Paramahamsa Prajnanananda was born as Triloki Dash in the village of Pattamundai in Orissa, India. Raised in a pious and spiritual atmosphere, he began searching for a spiritual mentor in early childhood. In 1980, while still a student in college, he met his Gurudev, Paramahamsa Hariharananda, who initiated him into Kriya Yoga. Unlike his peers, Triloki Dash spent much of his time in prayer, puja, and meditation. He frequently retreated to the solitude of remote Himalayan caves to be in the company of sages and saints seeking ultimate Truth. He kept up a rigorous spiritual practice under the tutelage of his beloved Gurudev while working as a professor of Economics at Ravenshaw College in Cuttack.
Pray, meditate, and love God in every breath, in every moment. - Paramahamsa Prajnananandaji Maharaj
In 1995, Brahmachari Triloki Dash was initiated as a sannyasi, monk, by Paramahamsa Hariharananda. Receiving the name Swami Prajnanananda Giri, he was directed by his Gurudev the next day to travel to Europe, the USA, and other countries in order to propagate Kriya Yoga through public lectures, seminars, retreats, and meditation. Long before Triloki Dash became a monk, Paramahamsa Hariharananda predicted, “Whatever is started by me has to be completed by him.”
Three years later, Paramahamsa Prajnanananda was given the title of Paramahamsa, the highest title given to monks and saints who attain the apogee of God-realization, by his Gurudev on August 10, 1998, on his birthday.
Aglow with radiant wisdom, ever joyful, and reveling in the selfless sacrifice of a silent and secluded monk’s life, Prajnananada has ceaselessly traveled around the world to promote the message of Kriya Yoga to all who seek liberation. He has written and translated numerous books on spiritual topics, skillfully interpreting ageless philosophies in the light of modern science and technology. Using a simple, succinct, candid style, he demonstrates a broad scriptural knowledge, profound wisdom, and a delightful way with words. Able to focus on multiple tasks at one time with perfect precision and mastery, Prajnananandaji projects a buoyant, energetic God-intoxication.
In 1999, Prajnananandaji became the third Indian monk, following Swami Vivekananda and Shri Ravi Shankar, to address the Parliament of World Religions. While serving as the president of Prajnana Mission, he had undertaken projects that promote spiritual education, social and health services, and philanthropic works around the world. He established Hariharananda Balashram, a residential school for poor and orphan children in Arua near his own birthplace, Pattamundai. Following his master’s vision, Prajnananandaji created a beautiful ashram with international repute at Balighai, in Orissa, called Hariharananda Gurukulum, and its latest addition, a majestic samadhi temple commemorating his Gurudev.
This world-revered master of Kriya Yoga is the epitome of boundless love, wisdom, and action, representing a combination of Swami Vivekananda, Shri Shankara, and Shri Chaitanya. What Swami Vivekananda was to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Arjuna to Shri Krishna, Prajnananandaji is to his Gurudev, Paramahamsa Hariharananda. Paramahamsa Prajnanananda stands distinguished and unique among saints and sages of India.