News Archive

Harekrishna Ghosh

We are sad to share the news of the passing on August 1 of Harekrishna Ghosh, nephew of Paramhansa Yogananda. He was a very dear friend to many of us at Ananda.

Harekrishna lived at 4 Garpar Rd. in Kolkata, Yogananda's boyhood home, considered a pilgrimage place to followers of Yogananda. He welcomed every devotee who visited there, and often told Ananda members "this is your home."

Harekrishna, we will always cherish your beautiful example of love for God and Guru, and the way you shared that love unconditionally with all.
 

Paramhansa Yogananda with friends and family at holy Ganga Saga festival near Kolkata, 1935-6. Harekrishna Ghosh is on the far right.

Watch Streaming Video of Harekrishna Ghosh talking about his experiences with Yogananda:
  • Harekrishna Ghosh (Broadband only), 12 minutes

Harekrishna Ghosh was the son of Sananda Lal Ghosh, Paramhansa Yogananda's brother. He was born in October, 1920 at the 4 Garpar Road home where Yogananda stated, "I found God." The following story by Harekrishna is from his book Experiences with My Guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, available from Ananda:

Harekrishna sitting in the meditation room, where Yogananda said, "I found God."

"It so happened I had an elder brother who died when he was only eleven months old. When my mother was carrying me, Guruji was leaving for America in 1920. My mother asked his blessings so that this time the child would live. Guruji blessed my mother and said, "Don't worry. You will have another male child and this time he will live." He also gave my mother a small bangle (armlet) for me which was made of gold, silver and copper and asked my mother to have me wear the bangle after my birth.

"I was born only two months after Guruji left for America. When he came back to India 15 years later in 1935, he inquired about me. "Where is Harekrishna?" My parents showed me to him. Guruji caught hold of me and asked me, "Where is that bangle I gave to your mother for you?" I showed him the bangle, which I was wearing on my right arm. Guruji himself took away the bangle from my arm and gave it back to my mother and said, "This boy does not require this any more. He is quite safe." So you see how I was born with his blessings."

Harekrishna spent a great deal of time with Yogananda during the Master's 1935-6 visit to India. Harekrishna recounts many stories in Experiences with My Guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, including his time with Yogananda's father; meetings with Sri Yukteswar; and many inspiring and miraculous stories of Yogananda.

Harekrishna is survived by his son Somnath and Somnath's wife Sarita, and their two daughters, Sudarshana and Sulagna. Also by his sister Shefali. And by his daughter Papia, her husband Somen, and their daughter, Sukanya, and grandchild. Harekrishna's wife, Anjali, passed away in 1995.