The inauguration of a new Yogoda Satsanga Sadhanalaya took place on August 24, 2024 in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh. Covering an area of 1.35 acres, the Sadhanalaya is located on a lush green island flanked by the holy Godavari river on one side and its irrigation canal on the other side. (Below: Premises marked in blue in drone shot, with river on both sides)
On the day of inauguration, August 24, 2024, Swami Smaranananda, Swami Prajnananda, and Swami Shankarananda entered the sacred grounds carrying a garlanded picture of Gurudeva Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, with a procession of devotees, chanting “Jai Guru.”
It marked the beginning of a three-day programme, which included inspirational satsangas, daily group practice of Energization Exercises and meditation, classes to review YSS meditation techniques, individual counselling of devotees, and a six-hour long meditation with kirtan on Sunday. The programme culminated in a joyous celebration of Janmashtami with a commemorative programme on Monday, August 26, 2024. Around 450 devotees registered for the programme. In total, about 550 people joined these special events.
A Community of Sadhaks
A community of sadhaks is being formed at the Rajahmundry Sadhanalaya. The sadhaks will meditate and serve together, and take care of the general upkeep under the guidance of YSS monastics, who will visit periodically. The daily routine brings together the residents of the retreat in a group for twice-daily practice of Energization Exercises and meditation, study of YSS Lessons before the noon meditation, and while having their meals in silence three times a day.
There are walking trails in the vicinity for exercise. A residential building with 32 rooms, all with attached bath, has been made ready to accommodate devotees. It contains single and double occupancy rooms for individual sadhaks and couples. The building was recently renovated and furnished with new beds, mattresses, doors, windows, and bathroom fixtures. Plumbing and electrical work have been overhauled completely. The premises has a backup generator for power supply. There are several trees on the retreat campus — mango, coconut, etc. — some of them over 40 years old.
Three kilometres from the Sadhanalaya is Paramahansa Yogananda Netralaya (eye hospital), managed by a group of YSS devotees. It is providing yeoman services to the rural poor with regular eye camps, surgeries, and other interventions. Tens of thousands have benefited from this service over the years.
Reservations
Those who wish to stay in an ashram environment with like-minded sadhaks are welcome to make reservations at the Sadhanalaya. You can come for a short stay of a weekend or a week; or for longer periods, say a month or even several months at a stretch.
To make reservations, please contact:
Phone: 93922 85867
Email: rajahmundry.retreat@ysscenters.org
Address
Yogoda Satsanga Sadhanalaya — Rajahmundry
Beside Directorate of Floriculture Research
Near Cotton Guest House, Dowleswaram
Vemagiri Gattu, Vemagiri
Rajahmundry 533125
Dist. East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
Rajahmundry railway station is 4 km away and the airport is 15 km away. Auto rickshaws and taxis are available.
Donations
The Sadhanalaya is in its early stages and will require several improvements over time. We deeply appreciate your financial support, both for ongoing expenses and infrastructure development. Donations can be made online (by choosing ‘Kendra Fund,’ and then ‘Rajahmundry Retreat’), or sent via cheque to YSS Ranchi with the purpose stated as “For Rajahmundry Retreat.”
