Girivalam · Thiruvannamalai
Arunachala Nada Ashram
“Listen to the sound, the real sound that is within you.”
— Kabir, mystic poet and saint of India
Vision
To establish the first sound temple as a centre where scholars, wisdom seekers, and spiritual researchers can come for yoga, meditation, and the spiritual and healing qualities of sound — ultimately evolving into a model village project applicable to communities worldwide.
Mission
To create an environment of peaceful living — a haven where people can escape to find peace, balance, and vitality through sound experiences and ritual. Spaces for anyone to stay, explore, study, and exchange knowledge in relation to the spiritual.
The place
Where is Nadaloka?
Located in the spiritual south of India — Thiruvannamalai — at the foot of Arunachala, the sacred hill considered the Shiva Lingam, the element of fire. One full circuit around the hill is the walk of liberation: the 14-km Girivalam path.
Nadaloka sits on this path, offering a unique opportunity for profound reconnection with oneself and the sacred mountain.
The name
What is Nada?
Nada — from ancient Sanskrit — embodies the essence of sound and vibration. It is the magical thread that weaves the inner and outer world into union: a bridge between what we hear externally and what resonates deep within us.
Sound or Nada meditation is the most powerful path to self-realisation. Nadaloka exists to make this path available to all.
The people
Who started it?
Balasundaram
Co-founder
Co-founded Svaram, Mohanam, and Auroville Bamboo Centre — decades spent building sound and craft communities rooted in Tamil Nadu.
Sahithi
Co-founder
Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and TEDx speaker, bringing a builder’s clarity to Nadaloka’s community and programs.
Ongoing work
Research & Experimentation
Our work extends into ongoing research and experiential exploration of sound, vibration, and sacred form.
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Mantra & Yantra
Deep engagement with sacred sound forms and geometric representations of vibration as tools for awakening.
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Nada Lingam
Exploration of Nada Lingam as a living expression of vibration — where sound becomes form and presence.
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Sound Cave & Cosmic Egg
Immersive healing spaces — the underground Sound Cave and the Cosmic Golden Egg — designed for deep resonance.
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Sound Yoga Centre
A dedicated space for practice, learning, and transmission of sound-based wisdom, integrating yoga and nada.
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Instrument Research
Research and experimentation with musical instruments as tools for healing — from bamboo to Tibetan bowls.
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Sound & Yoga Programmes
Structured programmes weaving sound healing with yoga — open to beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
What we offer
Our services
Sound Cave
Daily Nada Abhishekam and immersive gong and vibrational healing sessions.
Healing Hut
One-on-one bodywork and rest space for deep restoration.
Sound Garden
Open-air gong baths and group meditation beneath the sky.
Organic Café
Farm-to-table meals grown in Nadaloka’s own gardens.
Sound Boutique
Handcrafted sound instruments and sustainable merchandise.
Tours & Homa
Guided tours of Arunachala and Homa bookings.
Community Work
Sound healing for pregnant women, autism children, and people with disabilities, alongside daily Annadanam.
Gurukulam
Traditional learning rooted in seva, sacred sound, and Girivalam life.
Spark School
A learning space for children rooted in creativity and nature.
Mother India Temple
Development of a dedicated temple space as part of Nadaloka’s core infrastructure.
Partner with us
Fundraising Opportunity
We invite you to partner with us in bringing Nadaloka to life. Your support will be invaluable in realising this vision.
Volunteer Housing
Construction of stay huts to expand our volunteer capacity along the Girivalam.
Sound Garden Expansion
Growing the open-air gong space to host more community sound healing sessions.
Sound Fountain
A dedicated water-and-sound installation as a new centrepiece for the space.
Mother India Temple
Core infrastructure development of a dedicated temple space on-site.
Healing Programs
Sound healing sessions for pregnant women, sadhus, children, and people with disabilities.
Cultural Education
Tours and immersion in local practices, festivals, and Seva along Arunachala.
Annual Documentation
A yearly book documenting Arunachala and Nadaloka’s local stories, sound education, and healing work.