| Dates | Jul 30 – Aug 6, 2024 |
| Location | Los Angeles and Encinitas in California |
| Leaders | Nayaswami Krishna Das and Nayaswami Sagar |
| Sign up now | For an early bird discount, register by April 30, 2024 |
| Limited spots | Only 20 spaces total |
Visit places where Yogananda’s spirit touches the world.
Walk the paths that Yogananda walked; meditate where he experienced samadhi; and chant and pray near where his body resides today.
In this special 7-day pilgrimage, you’ll visit the sacred places where Paramhansa Yogananda lived, wrote, and blessed the world from his California ashrams and retreats.
The Master’s presence, still vibrant and alive
This pilgrimage includes all the must-visit locations for devotees who want to connect more deeply with the spirit of Yogananda.
In Los Angeles, you’ll spend time at the five major pilgrimage places of Paramhansa Yogananda: Lake Shrine, Forest Lawn Crypt, Mt. Washington (including Master’s bedroom), the Biltmore hotel, and the SRF Hollywood Church.
In Encinitas, you’ll visit the Master’s powerful meditation gardens at his hermitage and stroll on the aptly named Swami’s Beach where Yogananda often walked and meditated. A more relaxed schedule here allows you to spend time on the beach, in the area, and at the Ananda Encinitas Temple of Joy.
You’ll be where Yogananda lived; where he left this world; where he wrote his autobiography; and where he walked in Samadhi together with his foremost disciple, Rajarshi Janakananda. You’ll also see places where he spent many of the quiet, in-between moments of his life.
A whole week in the company of seekers like yourself will prepare you to go deep in meditative absorption, with guided group sadhanas led by two long-time disciples and Ananda ministers: Nayaswami Krishnadas and Brahmachari Sagar.
“For anyone who wants to really experience Master’s presence, I urge you to go on the pilgrimage to Master’s shrines in Southern California.”
Mt. Washington
“I have meditated on every spot of these grounds,” Yogananda once told his disciples, speaking of Mt. Washington.
Mt. Washington: Where Yogananda lived and served
The holy ground at Mt. Washington was blessed by many years of Yogananda’s presence: from its purchase in 1925 to his passing in 1952. Year after year, long Christmas meditations, powerful spiritual talks, birthday celebrations of the Master — all took place under the roof and in the grounds of this very special location.
On this trip, we will even be able to visit the rooms of Yogananda—a rare and unique opportunity not available to all guests.
Forest Lawn
Yogananda’s body resides in the “Sanctuary of Golden Slumber” at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Where Yogananda’s body rests and his spirit lives
Weeks after Yogananda’s passing, his body was still incorrupt—showing no signs of death. At this point it was embalmed and moved to the Forest Lawn Memorial Park where it resides today.
We will take advantage of this opportunity to visit and experience Yogananda’s presence, chanting, meditating, and offering devotion and prayers.
Here, you can experience with extra poignancy the words of Yogananda: “When I am gone, only love can take my place.”
An optional visit to the Biltmore Hotel
“I have a big day tomorrow,” Yogananda said. “Wish me luck.”
The next day, March 7, 1952, at the close of a public speech, he recited his poem “My India.” At its completion, he entered the state of mahasamadhi, a yogi’s final conscious exit from the body into union with God.
During an optional evening visit on day 3, we will visit the room of the hotel where all this happened—now the lobby of this hotel and an official historic-cultural monument of Los Angeles.
The table in which Yogananda sat just hours before was in front of a beautiful fountain ornamented with mythical fish. It can be seen in the much-loved photo known as “The Last Smile.”
“The Yogananda pilgrimage in Los Angeles and Encinitas was a wonderful experience from start to finish. Visiting Forest Lawn and meditating at Master's crypt was very moving.”
Lake Shrine
Yogananda himself specially oversaw the development of the grounds of this 10-acre sanctuary, Lake Shrine, with its Court of Religions and the Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial, where a portion of Gandhi’s ashes are enshrined.
Experience the blessings of an incarnation of love and joy
At its dedication, Yogananda sent divine light into the waters at Lake Shrine. “This is holy water now,” he said. “Whoever comes here in future will receive a divine blessing.”
Surrounded by beautiful gardens, a natural spring-fed lake is home to a variety of swans, ducks, koi, trees, and flowers from around the world. Paramhansa Yogananda dedicated this 10-acre spiritual sanctuary in 1950. His spirit powerfully permeates these magnificent grounds.
Lake Shrine also houses a museum with exhibits on Paramhansa Yogananda’s work; a temple on a hilltop overlooking the lake; and a gift shop with arts and crafts from India. We’ll have time to walk around, meditate and enjoy the scenic, serene beauty.
“Simply to enter those grounds [of SRF Lake Shrine] is to feel their spiritual power. Often I have reflected that people in distant lands go on pilgrimages for blessings like these.”
Ananda Encinitas
When visiting Ananda Encinitas and its Temple of Joy, one steps into a beautifully made and uplifting surroundings.
Ananda Encinitas and the Temple of Joy
After our arrival in Encinitas, we will stop by and visit with Casey Hughes at Ananda Encinitas. The Temple of Joy, home and grounds are filled with exquisite architecture, statuary and is a veritable spiritual oasis—a small taste of a pilgrimage to India tucked away in suburban surroundings.
