Yogoda Satsanga Math
Dakshineswar, West Bengal
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History and Evolution
Yogoda Satsanga Math at Dakshineswar, located on the banks of the Ganges in the north of Kolkata, is the registered headquarters of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS), the spiritual organization founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1917. The history of this beautiful ashram dates back to 1939, when the Math was established. This property with its stately building and serene surroundings was greatly cherished by Paramahansaji. In 1951, while addressing a large audience during the Self-Realization Fellowship Convocation in America, he envisioned that Dakshineswar ashram would be visited by devotees from different parts of India and the world.
The ashram has been blessed by the sacred presence of our beloved late YSS/SRF Presidents Sri Sri Daya Mata and Sri Sri Mrinalini Mata during their many visits to India. Daya Mataji and Mrinalini Mataji had conducted several satsangas, group meditations, kriya yoga initiation ceremonies, and counselling sessions with devotees here. The current president and spiritual head of YSS/SRF Sri Sri Swami Chidananda Giri has also visited the ashram and conducted various events for the spiritual benefit of truth seekers.
Overview of the Ashram
Spread over two acres of land with a fruit orchard, flowering plants, and a big pond, Dakshineswar Ashram was originally a ‘garden house’. Keeping Paramahansaji’s vision for the ashram in mind, a meditation hall, a guest house, kitchen, working and dining areas were built within the premises for the convenience of devotees. See gallery
Since its inception in 1939, the ashram has evolved to be an oasis for truth seekers. We invite you to participate in daily group meditations conducted in the morning and evening, and weekly satsangas on Sundays, as well as various commemorative programmes — conducted by YSS sannyasis.
YSS and SRF devotees are welcome to join personal and conducted retreats at the ashram, as well as other special events including Sadhana Sangams which include the twice-daily practice of group meditations, review of the YSS meditation techniques, discourses in English, Bengali, and Hindi, among various other programmes.
In addition to conducting various spiritual activities, YSS Dakshineswar Ashram is also actively involved in several educational, medical, and other charitable activities to support people with limited financial means. They include running several homeopathic and allopathic clinics, pathology labs, and schools and colleges in and around Kolkata.
Weekly Programmes
Group Meditations
YSS Dakshineswar ashram offers regular meditations and satsangas that are open to all. These sessions may 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 – 8:00 PM
- Evening Meditation
- Thursday
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
- Morning Meditation
- 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Evening Meditation
- Other days
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
- Morning Meditation
- 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Evening Meditation
- Last Saturday of every month
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Six-hour long meditation
Children’s Satsanga
A weekly children satsanga is conducted 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.
These sessions provide a wonderful opportunity to share Paramahansa Yogananda’s “how-to-live” spiritual principles with the young ones thereby offering children a firm foundation for lifelong spiritual growth. Learn more
YSS Sadhana Sangams
A five-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. Some of these programmes also include Kriya Yoga diksha ceremonies.
Jan–Dec, 2025 • Multiple Programmes • Five Locations
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Upcoming Special Events and Long Meditations
- Jul 25, Friday
- 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
- Evening Meditation
- (Guruji’s Parental House, 4, Garpar Road, Kolkata 9)
- Jul 25, Friday
- 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- Evening Meditation
- Jul 26, Saturday
- 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Group Meditation
- Aug 9, Saturday
- 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Group Meditation
- Aug 16, Saturday
- 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
- Evening Meditation
Plan Your Visit
We welcome you to attend group meditations, enjoy the serenity of the ashram gardens, or make a pilgrimage to the sacred locations associated with the life of Paramahansa Yogananda around Dakshineswar. If you are interested in a guided tour of the ashram, or a visit to the places of interest associated with the life of the great guru, please contact the Reception Desk to make an appointment.
Timings:
- Ashram grounds – open to all visitors every day from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Reception and Book Room:
- Monday to Saturday – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday – 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 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 themselves. During these retreats, one can participate in group meditations conducted by YSS sannyasis twice a day, attend review classes on the YSS meditation techniques, obtain spiritual counsel and guidance in the study and practice of the Yogoda Satsanga teachings, and enjoy the natural setup of the serene ashram grounds. These retreats also provide a wonderful opportunity to be able to let go of all the worries and material concerns, and relax in body, mind, and soul.
