Kurinji: Mountainscapes and Mindscapes-A Paanchajanya Retreat
In a remarkable synthesis of outer and inner worlds, the Ainthinai Paadal of Sangam literature explores the connections and congruence between an external landscape and the internal emotional states. The five landscapes- Kurinji ( hills and surrounding areas), Mullai(the forests), Marutham(the agricultural land), Neithal (the coastal areas) and Paalai ( barren lands) are mapped to five corresponding emotions in the context of relationships - the coming together, the patient waiting, the temporary estrangement, the yearning and the separation. The themes of Ainthinai are fundamental to the “Agam” literary sect and have been an integral part of ancient tamizh ethos.
Paanchajanya is delighted to bring to you the first of its Ainthinai retreats, Kurinji, set in a mountainous backdrop which ushers in the blossoming of love, of relationships, the flow of their feelings, their anxiety about future unions Nature becomes the screen on which their emotions are painted. The retreat will use the Kurinji thinai poetry as a lens to view the shades of human relationships as Smt. Jayanthi Iyengar brings to life the layered beauty of literature. Swamini Pramananda throws a Vedantic lens on the purpose of relationship.
The Kongu region is the point from where the Western Ghats begin, a region rich in culture and history and a sacred land that invited great Siddhas such as Pambatti Siddhar, Gorakshanath and Bhogar. Sri Sibi Raj, will unwrap for us the history and artistic legacy of Kongunadu while also guiding participants through the sacred and architecturally stunning Perur temple.
These experiences will be embellished with guided meditative practices, Kuriji Parai offering (ancient percussion instruments) a fully curated Kongunadu meal, and trek up the Adukkuparai hill, making Kurinji a one of its kind immersion.
Join us between 19th and 22nd March 2026 at PurnaVidya Foundation near Coimbatore. More details and registration link in the poster
Also check out other Arts events in Coimbatore, Literary Art events in Coimbatore, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Coimbatore.
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