“yathā śikhā mayoḥ vahnir dṛśyate śukra mādhunī | jyotiṣāṃ darśanāt tathā sarvaṃ vedam prakāśate ||”

“As fire is hidden in wood and revealed by friction, so too the Veda shines forth when illumined by Jyotiṣa.”

About Our Unique Retreat

Immerse yourself in a rare and unique retreat that will teach you about Ancient Indian Astronomy (Gaṇita, Phalita, Jyotiṣa), and fortify that learning with night-time observations using telescopes and binoculars.

Guiding you on this journey are:

Dr. Raj Vedam: An avid backyard astro-photographer, engineer, and historian who also teaches a course on Ancient Indian Astronomy at HUA
Dr. Aditya Togi: Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Texas State University, San Marcos, with a deep engagement in astrophysics
Vidushi Eve Mendoza: a dedicated sādhakā committed to the study and practice of Jyotiṣa and Veda Śāstras

You will explore the methods and measurements of ancient Indian astronomy, delving into fascinating details about this ancient science and will enter the world of Jyotiṣa-śāstra (the science of light and celestial order).

With powerful telescopes, the crisp winter nights will provide exceptional opportunities to observe the Grahas (planets), Nakṣatras (groups of fixed stars with their Yogatārās), Rāśis (constellations), Nebulae and Galaxies.

You will learn the interpretive depth, historical importance as well as gain the ability to recognize: Grahas, Nakṣatras and Rāśis. Last but not the least, you might also be able to take breathtaking photos of deep space objects.

[Note: Cloud-free skies cannot be guaranteed.]

Express Your Interest

For any questions regarding accommodations and logistics please call HUA Admission's team at -
📞: +1 407 545 5057 or WhatsApp: +1 407-205-2828

Register for Retreat

The retreat fee includes accommodation, nourishing Sattvic vegetarian meals, and access to expert-led workshops, offering a comprehensive and rejuvenating experience. Note: Airfare to and from Orlando is not included.

Price range: $500.00 through $1,800.00

This course is currently unavailable for registration

Accomodation Type:

Price:

Clear

Daily Schedule

Day 1: Thurs, Dec 11 – Introduction & Night Sky Viewing

Time	Activity
12:30 PM	Lunch and Welcome
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM	Astronomy Orientation
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Dinner (dinner will be available until late)
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM	Night Sky Viewing

Day 2: Fri, Dec 12 – Sessions 1, 2 & 3; Night Sky Viewing

Time	Activity
8 AM to 8:45 AM	Breakfast
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM	Astronomy Session – 1 – Dr. Vedam
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM	Lunch Break
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM	Astronomy Session – 2 – Eve Ji
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM	Tea Break
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM	Astronomy Session – 3 – Aditya Ji
7:00 PM	Dinner
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM	Night Sky Viewing

Day 3: Sat, Dec 13 – Sessions 4, 5 & 6; Night Sky Viewing

Time	Activity
8 AM to 8:45 AM	Breakfast
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM	Astronomy Session – 4 – Eve Ji
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM	Lunch Break
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM	Astronomy Session – 5 – Dr. Vedam
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM	Tea Break
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM	Astronomy Session – 6 – Dr. Vedam/ Eve Ji
7:00 PM	Dinner
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM	Night Sky Viewing

Day 4: Sun, Dec 14 – Closing Session & HUA Graduation Ceremony

Time	Activity
7:45 AM to 8:30 AM	Breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM	Astronomy Session – 7 – Joint Closing Session
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM	HUA Graduation Ceremony (Not Mandatory)
12:00 PM	Lunch and check-out.

Retreat Highlights

Astronomy in Vedic texts: Insights into Ancient Indian Wisdom
The Celestial Calendar of Ancient India & Marking the Passage of Time
How Ancient Indians measured & calculated Mean & True Motion of Sun, Moon and Planets
Stories as Encoders of Astronomy Knowledge
Use of Planetarium Software to Track & Understand the Night Sky
Antiquity & Fascinating Facts about Indian Astronomy
Identification of Nakshatras in the Night Sky
Gaṇita Jyotiṣa (mathematical astronomy) – the calculations and measurements of celestial motion
Hōra Jyotiṣa (observational and temporal study) – the reckoning of time through Rāśis (ecliptic-divisions based on groups of stars), Grahas (planetary bodies), and Nakṣatras (important fixed stars)
Phalita Jyotiṣa (interpretive study) – the principles by which the Ṛṣis connected these cycles with terrestrial events

Historical Weather Conditions in Groveland, FL, in December

Please hover on the images to read details

Temperature: Nighttime temperatures in Groveland, FL average around 50°F, as shown below. It is advisable to wear appropriate warm clothing for extended stargazing sessions from 8 PM to midnight.

Clear Sky Forecast: While clear skies cannot be guaranteed, on the average we can expect a 57% chance for clear skies in December as seen in this graph.

On the average, there is only a 16 to 17% chance of rain during the December retreat as shown below.

Bortle Scale Illustration - Orlando

Bortle Scale Map - Pine Lake Retreat

This is the map of the actual retreat location showing the
site is classified at Bortle scale 4.

Dark Skies, Cloud Cover, and the Weather at the Venue

Pine Lake Retreat, near Orlando, Florida, offers excellent dark skies, as shown in the pollution map here.

Our Faculty

DR. RAJ VEDAM

Faculty – Community Education Division (History and Methods) Dr. Raj Vedam is a faculty member at the Hindu University of America, where he teaches courses on the History and Philosophy of Science in India, with a special focus on Indian

Dr. Aditya Togi

Dr. Aditya Togi is an Assistant Professor at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX. He is passionate about teaching Physics and Astronomy. He is involved in numerous research projects using NASA’s advanced telescope facilities, including the James Webb Space

Vidushi Eve Mendoza

Vidushi Eve Mendoza – Eve relocated to India at a young age as a Sadhak, spending several years in service to her teacher in Maharashtra. Her time in India significantly enhanced her commitment to the study of Vedic Shastra and

Our Faculty

Dr. Shriram Sarvotham

Ekaterina (Eka) Jeleva

Retreat Accommodation Options

Shared Chalet:

Two cozy bedrooms with an attached bathroom. There is a common living area and a kitchenette. A couple/individual registering for a chalet will be assigned one bedroom ONLY. The other bedroom in the chalet may be assigned to another couple or individual.