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India has called for years.
Now, it's time.

2024 kicked off many major life changes, and an epic healing journey. My marriage of 25 years ended. Our coaching and training business expanded internationally. Recovery work began, as I seek to heal my early childhood trauma and deepen my sobriety. 

Through it all, my foundation has been Kriya yoga meditation, and my sadhana as a disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda through Self-Realization Fellowship. I’ve always dreamed of visiting the sacred sites and temples of India, described in Autobiography of a Yogi. This pilgrimage marks the opening of a new chapter in my life, and my work. 

One month into 2025, (I turn 50 this September) I’m helping to expand Yogananda’s teachings for future generations, while serving on the Board of Directors for Yoga Alliance. Yoga had plans for me. God willing, yoga has plans for all of us. Jai guru! -Kristoffer

PS. I wrote you (and me) a song below about my healing road.

Itinerary - Expand the Notes

DATE

LOCATION

PILGRIMAGE NOTES

LINK TO MAP

JOURNAL

Sat-Sun
2/01 – 2/02

Agra, Taj Mahal

For those arriving early for our journey, after breakfast, join the staff for a coach ride to the city of Agra, the city of the magnificent TAJ MAHAL.

 

On this day, Check into the hotel and the next morning at sunrise, arrive at day break to view the magnificent ‘Monument of Love‘. This is a truly awesome experience. On return to the hotel for breakfast, then drive approximately two hours to the holy city of Mathura, ‘the birthplace of Lord Krishna‘.


Visit the jail cell where he was born and visit several beautiful temples dedicated the Lord. After this visit, drive 30 minutes to the city of Vrindavan where Krishna and his gopis lived along the banks of the Yamuna River.


Here check into a nice hotel for the night. Near the temple of Lord Krishna. Here you may chant with the many devotees and participate in the evening arati held each night. Many westerners now live in this sacred city.

MAP

Sun – Mon
2/02 – 2/03

Delhi, Akshardham, Sikh Temples

 

We will spend the first and second day rejuvenating and have the opportunity to visit important spiritual centers and historical sites, such as: Akshardham Temple, and the beautiful Sikh Temple.

You will also have some time for last minute shopping before your journey.

MAP

Tue – Wed
2/04 – 2/05

Ayodhya, Ram Mandir ✈️ 

 

The birthplace of Lord Ram, Ayodhya has many well-known, sacred ghats, and other religious sites that are considered holy. Devotees go to Ayodhya all year to seek the Almighty’s blessings.

 

Upon arrival we will be met at the airport and transfer to our hotel for two nights. Rama Temple is a partially constructed Hindu temple complex in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. Many devotees believe that it is located at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi and is considered one of the most holy of sites in India.

 

At the heart of the temple’s significance lies the belief that it stands on the spot where Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, was born. The Ayodhya Ram Mandir becomes not just a structure but a sacred ground, revered by devotees who see it as a living connection to their beloved deity.

We will spend these two days visiting the Mandir and exploring the surrounding area together.

MAP

Thu – Sun
2/05 – 2/09

Varanasi, ancient holy city ✈️

 

Take an early morning flight to Varanasi. Formerly called Benares, this city is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth.

 

Your hotel is located near Lahiri Mahasaya’s home, just feet away from the holy Ganges. Many devotees have told us, that a visit to this city marks one of the most memorable destinations of the pilgrimage. Each morning, the silence is broken by the sounds of priests chanting mantras, ringing bells and blowing their conch shells.

 

The air is filled with the smell of incense wafting through the air as the many worshipers perform their morning prayers. You will take a morning boat ride upon holy river and after, take your optional bath in the Ganges; then meditate and chant as the sun rises over the Ganga River. This is followed by a return to the hotel for breakfast and prepare for our visit to the many sacred places of the city.

 

The next day, the tour takes us to visit Sarnath. After enlightenment, the Lord Buddha came to this town to give his first sermon. It is an amazing historical site and sacred to Buddhists all over the world. Here visit Deer Park and a museum filled with relics from this sacred era. Later that afternoon, return to the hotel for free time and relaxation.

 

Varanasi City is famous for silks and a great place to shop.

 

MAP

Mon – Thu
2/10 – 2/13

Allhabad, Maha Kumbh Mela

 

At the Maha Kumbh Mela in 1894, an extraordinary and spiritually significant meeting occurred between Mahavatar Babaji and Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, as recounted in Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda.

