We do not recommend anyone who is taking medications to do a water fast.

Siddhayatan is a spiritual retreat and not a medical facility. To provide the right environment for water fasting we do not accept the following individuals:

1. Individuals with heart problems, mental illness, PTSD, taking medications, or excessive mental negativity. Fasting can occasionally trigger negative symptoms and we do not accept anyone under these conditions.
2. Individuals with any other health condition that requires medical attention.
3. Individuals with any condition/infection that releases pus, ooze, skin, or anything else that might compromise the health of other guests as well as the cleanliness of our center.
4. Individuals with no interest to grow spiritually or to be engaged in the ashram’s activities.
5. Individuals working or conducting business of any sort while at the retreat.
6. Individuals fasting JUST to lose weight.

Sometimes a person water fasting can remove or reduce their pain and effects of illness. Since water fasting is like a fire, it burns toxins that cause or continue to sustain a pain or illness. There is no promise or guarantee that it will happen for you, but it has happened for many others before. A fast, no matter what, will give you a break and will help eliminate toxins and impurities that are damaging your body.

It is normal for you to feel lethargic, sleepy and have headaches. The hardest part is usually the first 3 days. The experience also depends on the person. Every fast is different, so even if you are experienced, the first three days, as well as the entire fast, can be completely different from your prior water fasting experiences. Your energy will fluctuate, but you will have plenty of time to rest throughout your fast.

As experienced water and dry fasters, we are familiar with the symptoms that show it is time to break fast. Some of them include not being able to digest water, your pulse rate, not losing any more weight, too much acidity coming up, etc. Not all symptoms apply to all individuals. We look at the individual and see their body type, so reasons will vary. Although most people meet their fasting goals, you will need to break fast when we say you need to, even if your goal has not been met, if we see the fast is becoming unsafe.

Only in a few cases did we have to recommend a person to break their fast early because of signs and symptoms their body was showing. Everyone has broken their fast safely while under our guidance.

We will provide you with the information you need in order to break your fast; however, it is preferred you break your fast under right guidance as that is a critical part of the fast. If the fast is broken improperly, it can hurt the body.

If you would like to learn classes during your water fast experience, you can sign up and register for any workshop. The breathing techniques from the Purnam System will help you release even more toxins. We encourage you to walk daily, sit out in the sun to absorb the energy, participate in mantra class (twice daily), read and write. You are welcome to bring your tablet or laptop if it helps you, though we do not provide any wifi access. Since we are an ashram we do not have TVs, so make sure you bring things to help you stay active while you are here, such as audio books, books, crafts, puzzles, sudoku books, sketchbook, etc.

Any time is a good time to water fast, however, because the body temperature drops slightly during a water fast, it is best to fast during warmer months like April to October. Guests still water fast through the winter, but it is important to stay warm during this time (bringing extra clothes and blankets). If individuals are too sensitive to the cold or the heat, it is best to avoid visiting in the Winter or the Summer.

Our water comes from our local town. They get the water from a running river 1600 ft below the ground. Our water is very soft, unlike tap water you typically find in a bigger city. At our center, we run the water through a Berkey Purification System which removes viruses, harmful pathogenic bacteria, cysts, parasites, pesticides, herbicides, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, unhealthy contaminants and impurities to below detectable levels while leaving in most of the essential minerals your body needs. The water is refreshing, crisp, and perfectly pure for your water fast.

It depends. Every body is different and losing weight is normal during a water fast. The longer the water fast, the more weight you can lose but it will be in proportion to your body. On average our guests lose about 7 lbs. per week. Once you break your water fast and return to eating you will gain some weight back. How much weight will depend on how active you are and the diet you return to. If you are looking for a more permanent solution for losing weight then you will need to consider changing your diet and being more active in your life. For example, we teach the Purnam System to help you lose weight and stay healthy through special intensive breathing techniques combined with yoga postures. We promote a balanced vegetarian diet, which will automatically help you remove all those negative and hurtful toxins.

No, there are no medical professionals or physicians to oversee your fast. Monks and nuns will oversee your fast who are personally experienced with water and dry fasting for various extended periods of times, and who have helped many others successfully complete their water fasts. We do not accept guests that have medical conditions that require medical attention. Our program is best for those seeking spiritual growth, purification of the body, mind, and soul, and healing.

Yes, you can participate in multiple workshops during your retreat if other programs are being offered. During a 3-day stay, we do not advise more than two workshops. To learn more about adding on an another retreat, click here for more information.

We do not offer enemas and PROHIBIT self-served enemas.

Yes, you can have a silent retreat too. You can ask your questions by writing them on a piece of paper, or you can ask your questions in class, then return to your silence once class is over.

Yes, we do offer private consultations in 30-minute and 1-hour sessions on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can request your private consultation at the time of registration or during your program. To learn more about the private consultation, click here.

An ashram is a beautiful place conducive to spiritual learning and self-improvement. It is the perfect place to experience higher thinking through simple living. We offer clean accommodations with all the essentials. Even if you have never done a water fast or a spiritual retreat you will gain tremendous insight about yourself. Expect to increase your willpower, strengthen your confidence, experience humbleness, heal your body, purify your soul, learn directly from monks and nuns, and expand your consciousness, peace, & happiness. Check out our reviews page to hear from past guests directly in their words.

Because of the nature of water fasting, we have found that our guests have a better experience when they have their own room. Sleeping patterns change during a fast and this can be uncomfortable for guests sharing a room. You will feel much better when you have your won private space.