.jpg)
In a letter written on August 6, 1936, to his exalted disciple Rajarsi Janakananda, Paramahansa Yoganandaji wrote, “I have sprinkled the invisible nectar of my spiritual attainment mostly at Mt. Washington [International Headquarters of Self Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles, California] and Ranchi....”
For the last hundred years, Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) has been dedicated to carrying on the spiritual and humanitarian work of its founder, Paramahansa Yogananda, widely revered as the Father of Yoga in the West. It was here, in Ranchi, in 1917, that Paramahansa Yogananda began his life's work of making the teachings of Kriya Yoga universally available, with the founding of an ashram and a "How-to-Live" school for boys.
All are welcome to come and experience inner and outer peace amidst the serene Ashram environs, and to discover the Raja Yoga teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. You are also welcome to attend the Sunday satsanga and daily meditations at our ashram. Sannyasis of the Society are available for spiritual counsel and to provide guidance in the study and practice of the meditation techniques given by Paramahansaji.
Paramahansa Yogananda's Room and the Main Building
T
he room where the great Guru lived during the early years is preserved as a shrine. The room is open to all for private meditation throughout the day. Inside the room are the hand and foot impressions of the Guru brought from the SRF International Headquarters, Los Angeles, California. An exhibit of some of Guruji's personal belongings including his robe, umbrella, and a rose flower that had been placed on his mortal remains after his Mahasamadhi are on display outside this shrine.
Litchi Vedi
The Litchi Vedi is one of the sacred places associated with our divine Gurudeva in the Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Math, Ranchi. It was under the shady canopy of this large litchi tree that the great Guru frequently held outdoor classes and satsangas for the boys who attended the school founded by him. Because the spot is so closely associated with Paramahansa Yoganandaji, for many decades the tree, with a large picture of Paramahansaji enshrined underneath its leafy boughs, has been a favourite place of pilgrimage and meditation for YSS/SRF devotees.
In 2005, scientists discovered a remarkable physical fact about this sacred beloved tree: It has been scientifically recognised as a unique variety never before documented by horticulturists and officially named after Paramahansa Yogananda. The name is now listed as ‘Litchi Cultivar Yogananda Selection’.
Smriti Mandir
In his Autobiography, Paramahansaji writes: "America! Surely these people are Americans!" This was my thought as a panorama of Western faces passed before my inward view. Immersed in meditation, I was sitting behind some dusty boxes in the storeroom of the Ranchi school....The vision continued; a vast multitude, gazing at me intently, swept actor like across the stage of consciousness.
On this very sacred spot stands the Smriti Mandir, a tall, hexagonal all-marble temple, with large latticed windows adorning all its walls, and a large lotus dome on the top - a fitting memorial to the worldwide mission that took its first step here.
Dhyana Mandir
After the inauguration of the Smriti Mandir, a new Dhyana Mandir which could accommodate around 400 devotees was planned.
The Dhyana Mandir of Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Math, Ranchi was inaugurated by Swami Vishwananda on January 31, 2007. Our current President, Sri Sri Swami Chidananda Giri, was also with us on this memorable day.
Spiritual Retreats
The ashram is open year round (except during Sharad Sangam) for YSS devotees who wish to come for a period of spiritual renewal. In addition, special monastic-led retreats are conducted from time-to-time throughout the year on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. Although these retreats are structured for those who are familiar with the teachings, anyone interested is welcome to enquire at the reception.
Guruji said: “The greatest of all duties is to remember God. The first thing to do in the morning is to meditate on Him and think how you can give your life to His service, so that all day long you will be filled with His joy.”
Click link below for more information about conducted spiritual retreats at Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Math, Ranchi:
Meditation Gardens
The ashram ground offers several beautifully landscaped gardens with varieties of plants and trees. Sitting amidst these tranquil gardens offers an opportunity to connect with the Divine in nature, thus ‘let go of the worldly cares’ and relax in body, mind, and spirit. Several meditation benches are provided for those who want to meditate, or just absorb the peace and tranquillity of this spiritual place.
Group Meditations
"Group meditation is a castle that protects the new spiritual aspirants as well as the veteran meditators. Meditating together increases the degree of Self-realization of each member of the group by the law of invisible vibratory exchange of group magnetism."
— Paramahansa Yogananda
Group meditations led by YSS sannyasis are conducted twice daily at Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Math, Ranchi.
Group meditation timings may be accessed here:
The schedule for long meditations may be accessed here:
Children Satsanga
Devotees of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) may bring their children between ages five to twelve years to Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Math, Ranchi for Children Satsanga on Sundays from 10 am to 12 noon.
The purpose of Children's Satsanga is to inspire children to seek and love God, so that they understand that inner peace and security are found through an inner relationship with God and not through "the things of this world." Children thus learn at an early age how to live happy and balanced lives by bringing the Divine into their daily activities.
Charitable and Outreach Activities
"In being of spiritual, mental, and material service to others, you will find your own needs fulfilled. As you forget self in service to others, you will find that, without seeking it, your own cup of happiness will be full."
- Paramahansa Yogananda
Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) is a spiritual and a charitable Society. “To serve mankind as one’s larger Self” is one of the Aims and Ideals of YSS. In fact, our beloved Gurudeva Paramahansa Yogananda started his worldwide work with a small school for boys in Dihika.
The charitable activities of Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Math, Ranchi include medical relief, operating hospitals, clinics, and medical camps; educational outreach, running educational institutions and instituting scholarship schemes; serving the needy in orphanages and leprosy colonies; and providing emergency relief to those affected by natural calamities.
Contact Us:
Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Math, Ranchi
Paramahansa Yogananda Path
Ranchi 834 001 Jharkhand India
Phone: 91-651-665-5555
(From outside India please use: +91-651-665-5555)
