Paramahansa Yogananda Mahasamadhi Commemoration Service

The Paramahansa Yogananda Mahasamadhi Commemoration Service is an evening ceremony at the Self-Realization Fellowship Hollywood Temple in Los Angeles, California. It honors the mahasamadhi of Paramahansa Yogananda, the date of his passing, and it is held in the Kriya Yoga tradition of Self-Realization Fellowship. Devotees, students of his teachings and anyone who wishes to mark the occasion are welcome. The page sets no prerequisite for attending.

What to Expect

The service runs for two hours in the Temple sanctuary, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. It is a commemorative observance, offered in gratitude to the line of Gurus of Self-Realization Fellowship.

Before the service, from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m., flowers are available by donation outside the Temple. Each person is asked to bring a single flower symbolizing their devotion, along with a monetary offering in an envelope. Both are expressions of thanks to the Gurus, and arriving a little early gives time to collect a flower and settle in before 7:00.

The service is conducted in English.

The Place

Hollywood Temple is one of the Self-Realization Fellowship centers in Los Angeles. It holds regular group meditations, Sunday services, a Sunday School, a choir and service groups, so the commemoration takes place in a setting where Yogananda's teachings are practiced week after week. The service itself is held in the Temple sanctuary. Transportation to the Temple is not provided, so plan your own way there.

Before You Go

- Flower: Bring one from home, or take one by donation outside the Temple between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m.
- Offering: Place a monetary offering in an envelope and bring it with you.
- Included: Admission to the commemorative service and access to the flowers available by donation beforehand.
- Level: All levels. No meditation experience is required to be present.
- Online option: If you cannot attend in person, the official Self-Realization Fellowship calendar lists online commemorative services and meditations.

For anyone drawn to the life and teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, this evening offers a quiet, devotional way to pause and give thanks, whether you come as a longtime Kriyaban or are simply curious about the path.