Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Math

Ranchi, Jharkhand

For more than a hundred years, YSS has been carrying on the spiritual and humanitarian work of its founder, Paramahansa Yogananda. It was in Ranchi, in 1918, that Yoganandaji began his life’s work of making available the universal teachings of Kriya Yoga by founding an ashram and a How-to-Live school for boys.

We invite you to the sacred precincts of this ashram, resplendent with verdant gardens and suffused with his holy vibrations. Join daily group meditations, personal or group retreats, Sadhana Sangams, special programmes, or weekly satsangas conducted by YSS sannyasis at the ashram. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere that is bound to refresh your mind and spirit. Here you can obtain spiritual counsel and guidance in the study and practice of the YSS teachings from our sannyasis.

New to YSS? Learn more about how the YSS Lessons can transform and bring balance to your life.

Important Sacred Places within the Ashram

Paramahansa Yogananda’s Room

The room where the great Guru stayed during his years at Ranchi (1918 to 1920) has been preserved as a shrine. This is located in the old administration building of the ashram. It is kept open to all for private meditation during certain hours each day. Devotees and visitors feel great upliftment when they meditate here. In addition to the wooden cot that was used by Paramahansa Yoganandaji, the room also has on display the hand and foot impressions of the Guru. In addition, some of the Guru’s personal belongings are on display outside this room. Know more

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Litchi Vedi

The Litchi Vedi is one of the sacred places associated with Paramahansa Yogananda in the Ranchi Ashram. It was under the shady canopy of this large litchi tree that the great Guru frequently held outdoor classes and satsangas for the boys of the school he founded. Because the spot is hallowed by the spiritual vibrations of Paramahansaji, this tree with a large picture of Paramahansaji enshrined below its boughs, has been a favourite place of pilgrimage and meditation for devotees and visitors. Know more

Smriti Mandir

In 1920, while meditating one day, Paramahansaji had a vision in which he received a divine command to go to America. Describing this sublime experience he wrote in his book, Autobiography of a Yogi: “‘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 the very spot where the storeroom mentioned above once existed, the Smriti Mandir was built in 1995 as a memorial to the worldwide mission that took its first step here. This mandir is open throughout the day, and is used by devotees and visitors for private meditations. Know more

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Dhyana Mandir

YSS sannyasis conduct morning and evening group meditations in the Dhyana Mandir. Built in the year 2007, this capacious hall made of Jodhpur stone can comfortably seat more than 300 devotees at a time. The group meditation timings and the hours when this mandir is kept open during the day are shared here. Know more

Meditation Gardens

The ashram grounds are sprinkled with several beautifully landscaped gardens which are home to a large variety of plants and trees. Shady mango groves, avenues of jackfruit trees, evergreen litchi trees, and tastefully scattered ornamental bamboo patches all combine to create a spiritual oasis that invites world-weary souls to come and partake of the elixir of peace and joy. One finds it easy to let go of the cares of the world and relax in body, mind, and spirit. Several benches have been provided where one can meditate and go within or just sit quietly and soak in the peace and tranquillity of these sacred surroundings. Know more

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In his letter to Rajarsi Janakananda, Paramahansa Yogananda 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…

Plan Your Visit

Would you like to visit the ashram during the day?

We welcome you to attend a group meditation, or enjoy the serenity of the ashram gardens, or make a pilgrimage of the sacred locations associated with Yoganandaji. If you are interested in a guided tour of the ashram grounds, please contact our Reception Desk to make an appointment.

Please note: The ashram grounds are open to all visitors every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Plan a personal retreat or join a conducted retreat at the ashram.

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.

If you are not a YSS Lessons Student or prefer to stay in a nearby hotel rather than within the ashram, here is a list of hotels in the vicinity.

Weekly Programmes

Group Meditations

Ranchi ashram offers regular meditation and satsangas which are open to the public. These sessions include periods of silent meditation, devotional chanting, and inspirational reading.

Children’s Satsanga

A weekly children satsanga is conducted at the Ranchi ashram every Sunday in which children aged between 5 to 12 years learn about the YSS teachings and way of life through interesting programmes such as storytelling, brief guided meditations, and other interactive learning methods. Know more

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