This year more than 400 million people are expected to attend the Kumbh Mela in the city of Prayagraj across 48 days.

  • Divine Appointment: Swami Sri Yukteswar attended the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) as part of his spiritual journey. Babaji, the legendary immortal yogi, had specifically come to the Mela to meet him.

  • Recognition of Yukteswar’s Spiritual Role: Babaji, recognizing Yukteswar’s spiritual stature, referred to him as “Swamiji”, indicating his respect for Yukteswar’s achievements. Babaji also foretold that Yukteswar had a significant role in bridging ancient spiritual wisdom with modern times.

  • Request to Write a Book: During their interaction, Babaji instructed Yukteswar to write a book explaining the unity of Eastern and Western spirituality. The result was Yukteswar’s famous work, The Holy Science (Kaivalya Darshan), which aimed to harmonize the apparent differences between the teachings of Christianity and Hinduism.

  • Blessings and Acknowledgment: Babaji blessed Yukteswar and expressed his desire for him to guide disciples who would carry the message of Kriya Yoga to the West. This paved the way for Yukteswar’s training of Paramahansa Yogananda, who would later fulfill this mission by introducing Kriya Yoga to the Western world.

We will spend the next four nights enjoying celebrating and exploring the many sites of this ancient spiritual gathering. For thousands of years, pilgrims from all over India come to bathe in the holy river and mingle with thousands of Swamis, Sadhus and Naga Babas. We will be thrilled by this wondrous spectacle. Millions from all over India come just to love God. This visit to the Kumbha Mela will be one of the highlights of our tour staying at the Yogoda Satsanga Society camp with the monks and other devotees.

MAP

Fri 2/14

Kolkata, home of Yogananda ✈️



In the afternoon, the group will meet and transfer to the Allahabad airport, to catch an afternoon flight to Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta). Upon arrival, take an immediate transfer to the Y.S.S. Dakshineshwar Ashram. Early the next morning you will take a short walk to the famous Kali Temple mentioned in the Autobiography of a Yogi.


Outside the inner temple of Kali, while sitting in the hot sun, Guruji had a vision of the Divine Mother. Many devotees will know that the famous saint, Sri Ramakrishna lived here for many years. You will then have an opportunity to meditate in the great saint’s bedroom. Each and every day is filled with great joy as we visit all of Master’s places mentioned in the A of Y. You will take a scenic boat ride on the Ganges to Serampore. Upon our arrival, you will walk to Rai Ghat Lane where Babaji appeared to Sri Yukteswarji.

A short walk up this lane leads us to Sri Yukteshwar’s ashram and family home. Next, you will walk about two blocks to visit Ananda Lok. This is the where Guruji lived in his uncle’s home while attending Serampore College. You will meet the family and meditate in Guruji’s room. Then return to the ashram by boat in time for the evening meditation and dinner.

The next day is filled with unbelievable joy as you will visit Guruji’s boyhood home at 4 Garpar Rd.

Take the opportunity to meditate in Guruji’s attic room, where he first found God. The group will listen to stories told by family members and have the opportunity to purchase pictures from their photo album. After your visit, walk around the block to Guruji’s first meditation hall. Here Master danced in ecstasy.

Right next door is the home of Tulsi, the boyhood friend of Guruji. This is a most amazing place. Like a museum, and it holds many special memories and artifacts from Guruji and Sri Yukteswar. Many famous saints visited this home.

Next visit the Levitating Saints home and ashram mentioned in the A of Y. and then later take the opportunity to visit Mother Teresa’s home and ashram.


Here Mother’s body is enshrined and how joyful it is to visit a beautiful museum dedicated to this great soul’s life. If time permits, take a visit 50 Amhearst Way where Master Mahashaya lived.

MAP

Sat 2/15

Kolkata, YSS Dakshinewar

From the Yogoda Satsanga Society website:


Paramahansa Yogananda wrote to Rajarsi Janakananda from Calcutta during his visit to India in 1935-36, “ You would be pleased to know that I have been working incessantly for creating a permanent centre in Calcutta, the crown city of Bengal, and I think I am almost successful.” (Rajarsi Janakananda-A Great Western Yogi). Later, he wrote in his Autobiography of a Yogi, “A stately Yogoda Math in Dakshineswar, fronting the Ganges, was dedicated in 1939.

