Discover Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri Ashram Serampore and Puri
Suggested Read: A guide to visit Mahavatar Babaji Cave, Ranikhet Uttarakhand Himalayas
Early Life of Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri
Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri (1855–1936), he was born in the name of Priya Nath Karar on May 10, 1855 in Serampore, West Bengal (India). Actually he was born to be one of the greatest spiritual luminaries of modern India.
During early years of his life, he had very natural interests in spirituality, writing scriptures, and knowledge of Vedic literature. When he started perusing a formal education with excellence, his deeper quest for truth made him to dive into Vedanta, Yoga, and Vedic Astrology.
His thirst for wisdom eventually led him to encounter a very divine master, Lahiri Mahasaya, under guidance of Lahiri Mahasaya he embraced the path of Kriya Yoga and became his very adorable disciple.
His disciplined kriya yoga practice, intellectual excellency, and devotion to his guru shaped him into a very remarkable yogi, scholar, astrologer, and spiritual guide in India and abroad. He laid very strong foundation for Paramahansa Yogananda and Swami Satyananda Giri, later they both became very popular in India and America
Swami Sri Yukteswar Mahasamadhi:
Puri Ashram: On 9th March 1936, in Puri, Odisha, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri attained Mahasamadhi, the yogic & divine art of leaving the physical body consciously. Unlike ordinary death, Mahasamadhi represents a saint’s total mastery over the life force of consciousness.
His conscious exit from physical body that reflects the highest state of self-realization. Swami Sri Yukteswar’s transition was not just the end of a life but beginning of new spiritual life in different body, leaving behind a timeless example of yogic discipline and divine control over physical force.
Sri Sri Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri Smriti Mandir
The Sri Sri Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri Smriti Mandir in Serampore, West Bengal, is a very special place for spiritual seekers. This ashram is where Paramahansa Yogananda learned and trained under the loving guidance of his Guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri.
Why the Smriti Mandir Is Important
The Smriti Mandir is not just a building—it is a sacred landmark that honors the life and teachings of Sri Yukteswar. He played a big role in sharing Kriya Yoga with the world, and this mandir keeps his memory alive.
In 1977, the Smriti Mandir was established as a tribute to him. Since then, it has been a place where people come to meditate, pray, and feel peace.
What Visitors Experience
When visitors step into the Smriti Mandir, they often feel a deep sense of calm and spiritual energy. The ashram’s peaceful gardens and quiet spaces make it a perfect place for:
- Meditation and reflection
- Learning about Kriya Yoga
- Remembering the bond between Guru and disciple
Serampore Ashram
The Serampore Ashram of Sri Yukteswar is a very special place. Every year, people from all over the world come here to celebrate peace and devotion. This ashram is famous because it is where Paramahansa Yogananda, the great yogi, experienced Cosmic Consciousness.
Yogananda as a Student in Serampore
Young Yogananda, whose name was Mukunda Lal Ghosh, studied at Serampore College. He joined in 1913 and graduated in 1915 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Even while studying, he always loved to meet his Guru, Sri Yukteswar.
In his Autobiography of a Yogi, Yogananda happily remembered his college days. He wrote about how he rode his bicycle at 9:30 in the morning. In one hand, he carried flowers from his hostel garden as an offering for his Guru. He then pedaled with joy to visit the hermitage of Sri Yukteswar.
A Life-Changing Hermitage
The Serampore Hermitage was not just a home for Sri Yukteswar—it was the place where big moments in Yogananda’s life happened.
- In 1915, young Mukunda was ordained into sannyasa here by Sri Yukteswar. From that day, he became Swami Yogananda.
- In 1936, Yogananda’s Guru gave him the highest spiritual title—Paramahansa—right at this ashram.
Honoring Sri Yukteswar
To honor the great master, Mrinalini Mata, former President of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) / Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), dedicated the Smriti Mandir in 1977. This temple keeps alive the memory of Sri Yukteswar’s role in spreading Kriya Yoga around the world.
FAQ
Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri’s Astrology
Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri was a revered Indian Kriya Yoga master and Vedic astrologer, best known for his theory of the Yuga Cycle and his famous book The Holy Science. In this work, he explained the harmony between spiritual truths and cosmic cycles.
He was also highly skilled in Indian astrology (Jyotisha) and recommended spiritual remedies, such as wearing astrological bangles and gemstones, to help balance negative planetary influences.
Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri Cause of Death
Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri passed away in 1936 at the age of 80 in Puri, British India. The cause was an acute coronary occlusion, or heart attack, though many of his followers believe that he attained mahasamadhi—a yogi’s conscious and divine exit from the body.
Sri Yukteswar Giri the Holy Science Book
The purpose of this book is to show, as clearly as possible, that all religions share the same essential unity. The truths taught by different faiths are not different at all. There is only one path through which both the inner and outer worlds have evolved, and there is only one ultimate Goal accepted by all scriptures. Yet, this basic truth is not always easy to understand.