Simple living, nature and spiritual practice in a rural village of Tamil Nadu, India

Details

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  Description

  Welcome!! We are happy to invite you to contribute in a Heritage Village Center near Chidambaram Temple, Tamil Nadu
  We are a small traditional charity working to revive a place that once hosted arts and Vedic and spiritual teachings for children and a small cow sanctuary. After years of inactivity the building needs care and attention.
  
  We are looking for volunteers who enjoy simple living, nature, and community work and spiritual practice
  
  We have improved so much already and the place is ready to offer goods, food Insumes and camping style accommodation .
  
  We are passionate for sharing this project and bringing ancient knowledge back to life.
  
  In our vision for the future, this will become a place for sharing Hindu philosophy, mantras and rituals but also a spot for yoga teachers to host retreats, offer workshops or simply a space people who want to experience and stay in a traditional place for temple visits.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Culture

  

  Charity work

  

  Gardening

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Vegetarian or vegan

  

  Yoga / Wellness
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Who will enjoy this?
  
  Minimalists, meditators, yogis, travellers seeking depth and authenticity
  People curious about traditional mystic Tamil temple life and culture
  Volunteers who like hands on work and community projects
  Social Media Creators or Storyteller Experts
  
  If this calls you, you’ll be welcomed like family.

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  Help

  We are reviving a peaceful land in a rural village of Tamil Nadu, with the intention of creating:
  A traditional spiritual center
  A quiet space for sadhana
  A future hub for yoga, meditation, and vedic knowledge
  
  This is a place for simplicity, nature, and mindful living.
  
  How Volunteers Can Participate:
  
  Helping with hands on renovation projects, cleaning the space and maintaining a lively community
  Social media support/content creation
  General land care, gardening and simple village life tasks
  
  Curiosity, patience, and a willingness to learn are most important.
  
  We are looking for handy people for general maintenance or social media creators!
  
  What You’ll Experience:
  
  Calm, rural village living
  Exposure to local culture, traditions, and spiritual practices
  Time for self-reflection, meditation, or yoga
  
  We value cultural exchange, shared meals and working together to bring this dream to life
  :)

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Tamil: Fluent
  English: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  Knowledge of English is recommended and locals are very friendly and open to teach Tamil
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  Accommodation

  Accommodation is simple (camping style), a simple kitchen and cooking materials are provided and we have everything for a convenient stay

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  What else ...

  Transportation is very easy from Chidambaram city.
  
  You will have so many nice temples to explore and foods to try.
  
  We welcome sincere, adaptable volunteers who don’t require luxury and wish to be part of a meaningful project.
  
  *PROGRAM GUIDELINES FOR VOLUNTEERS AND PARTICIPANTS*
  
  ETIQUETTE
  
  Please use your right hand for eating, or giving and taking.
  
  Please do not touch anyone, hugs are not common. Handshakes are ok but it is preferable to just nod and say “Vanakkam” when greeting people.
  
  Do not extend your legs/feet towards anyone, when seated please cross your legs.
  
  Do not do asana (yoga poses) in public places or temples.
  
  Please ask before taking photos of anyone, most will be happy to take a photo with you and may ask for photos of you as well. Do NOT take photos inside temples.
  
  SMOKING
  
  Do NOT smoke in or around any temples, ashrams or meditation centers.
  Alcohol, drugs and cigarettes are FORBIDDEN on the property.
  
  DIET
  
  Non-vegetarian food is not allowed on the properties. We follow a pure veg diet.
  
  CLOTHING
  
  India is a conservative country. When in public women should have their shoulders and hips to mid-thigh covered and a scarf draped across the chest. NO tank tops, midriffs, shorts or mini-skirts. Pants and skirts should go below the knee. Please plan on keeping your hair tied back.
  
  For men a simple, inexpensive ʻdhotiʼ or ʻVeshthiʼ with shirt and white shawl is needed for temple visits and during certain meditations, at these times men must remove their shirts. Shorts are NOT allowed in temples, ashrams or meditation centers.
  
  Asana practice clothing should be conservative. Leggings are fine but please choose more conservative style practice clothing. No tank tops, bra tops, shorts or clothing that is revealing.
  
  If you have any questions regarding clothing please get in touch.
  
  BEHAVIOUR
  
  Physical, mental, emotional or verbal abuse of any program member results in immediate expulsion from the programs and properties.
  
  Drug and alcohol use during any program results in immediate expulsion from the programs and properties.
  
  CONTENT CREATION
  
  All digital content, including photography, video and audio recordings, created while volunteering on the programs and properties is for the purpose of promoting activities and should adhere to our etiquette guidelines.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

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