Paramahamsa Hariharananda – The Great Kriya Yogi and World Master

SUNIL GOYAL

Paramahamsa Hariharananda, a revered spiritual luminary and a master of Kriya Yoga, was born on the sacred day of Buddha Purnima in 1907, in the village of Habibpur, Nadia district, West Bengal. Even at birth, his father foresaw a radiant future for him and named him Ravinarayan, foretelling that he would shine like the sun and dispel the darkness of ignorance from the world.

Displayed extraordinary spiritual tendencies

As a child, Ravinarayan displayed extraordinary spiritual tendencies and a cultured demeanor, with a sharp intellect and deep mastery over the scriptures. By the age of four, simply by listening to his father, he had memorized complex Sanskrit hymns, mantras and prayers, an incredible testament to his spiritual memory and grace.

A turning point in his divine journey

The year 1932 marked a turning point in his divine journey. It was in Serampore Ashram that he met the great Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, the beloved guru of Paramahamsa Yogananda and received initiation into Kriya Yoga. Swami Yukteswarji not only introduced him to the sacred techniques of Kriya but also trained him in cosmic astrology and asked him to take charge of the renowned Karar Ashram in Puri, Odisha. Immersed in his guru’s divine company, Ravinarayan traversed the inner path of the first stages of Kriya Yoga.

Moved permanently to the Karar Ashram

During Paramahamsa Yogananda’s visit to India in 1935, Ravinarayan was blessed to witness his deep states of samadhi. After the Mahasamadhi of Swami Yukteswarji in 1938, Ravinarayan initially lived in a rented house near the Puri seashore but later, on his guru’s instructions, he moved permanently to the Karar Ashram. There, he led a life of strict renunciation and spiritual discipline as Brahmachari Ravinarayan.

Mahavatar Babaji blessed him twice in 1949

After many years of intense silence, meditation and austere spiritual practices, Mahavatar Babaji, the deathless yogi and fountainhead of the Kriya Yoga tradition, blessed him twice in 1949 at the Karar Ashram. Babaji prophesied that Ravinarayan would spread Kriya Yoga in both the East and the West. The following year, in 1950, Paramahamsa Yogananda appointed him as the Acharya of Karar Ashram, a pivotal moment that began his unwavering service to uplift the spiritual lives of countless seekers.

Attained nirvikalpa samadhi

In 1948, he attained nirvikalpa samadhi, the breathless, vibrationless state of union with the Infinite, the ultimate goal for any yogi. What made Paramahamsa Hariharananda’s spiritual stature unique was his ability to enter this exalted state at will, a rare and divine ability.

Embraced full renunciation and received sannyasa

On his 52nd birthday, May 27, 1959, he embraced full renunciation and received sannyasa from the world renowned Jagadguru Bharati Krishna Tirtha, the Shankaracharya of Govardhan Math, Puri. Renouncing his former identity as Brahmachari Ravinarayan, he became Swami Hariharananda Giri and soon after was honored with the spiritual title of Paramahamsa, denoting the highest state of God-realization.

First international journey to Switzerland

In 1972, Paramahamsa Hariharananda first visited Gwalior and initiated many sincere aspirants into Kriya Yoga. His visits to Bhopal and Indore in 1982 further expanded the spiritual community in central India. To fulfill the divine mission entrusted to him by Mahavatar Babaji and to carry forward the flame lit by Paramahamsa Yogananda, he undertook his first international journey to Switzerland in 1974. From there, he traveled tirelessly, founding Kriya Yoga centers across Europe, the Americas and India.

Had a deep understanding of the world’s major spiritual texts

A true polyglot and scholar, Paramahamsa Hariharananda had a deep understanding of the world’s major spiritual texts, including the Bible, Torah, Quran, Buddhist scriptures, Vedas, Upanishads, Tantra, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Shankara’s philosophy and the Brahma Sutras. His profound interpretations brought these texts alive through the lens of Kriya Yoga. His celebrated works include Kriya Yoga: The Scientific Process of Soul Culture and Bhagavad Gita in the Light of Kriya Yoga masterpieces that have inspired spiritual seekers globally. For integrating so many spiritual philosophies into one universal path, he earned the rare and rightful honor of being called a “World Teacher.”

Lived not for himself but for humanity

But his greatness was not only in his realization or writings it was also in his love, compassion, and service. Through the Hariharananda Charitable Health Centre, thousands of underprivileged individuals continue to receive medical care and essential supplies. He established mobile medical units, educational programs, dental services and even a residential school for marginalized youth. These efforts reflect the compassionate heart of a master who lived not for himself but for humanity.

Not just a yogi but a bridge between East and West

In 2002, at the age of 95, Paramahamsa Hariharananda attained Mahasamadhi the conscious departure from his physical form. Yet, his living presence continues in the lives and love of his disciples and in every breath of the global Kriya Yoga tradition.

Paramahamsa Hariharananda was not just a yogi he was a bridge between East and West, a beacon of inner light in the modern world and a divine friend of all sincere seekers. Through his life and teachings, he remains a timeless guide on the eternal path to self-realization.