Back to Paramahansa Yogananda
    Paramahansa Yogananda

    Paramahansa Yogananda

    Awards & Honours

    0

    Awards Won

    3

    Honours

    2

    Records

    Paramahansa Yogananda's achievements stand as a unique testament to the power of spiritual leadership in the modern era. He was the first Indian yogi to establish permanent residence in the United States, a feat that opened the door for countless others. His book Autobiography of a Yogi remains one of the most influential spiritual texts of the 20th century, with sales reaching into the millions. The founding of the Self-Realization Fellowship created a global network of over 300 centers, a scale of organization rarely achieved by spiritual teachers of his time. His invitation to the White House in 1927 marked a historic moment in cultural exchange between India and the United States.

    Paramahansa Yogananda receiving an award

    Honours & Distinctions

    Hosted at the White House

    White House·1927

    First prominent Indian to be hosted by a U.S. President, meeting Calvin Coolidge.

    Father of Yoga in the West

    Historical Consensus·1950

    Title widely bestowed by historians and media for introducing yoga to the US.

    Los Angeles Times Recognition

    Los Angeles Times·1952

    Described as "the 20th century's first superstar guru."

    Records & Feats

    First Indian Yogi in Permanent U.S. Residence

    Historic First·1920

    Arrived in 1920 and established the first permanent yogic center in the US.

    Most Influential Spiritual Book of the 20th Century

    Career Milestone·1946

    Autobiography of a Yogi has sold millions of copies and remains a global bestseller.