Only a few miles north of Calcutta, the hermitage affords a haven of peace for city dwellers. The Dakshineswar Math is the headquarters in India of the Yogoda Satsanga Society and its schools, centres, and ashrams in various parts of India.”


The Math was originally a ‘garden house’ sprawling over two acres of land, with stables which were converted into working areas. There was a sizeable pond which is still being maintained. In recent years, a guest house, kitchen and dining areas were added for the convenience of visiting devotees from India and abroad, as envisaged by our Divine Guru.


Dakshineswar is situated north of Kolkata (Calcutta), along the eastern bank of the Hoogly river- as Mother Ganges is known around these parts. The name Dakshineswar is derived from the famous Kali temple in the neighbourhood which faces south or Dakshin. Climate is mostly warm and humid but cool in November-February.

MAP

Sun-Mon
2/16-2/17

Serampore, Paramguru

 

Swami Sri Yukteswar Mandir and Hermitage (where Yogananda trained)

 

 

MAP

Tue – Sat
2/19 – 2/25

Kolkata, to YSS Ranchi ✈️

Upon arrival in Ranchi, transfer to the beautiful YSS Ashram. Guruji spent many years here and the grounds our permeated with his presence. Join in the daily activities with the monks and lay disciples.



Each day includes group energization, chanting and meditations. You will have the opportunity to meditate in Guruji’s bedroom where he had his little deer friend. The gardens are stunning. Marigolds and roses everywhere. You will be able to meditate where Master gave his first classes under the Lichee Tree.

The beautiful Smriti Mandir and Dhyan Mandirs are both open 24 hours for private meditations. Here you can enjoy Satsangas and classes by the YSS swamis.

 

MAP

Sat-Sun
2/22 – 2/23

Transfer to Puri, Seaside ashram ✈️



In the afternoon, we wil take a flight to Bhuvaneshwar. There, we will be met and driven by Tempo on a scenic drive through rice fields and palm trees, all the way to Puri. Upon arrival, you will check into a beautiful seaside resort, located on the sands of the Bay of Bengal.

This luxury hotel has a large swimming pool and lawn area for relaxation and a wonderful spa facility for massage and pedicures. This is a great place to be pampered and relax. After breakfast, you will take a short drive to the seaside ashram of our Paramguru Swami Sri Yukteswar. Here you will bathe in Sri Yukteswar’s holy vibrations.

We will meditate in the samadhi mandir holding the body of Sri Yukteswar. Guruji and Sri Yukteshwar spent many days together at this ashram.

The city is considered one the holiest cities in India, for it is the site of the famous Jaganath Temple.

Many saints have lived in this ancient city, including our Lord Jesus Christ during his missing years. Sri Daya Mataji said that the predominant presence in the temple is of Jesus. Puri is a great place for relaxation and rejuvenation. Each day we will have group meditations and energization.


There are open air markets on the beach each evening for those who would like to experience the local culture.

MAP

Mon – 2/24

Delhi to prep for Ranikhet ✈️

MAP

Tue – Wed
2/25 – 2/26

Ranikhet, to Babaji’s cave 🚊

 

In the early morning of the 25th, we will be met and transferred to the Delhi Railway Station for approximately a six hour first class train ride to Kathgodam, where Sri Daya Mata had her vision of Mahavatar Babaji.

We will be met by our ground staff to journey up the Himalayas to Ranikett where Lahiri Mahasaya was stationed.

 

MAP

Thu – Sun
2/27 – 3/02

Dwarahat, ashram and pilgrimage ✈️

The next afternoon, take a scenic drive through the Himalayan Foothills to our Y.S.S. Dwarahat Ashram. Here is the opportunity to spend the next few days feeling the deep peace and presence of God as expressed through the SRF tradition. This is an ashram experience, as you will have the opportunity to join group meditations, and classes offered by the monastic residents.

 


On the second full day, take a pilgrimage to Mahavatar Babaji’s Cave. This is considered to be the place where Kriya Yoga was given to the world over a hundred and fifty years ago. While walking through the Drona Giri hills, Lahiri Mahasaya met the beloved Babaji, the eternal Guru.

Many devotees can attest to the high spiritual vibration of this sacred area.

 

MAP

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