The main attraction is the Matrimandir, a golden sphere — a building for meditation and yoga practice.
We'll check into Le Pondy hotel, one of the best resorts on the eastern coast of the Bay of Bengal. Enjoy some relaxation by the ocean.
November 16 (Afternoon): Pondicherry
After lunch, we will visit the French quarter of the colonial city of Pondicherry, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, temples dedicated to Ganesha (the patron of all beginnings) and Shiva. We'll stroll along the promenade and the city's colonial streets, take beautiful photos, and also have time for shopping.
November 17: Chidambaram
Today we will visit Chidambaram – a sacred temple city. Chidambaram is home to the unique "Dancing Shiva" Temple – Nataraja Temple, the site of the Akasha Lingam, which symbolizes infinite space, the ether. It is the most important of the five elemental lingams. Shiva's dance holds a sacred meaning: its 108 movements contain information about the laws of existence. In Chidambaram, rituals are conducted in a Vedic tradition that is rare even for India. They are performed by a special caste of Brahmins – the Dikshitars. Their appearance and customs are unlike any other people. For centuries, they have lived a secluded life, serving their temple.

Chidambaram is considered the "center of the earth." Shaivites believe that visiting this temple leads to moksha – liberation. An old Tamil proverb says:
"To see Chidambaram, to be born in Tiruvarur, to die in Varanasi, or simply to think of Arunachala – guarantees liberation."

November 17-20: Tiruvannamalai
Tiruvannamalai is a town at the foot of Mount Arunachala, which is considered the embodiment of Lord Shiva in the most literal sense of the word. Geologists believe this mountain is older than the Himalayas. It is regarded as one of the holiest places in India. According to legend, it was here that Shiva transformed into the first Shiva Lingam – a pillar of fire, whose beginning and end Brahma and Vishnu searched for throughout the universe but could not find. Since the pillar of fire was so dazzling that it was impossible to look at, Shiva transformed into Mount Arunachala, saying:
"As the moon reflects the light of the sun, so will other holy places reflect the sanctity of Arunachala. This is the only place where I have taken such a form for those who wish to worship me and attain enlightenment. Arunachala is the embodied OM."
We will perform a ritual barefoot circumambulation around Mount Arunachala along with hundreds of other pilgrims on a special Purnima day. Such a circumambulation is called "pradakshina" (Prada = giver of blessings, Kshaya = destroyer of Karma, Na = giver of Jnana). Indians say that circumambulating Arunachala can be compared to a journey around the world. It is also believed to be a means of liberation from suffering and curses and to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva.
At the foot of the mountain is the Ashram of Sri Ramana Maharshi – a famous Indian philosopher and sage. His philosophy of self-knowledge is centered on the question: "Who Am I?" We will ascend Arunachala for meditation in the caves where Ramana previously meditated.
We will visit the ancient Arunachaleswara Temple or Annamalaiyar Temple, standing at the foot of Arunachala – one of the largest and most mystical temples in India. It is dedicated to Shiva, embodied in the Fire Lingam. This is truly one of the greatest Shiva temples in India, large in size with an area of almost 10 hectares.
November 20: Kanchipuram
Transfer to Kanchipuram (2 hours). Kanchipuram, one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism, is known as the "City of a Thousand Temples."
Most sacred places in India are traditionally associated with one of the triad of supreme gods. Since Brahma is generally worshipped in only one Indian city – Pushkar – a tirtha is usually associated with either Shiva, Vishnu, or one of the incarnations of the Great Mother – Devi. An interesting feature of Kanchipuram is that both Vishnu and Shiva are equally revered here.
The three main Shiva temples are Ekambareswarar Temple (here is one of the five elemental lingams, Shiva is represented as the Prithvi Lingam of Earth), Kamakshi Amman Temple, and Kailasanathar Temple (dedicated to Shiva as the lord of Mount Kailash in Western Tibet). Among the main Vishnu temples are: Varadharaja Perumal Temple – one of the three main Vishnu sanctuaries in South India. In the Ananda Tirtha tank within the temple, a statue of Vishnu – Atthi Varadar – is kept underwater in a silver chest and is brought out only once every 40 years for 48 days. Legend has it that this statue was placed in this temple by Brahma himself. In the Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, Vishnu is worshipped in the form of Vaikuntha Perumal – the transcendental lord of the Universe. We will visit all these wonderful temples.
The city is also famous for its silk production and showrooms of silk saris and garments.
November 20-22: Tirupati
Early morning departure to Tirupati (2 hours travel time) – home to the most visited pilgrimage site in the world, the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. It is dedicated to one of the forms of Vishnu – Venkateswara (Balaji and Srinivasa). According to legend, this deity has been here since the beginning of Kali Yuga and is self-manifested, not man-made, and fulfills any wishes of devotees!

The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is located atop picturesque hills at an altitude of 976 meters. It is the richest Hindu temple and the most visited religious site in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records!
We strive to make the trip as comfortable as possible, which is why we have chosen the best 4-5* hotels throughout our route.

