Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram — Chennai
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…May it prove to be an oasis of spiritual peace where devotees can go to refresh and rejuvenate themselves from time to time.
— Sri Sri Daya Mata
These providential words of blessing from Sri Sri Daya Mata, former sanghamata and third president of YSS/SRF on the occasion of the dedication of Chennai retreat in 2010, encapsulate the evolution of the Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram, Chennai.
The ashram is a culmination of a labour of love — a sweet testament to the spirit of tireless service to God and Guru. What started with a small meditation hut in the wilderness has steadily grown into a spiritual oasis for devotees seeking rejuvenation amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.
Located an hour’s drive from Chennai at Mannur village near Sriperumbudur, the ashram was purchased as a piece of land by a long-time devotee of YSS, Sri Gaitonde, in 1973, and eventually donated to YSS in 1998. On December 31, 2006, Swami Shantananda laid the foundation for the main building. Swami Suddhananda inaugurated the retreat on July 25, 2010, and conducted its first-ever monastic programme attended by more than 1,000 devotees.
The Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram in Chennai is punctuated by sacred spaces that enable devotees to rejuvenate their sadhana, study, and discover Paramahansa Yogananda’s Raja Yoga teachings. In addition to attending Sunday Satsanga and daily meditations, devotees are welcome to seek spiritual counsel and guidance related to the meditation techniques given by Paramahansa Yogananda from the YSS sannyasis.
YSS Chennai Retreat Upgraded to a YSS Ashram
With great joy we share with you that during a live-streamed satsanga held during the closing programme of the Sadhana Sangam, Swami Chidananda Giri, president and spiritual head of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship, has formally announced that the YSS Chennai Retreat would be designated as a YSS Ashram, and would be developed as a full-fledged ashram in the years to come.
YSS/SRF President and Spiritual Head Sri Sri Swami Chidananda Giri announces the upgradation of YSS Chennai Retreat to a YSS Ashram.
Dhyana Mandir and Meditation Grounds
Dhyana Mandir
A monumental presence in the ashram precincts, the Dhyana Mandir houses the altar of the YSS line of Gurus. This hall, which can seat about 65 people, is used for daily morning and evening and special commemorative meditations.
It is also the epicentre of various activities, classes, and satsangas during sadhana sangams, children’s camps, and conducted retreats.
Meditation Grounds
The meditation hut was the first structure constructed in the Chennai Ashram. Overlooking the serene Mannur lake, this humble hut has become a sacred spot for meditation.
The grounds have various spots that help devotees connect with nature and go deep in meditation in the midst of it. These include a garden altar, a gazebo, a lotus pond, and a meditation tower overlooking the lake.
The ashram grounds are home to a rich variety of coconut and mango trees, many varieties of flowers, and a vegetable garden. With benches for comfortable seating at multiple spots, this setting enables devotees to connect with the Divine in nature and relax in body, mind, and spirit.
Interim Upgrade of Facilities at the Ashram
Swami Chidanandaji, president and spiritual head of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship, had approved the permanent presence of YSS sannyasis at the Chennai Retreat in February 2024, to serve YSS devotees with daily meditations, spiritual counselling, conducting satsangas, sadhana sangams, retreats, and commemorations. Since then, there has been a surge in the interest of devotees for participating in various programmes and this demand is expected to grow in the times to come as more devotees seek spiritual rejuvenation and guidance.
The existing facilities — originally designed for a retreat — have now become inadequate to meet this increased demand. The accommodation, kitchen, dining areas, administration, and other ancillary facilities require significant upgrades to support the ashram’s expanded role.
Plan Your Visit
We welcome you to attend a group meditation, or enjoy the serenity of the ashram gardens. If you are interested for a visit to the ashram, please contact our Reception Desk for an appointment.
Please note: The ashram grounds are open to all visitors every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
YSS and SRF Lessons students are welcome to stay at the ashram for up to five days. We encourage devotees to take a personal retreat or join us for one of the conducted retreats to recharge and rejuvenate. During these retreats, you can participate in group meditations conducted by YSS sannyasis twice a day, and obtain spiritual counsel and guidance in the study and practice of the Yogoda Satsanga teachings.
Weekly Programmes
Group Meditations
The ashram offers regular meditation and satsangas which are open to the public. These sessions include periods of silent meditation, devotional chanting, and inspirational reading.
- Sunday
- 10:30 AM – 12:00 noon
- Sunday Satsanga (includes a brief meditation)
- 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Evening Meditation
- Thursday
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
- Morning Meditation
- 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Evening Meditation
- Other days
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
- Morning Meditation
- 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Evening Meditation
Children’s Satsanga
Children’s satsanga is conducted on alternate Sundays in which children aged between 5 to 12 years learn about the YSS teachings and way of life through engaging activities such as storytelling, brief guided meditations, and other interactive learning methods. Know more
- Sunday
- 10:30 AM – 12:00 noon
YSS Sadhana Sangams
A four-day programme that gives students of the Yogoda Satsanga teachings a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda with classes on YSS meditation techniques, group meditations, kirtan sessions, and inspiring talks by sannyasis.
Jan–Dec, 2024 • Multiple Programmes • Five Locations
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Upcoming Special Events and Long Meditation
Monthly Long Meditation
- Oct 27, Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Group Meditation
Monthly Long Meditation
- Nov 24, Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Group Meditation
Christmas 8-hour Meditation
- Dec 21, Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Group Meditation