This is a great blessing to have as access to while in Encinitas, where we will have some of our sadhanas—with meditations, chanting, and Yogananda’s Energization Exercises.
Encinitas Hermitage
The Encinitas Hermitage, on the bluffs above the aptly named Swami’s Beach, was a gift from Rajarshi Janakananda, Yogananda’s foremost disciple. It is where Yogananda tried to start the first World Brotherhood Colony.
Visit the meditation gardens and more
On the fifth morning of the pilgrimage, you will be in for a rare and wonderful treat.
Encinitas Hermitage, where Paramhansa Yogananda wrote his Autobiography of a Yogi, has beautifully landscaped gardens, rich in history and is deeply permeated with Paramhansa Yogananda’s vibration.
We will meditate on the lovely grounds, enjoy the expansive view of the Pacific ocean, and visit the Master’s hallowed rooms — another unique and special opportunity.
Take a stroll on Swami’s Beach
Walks on the beach below the Hermitage will allow us to absorb and assimilate all that has gone before—an important moment to “relax and feel.”
Swami’s Beach itself is iconic—named, of course, after Yogananda himself, where he often meditated. It is also where the Master and his most advanced disciple Rajarsi Janakananda would walk hand-in-hand together in Samadhi.
Our itinerary
Day 1: Guests arrive in Los Angeles, check-in to the hotel, evening orientation and dinner out
Day 2: Visit Mt. Washington and Paramhansa Yogananda’s Crypt at Forest Lawn
Day 3: Visits to Lake Shrine and Hollywood Temple, with optional evening visit to the Biltmore Hotel, where Yogananda left his body
Day 4: Arrive in Encinitas, California, at a more relaxed pace; visit the Ananda Encinitas Temple of Joy and take a walk on the beach
Day 5: Encinitas Hermitage (SRF Meditation Gardens), and Swami’s Beach
Day 6: SRF Meditation Gardens and more time at Ananda Encinitas
Day 7: Enjoying more of Encinitas and a visit to SRF San Diego Temple
Day 8: Go with love
It was so moving to go to all the sites where Yogananda walked and meditated, and to feel his joy. Plus, I have the added benefit of meeting my gurubais from all over the world. What a blessing!
Meet our pilgrimage hosts
This pilgrimage is led by Nayaswami Krishna Das and Nayaswami Sagar, experienced leaders from Ananda Village.
Nayaswami Krishna Das has for 18 years taken groups to holy places throughout India, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and the United States. He is a long-time Ananda teacher and minister and has an enthusiastic passion for sharing holy sites and the lives of saints. He helps you enter into the spiritual quality of each place so that you may have the fullest spiritual experience possible.
Nayaswami Sagar serves in Ananda’s Online Ministry teaching classes on meditation, karma and reincarnation, the yogic teachings of Jesus, and more. He has hosted pilgrimages for Indian devotees in India and co-hosted the Yogananda pilgrimage to Los Angeles. Sagar is joyful, highly creative, and has a delightfully spontaneous sense of humor and enthusiasm for life that includes all those around him.
Sign up for an unforgettable journey
Costs
Early Bird Rates
Available now through Apr. 30, 2024
Shared room, per person*: $2,500
Private room: $3,300
Regular Rates
Available from May 1 – June 15, 2024
Shared room, per person*: $3,000
Private room: $4,000
*We will match you with a roommate of the same gender.
- The cost of all hotel lodgings in Los Angeles and Encinitas, California.
- All transportation to all sites in Los Angeles and Encinitas.
- All meals: Breakfasts will be at our hotels, lunches and dinners at pre-reserved restaurants.
- Our Pilgrimage leader and co-leader will be with our guests at all locations we will tour to provide helpful commentary, lead special meditations, answer questions.
- We will deliver to the airport on departure day
- Air or car travel to/from Los Angeles; arrival airport transfers to Los Angeles hotel
- Any donations or tips you may wish to leave for the shrines, churches, restaurants, porters, etc.
- Personal items, laundry services, phone charges, or any other charges other than the group’s pre-paid hotel rates.
- Travel Insurance: You may wish to take travel insurance if you have flight reservations to insure cancelled flights and lost baggage. Many major credit card companies include some coverage so we advise you first check with them before paying for extra insurance
To register, reserve online and make your $1000 U.S. deposit — this will secure your reservation. Remember, space is limited!
| Dates | Jul 30 – Aug 6, 2024 |
| Location | Los Angeles and Encinitas in California |
| Leaders | Nayaswami Krishna Das and Nayaswami Sagar |
| Sign up now | For an early bird discount, register by April 30, 2024 |
| Limited spots | Only 20 spaces total |
Pricing questions
What is your cancellation policy?
For cancellations received before April 30, 2024, your payment will be refunded, less a $150 cancellation fee.
For cancellations received before June 15, 2024, we will provide a 50% refund.
For cancellations made after June 15, 2024 we will refund $150.00.
Can I choose a shared room if I don’t have a roommate?
Yes. If you prefer shared lodgings but are not coming with a roommate, we will try to match you with someone of the same gender who also needs a roommate.
When will full payment be charged?
Full payment will be charged to your credit card on the last day of the Early Bird or Regular pricing dates.
More questions?
For more information, or to talk further about this pilgrimage, please write to us. We’d love to answer any questions that you have.
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