Make a Special Offering on Janmotsav
Ranchi is a great institution…it would be a Mecca for Western and Eastern pilgrims of Yogoda.
— Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda
Greetings to all of you on this auspicious occasion of Gurudeva Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda’s Avirbhav Divas. We warmly invite you to join us in expressing heartfelt devotion to our beloved Gurudeva, whose divine blessings uplift our lives. Paramahansaji’s exemplary life and work on earth inspired countless truth-seekers on their journey to their Cosmic Home, and continue to do so even today, illuminating the pathways of our lives with infallible wisdom and guidance.
“Stepping onto the sacred grounds of Ranchi Ashram, once graced by the divine presence of our beloved Gurudeva, is truly a remarkable blessing. Each corner of this place holds cherished memories of soulful satsangas and enlightening classes led by our revered sannyasis. Together, we have gathered in these grounds, the Maidan, the Guest House, and the Auditorium, during Sangams and Retreats spanning countless years, to meditate as one united spiritual family and enjoy sweet fellowship.
Here we found solace and guidance, immersing ourselves in the river of Gurudeva’s wisdom that flowed during such events. We discovered the invaluable opportunity to rejuvenate and rediscover our spiritual path with renewed enthusiasm. Oh! How we treasure those blessed moments that have touched our hearts, uplifted our souls, forging bonds that transcend time and space.”
On these sacred occasions, devotees often ask us whether Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) is undertaking any special projects that they can support through their donations. We would like to share with you several such opportunities where you can contribute and thereby help to upgrade the facilities at Guruji’s Ranchi Ashram.
As we embark on the journey of renovating various facilities for visiting devotees, we humbly appeal for your support. By contributing to this noble cause, you can help us preserve and enhance this sacred sanctuary where countless souls have found solace, inspiration, divine love, and a sense of belonging. Together, let us preserve this legacy of our Gurudeva, through our sincerity, gratitude, and commitment to his blessed work.
Renovation of the Main Guest House
Established in 1959, with its foundation stone laid by our revered former president and sanghamata, Sri Sri Daya Mata, the Main Guest House at the Ranchi ashram originally served as hostel rooms and classrooms for students of Yogoda Satsanga Brahmacharya Vidyalaya (school) and Mahavidyalaya (college). Over time, it has been repurposed as a Guest House to accommodate visiting devotees. As the building is more than 60 years old, it needs extensive repairs to address inevitable wear and tear, and all the guest rooms need significant remodelling to bring them to contemporary standards.
The renovation work will include:
- Converting large dormitories and shared bathroom facilities on the second floor into individual or family rooms equipped with attached bathrooms. We will be adding 17 guest rooms in this process. These new rooms will provide comfort and privacy to visiting guests that was lacking in the dormitories.
- Repair works: To rectify the building’s issues caused by wear and tear, including rainwater seepage in several rooms, extensive repairs are necessary.
- Lift for senior citizens: We have installed a lift that will allow even senior citizens to be accommodated on the upper floors, thus removing the limitation of having to accommodate them only on the ground floor.
- Refurbishment of rooms: The present furniture and fittings in the guest rooms are from an older era. As part of the renovation plan, all the rooms will be furnished with quality furniture, including study tables and chairs, comfortable beds for a restful sleep, and a soothing decor. Incorporating elements such as calming colours and soft lighting, we aim to create an ambience that supports interiorization and spiritual upliftment.
Project cost: ₹ 2.75 Crore
Adding a Second Floor to the Ladies Guest House
There is limited room availability during Sadhana Sangams and Retreats in the Ladies Guest House, and it is crucial that we address this constraint. Our plan is to add a second floor with 13 rooms. This expansion will provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for our Guru behens, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their spiritual practices. These rooms too will be furnished with modern furniture and fittings, as described above.
Project cost: ₹ 3.25 Crore
Significant Overhaul of the Auditorium
With the increase in the number of devotees visiting our ashram, it is becoming a challenge to accommodate the growing congregation within the limited capacity of the main Dhyana Mandir, especially when hosting special events like Sadhana Sangams, Commemorations, etc. Further, the current ceiling of the Dhyana Mandir, and its spatial structure do not allow us to install permanent suitable light fixtures and camera setups, making livestreaming quite cumbersome.
To address this pressing need, we have turned our attention towards the auditorium — a cherished spiritual sanctuary that has served our devotees for over 50 years. However, it has become evident that the auditorium requires a significant overhaul.
At first, we will revamp the structure (the roof, trusses, etc.), addressing issues such as leaks during rains and to ensure its sturdiness for years to come.
Next, we plan to enclose the four sides of the auditorium with walls, creating a serene haven within, where the tranquil environment remains undisturbed by external factors like rain, mosquitoes, and noise. This will greatly help the devotees in their sadhana.
But that’s not all. To embrace the digital age and connect with our global audience, we also plan to install a state-of-the-art audio-video equipment in the auditorium. This will enable us to live-stream events, providing a transformative experience to seekers around the world. The limitations of the main Dhyana Mandir will no longer hinder us from sharing the profound teachings of our beloved Gurudeva with our growing world-wide spiritual family.
Project cost: ₹ 4 Crore
Apart from embarking on these three essential renovation projects, we have undertaken two other projects.
New Washroom Facility Near Ranchi Dhyana Mandir and Renovation of Staff Quarters
As part of our ongoing improvements, we have upgraded the washrooms adjacent to the main Dhyana Mandir. We are also planning to renovate the staff quarters that house employees providing essential round-the-clock support.
Project cost: ₹ 50 Lakh
New Apartment for Sevaks and Guests
In order to provide accommodation for the growing number of sevaks dedicated to serving Gurudeva’s work at the Ranchi ashram, we have accquired a two-bedroom apartment in the Bansal Plaza Apartment complex, which is located very near to the ashram.
Project cost: ₹ 50 Lakh
Your Support Is Deeply Appreciated
Guruji’s work is constantly growing, bringing with it many challenges, and at the same time many opportunities to serve. Let us all join hands to face these challenges joyously, helping and supporting Guruji’s work in whatever way we can.
The combined cost of these projects is approximately ₹ 11 Crore.
Without your generosity and constant support over the years, we could not have accomplished all that we have been able to. Your manifold contributions are invaluable in spreading our beloved Gurudeva’s message of Kriya Yoga to all who are hungrily seeking a true path.
Anything you can do to help will be greatly appreciated, including your prayers for the successful completion of these projects.
We, the monastic community along with the sevaks who serve in Guruji’s ashrams, send our heartfelt gratitude for your love, prayers, and generous contributions; and wish you peace and joy on this blessed Janmotsav.
May we all feel the constant protecting presence of God and our blessed Gurudeva! Jai Guru!
