Paramahamsa Prajnanananda

Childhood and the Search for a Teacher

Paramahamsa Prajnanananda was born Triloki Dash in the village of Pattamundai in the Indian state of Odisha (Orissa). He grew up in a devout, spiritually oriented environment and, from early childhood, longed to find a true spiritual teacher. This inner search stayed with him into his student years, when his longing was finally fulfilled.

Meeting His Master and Initiation (1980)

In 1980, while still a student, he met Paramahamsa Hariharananda, who initiated him into Kriya Yoga. This meeting determined the direction of the rest of his life. Unlike his peers, he devoted himself fully to spiritual practice — prayer, puja, and meditation — and repeatedly withdrew into the solitude of remote Himalayan caves to study with spiritual masters and deepen his sadhana.

At the same time, he lived the life of a scholar, serving as a professor of economics at Ravenshaw College in the city of Cuttack. He thus combined an academic career with intense inner effort — and it is precisely this union of depth and practicality that continues to shape his way of teaching today.

Monastic Life and Mission (1995)

In 1995 he took sannyasa (monastic initiation) and received the name Swami Prajnanananda Giri. His guru then charged him with traveling to Europe, the United States, and other countries to carry Kriya Yoga forward. Of his successor, Hariharananda spoke a sentence that became his mission: “Whatever I have begun, he is to complete.”

The Title of Paramahamsa (1998)

On 10 August 1998 his Gurudev conferred upon him the title of Paramahamsa, the highest spiritual title traditionally associated with the pinnacle of Self-realization.

Teaching, Books, and Commentaries

Paramahamsa Prajnanananda is known for his extensive knowledge of the sacred scriptures. He has written and translated numerous books on spiritual subjects and produced extensive commentaries on classical texts, which he interprets in the light of modern science. His teaching is marked by simplicity, precision, joy, and clarity — guiding listeners toward their own experience rather than blind belief.

He travels tirelessly around the world, leading lectures, meditations, seminars, and retreats. Whether speaking to complete beginners or to longtime practitioners, he is able to convey profound teachings in the language of people today.

Prajnana Mission and Service

As president of Prajnana Mission, Guruji stands behind projects of spiritual education, social and health services, and charitable work around the world. Near his birthplace he founded Hariharananda Balashram, a residential school for poor and orphaned children. He also built the Hariharananda Gurukulam ashram at Balighai in Odisha, which includes a samadhi shrine dedicated to his Gurudev, Paramahamsa Hariharananda.

The tradition also includes Hand in Hand — a sister charitable organization of Kriya Yoga Centre Europe that supports humanitarian projects. More at handinhand.at ↗.

Sources: Kriya Yoga International (kriya.org) and Prajnana Mission (prajnanamission.org).