Hariharananda Gurukulam
Envisioning a promising future for Kriya Yoga, our beloved Shri Gurudev saw to having a large place for an ashram in a natural setting so that Kriyavans from all over the world could congregate and immerse in sadhana. Shri Gurudev obtained this property in 1975. In December, 1995, Shri Gurudev called his dear monk and successor Swami Prajnanananda Giri to tell him about an exceptional visionary dream. In the dream, Swami Shriyukteshwarji directed Shri Gurudev to transfer the Balighai property to the name of Prajnananandaji and predicted that in the future the property would become a beautiful place of international reputation where many people would come to meditate. Shri Gurudev insisted that his dream would come true through Paramahamsa Prajnanananda.
Initially a 20-acre plot, subsequently additional acres were acquired resulting in an amalgamated property known today as Hariharananda Gurukulam. This place now serves as the spiritual headquarters for Kriya Yoga International.
Hariharananda Gurukulam standing amidst natural surroundings of forest, fruit trees, and beautiful gardens, is a sanctified place for meditation, prayer, and worship. It is in Balighai, about 14 kilometers from the holy Shri Jagannath Temple of Puri, in Odisha, India.
After Shri Gurudev was laid to rest in Gurukulam in 2002, a commitment was made to have a temple at this sacred Site. This endeavour spanned forty months from 2003 to 2006 and it was dedicated to the public during the birth centenary of beloved Shri Gurudev in 2006-07. This temple is named as Shri Guru Mandir. This temple also has the sacred images of the lineage of Kriya Yoga Masters in the sanctum sanctorum.
As the years pass, Hariharananda Gurukulam continues to flourish as an international centre of spirituality. In addition to the living quarters for the residents and kriyavans, Gurukulam has a ‘Unity Trail’ spanning about 500 meters. Along this stretch, there are statues representing incarnations from all leading religions. These stand as a testament to the philosophy of oneness in the creation of Gurukulam, highlighting unity and harmony.
The landscape of Gurukulam has a variety of trees like cashew, guava, palm, mango, banana, dragon fruit, and avocado among others. Gurukulam also adheres to cultivating various types of organic vegetables, plants, and seasonal flower-bearing plants. There is a shelter on the ashram premises for about 150 cows and calves.
In addition to Shri Guru Mandir, the ashram has a Shiva Temple, Annapurna Kshetra, two natural ponds, accommodation for more than 300 guests, Yukteswar Library, Sanyal Mahasaya Museum, Hariharananda Charitable Health Center, and much more.
Gurukulam is a center of great spiritual activity holding annual International Intensive Kriya Yoga Seminars, Youth Orientation Programs, Residential Brahmachari Training Courses, retreats, and other annual programs honouring the birthdays and samadhi diwas of the lineage of Masters.