Trip Cost: 1150 EUR
The trip includes:
 * Accommodation in a double room in hotels with breakfast
 * Transfers
 * Full support, local taxes, fees, etc.
 * Yoga and Qigong sessions (optional)
Additional costs for the trip:
 * International flight
 * Taxi from and to the airport (approx. 20$)
 * Visa: e-visa about $80 
 * Meals (lunch, dinner $1-5 per dish)
 * Personal expenses (tips, calls, souvenirs, etc.)
 * Single room supplement
*Any visa application is filled out online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html. If you need assistance with the application, please ask.)
For more details and to sign up for the trip, please contact:
+(380) 684563599 (via any Messenger app)
Limited spots available in the group!
For over 20 years, several times a year, we have organized journeys and pilgrimages to sacred places in India, interesting and beautiful places in Asia, treks in the Himalayas, yoga tours, and seminars with Sergey Dmitrenko.
A trip with Yoga Mira always guarantees good company and atmosphere, unique itineraries, the best hotels and transport, yoga and Qigong with Sergey Dmitrenko, many beautiful photos, lasting impressions, and invaluable experience.

"Being Aware of Your Existence is Pleasant"

Sergey Dmitrenko

Sergey is a physical rehabilitation specialist who has been practicing and teaching yoga since 1996.

• With a background in medicine and pedagogy, he has studied various types of yoga, including Indian, Taoist, and Qigong.
• He also learned Zhen-jiu Chinese medicine and Onnuri Su Jok Korean therapy.
• He spent five years in an Indian monastery learning yoga and received teachings and blessings from renowned mentors like Sathya Sai Baba, Shri Ganapati Satchidananda, and Pattabhi Jois.
• Founder of "Yogamira", located on the premises of the Vydybetsky Monastery in Kyiv.

Each individual has the potential to attain optimal health, a positive mood, heightened energy levels, and a pleasing appearance.

What might be deemed challenging within Western medicine can often be accessible within Chinese or Indian medicine. Armed with a comprehensive grasp of both Western and Eastern medical principles, I stand prepared to assist those seeking to enhance their overall well-being, whether it involves weight management, muscle gain, revitalizing energy, or rediscovering joy in their lives.

To unveil the underlying causes impacting both physical and mental well-being, and to craft a comprehensive path to recovery, I offer a structured online consultation comprised of three sessions:

• In our initial meeting, we will delve into your current health status and your aspirations for well-being. Additional assessments and tests might be recommended to pinpoint the root causes of any issues.
• During the second meeting, we will explore a spectrum of potential strategies for restoring health, drawing upon both conventional and alternative approaches to medicine.
• You will receive guidance on dietary adjustments, exercise routines, and essential lifestyle modifications.
• After you follow the recommendations and achieve certain results, we will meet again to analyze and make adjustments to the recovery plan.

The path of yoga is a unique and deeply personal journey that thrives with the guidance of a teacher. Through consistent practice, it unravels profound insights into the body, energy, mind, and consciousness. Your unwavering commitment, intrinsic motivation, and relentless diligence serve as the driving forces behind your progress. The teacher, in turn, acts as your trusted guide, while you remain the catalyst for your own transformation.

*These session are in Russian

Yoga and Qigong with Sergey Dmitrenko

• When: Every Thursday from 18:30-19:30
• Where:  The Foundation Cordaan-Riekerhof,  Johan Jongkindstraat 3 Amsterdam

* Free of charge for Ukrainians and donations are optional.

In personalized sessions, you'll delve into targeted practices and specialized breathwork, correcting nuances and gaining tailored insights. Each hour-long class offers individual attention and precise guidance, exclusively designed for you.

*50 Euros/session

Jyotish, often referred to as Vedic astrology, delves into the celestial influence on your life, revealing your optimal days and your overall destiny. Within its profound insights lie the keys to uncovering auspicious moments for crucial endeavors and the fulfillment of your deepest desires. This ancient wisdom equips you with the knowledge to harmonize even the most adverse planetary influences.

Astrology, an intricate thread woven throughout the fabric of existence, has guided humanity's most revered leaders through the complexities of life and significant ventures. It offers a transformative path leading to happiness, success in relationships and careers, and holistic well-being. By grasping the timeless laws of the universe, you can withstand life's challenges with unwavering resilience.

I am Sergey Dmitrenko, a lifelong yoga practitioner and a dedicated yoga instructor.

My journey has been a diverse exploration encompassing various disciplines such as Taoist yoga, Qigong, Chinese medicine, and Korean Onnuri Su Jok therapy. However, it was during a transformative five-year immersion in an Indian monastery that my yoga expertise was honed.

Guided by luminaries like Sathya Sai Baba, Shri Ganapati Satchidananda, Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, and V. Sheshadri, I not only acquired profound wisdom but also received their blessings to share the transformative power of yoga with others. Equipped with both medical and pedagogical qualifications, I have been actively teaching since 1996.

Yogamira, my yoga school, is nestled within the tranquil surroundings of Kyiv's Vydubitsky Monastery—a sanctuary dedicated to learning and personal growth. Additionally, I have established the "Yoga World" center at the Vydubitsky Rehabilitation Center, reuniting with Kyiv after my transformative journey.

Explore transformational journeys after Yogamira sessions with Sergey who who both harnessed the power of mindfulness and dedication to positively impact their lives.