Lucknow: The birth anniversary of Swami Yogananda was celebrated with devotion and spiritual fervour at Ramakrishna Math, Lucknow in Lucknow. The entire programme was also live-streamed through the Math’s YouTube channel, “Ramakrishna Math, Lucknow.”
The day-long celebration began early in the morning with the sounding of the conch and Mangala Aarti at 5:00 am, followed by Vedic chanting at 6:50 am, including the recitation of Narayan Suktam and the group singing of “Jai Jai Ramakrishna Bhuvan Mangal.” A Sat-Sang session (online) was later held under the leadership of Swami Muktinathananda Ji Maharaj, President of the Ramakrishna Math in Lucknow.
In the evening, after the Sandhya Aarti at the main temple, the devotional hymn “Saparsad Sri Ramakrishna Stotram,” composed by Swami Saradananda, was recited by Swami Ishtakripananda.
The highlight of the programme was a discourse delivered by Swami Kritatmananda Ji of Ramakrishna Math, Jamtara in Jharkhand, who spoke extensively on the life and teachings of Swami Yogananda. In his address, he said that India’s spiritual tradition has produced many saints who exemplified the ideals of devotion, service and renunciation through their lives. Among them was Swami Yogananda, lovingly known as “Ma’s Yogi.”
He explained that Swami Yogananda was a direct disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and a deeply devoted servant of Sarada Devi. His life, he said, was marked by simplicity, purity and deep devotion to God. From an early age, he showed a strong inclination toward spiritual life, and his search for truth eventually brought him to the feet of Sri Ramakrishna, whose guidance transformed his life.
After the passing of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Yogananda dedicated himself wholeheartedly to serving Sarada Devi. His unwavering devotion, humility and selfless service earned him the affectionate title “My Yogi” from the Holy Mother, which led to his being popularly known as “Ma’s Yogi.”
Swami Kritatmananda further highlighted the key qualities of Swami Yogananda’s life—deep devotion, unwavering faith in the guru, selfless service, disciplined spiritual practice, humility and simplicity. He emphasized that true spirituality is not merely expressed in words, but in a life dedicated to service and surrender.
He also noted that despite living a contemplative life, Swami Yogananda possessed remarkable organisational skills and had a profound influence on the younger generation of monks in the Ramakrishna Order. His message continues to inspire spiritual seekers to live with faith, devotion and a spirit of service.
Devotees attending the programme resolved to draw inspiration from his life and follow the path of devotion and service. The event concluded with the distribution of prasad among all devotees present.
