Paramahamsa Hariharananda

Paramahamsa Hariharananda (1907–2002) was the kriya-yoga master of the Puri lineage — disciple of Swami Sri Yukteswar’s circle (via discipleship chains through the lineage of Lahiri Mahasaya), whose Kriya Yoga Institute carried the technique to global students.

Background

Born Rabindranath Bhattacharya in Serampore (Bengal); a prodigy of scriptural memory (the “bird yogi” legend of his breathless states); initiated into kriya by Swami Sri Yukteswar’s direct disciples (1932 onward), his realization matured at Karar Ashram, Puri (founded 1941).

Spiritual Contribution

The Kriya Yoga Institute (from Puri, then Miami) teaching the four-stage kriya lineage; his writings (Kriya Yoga: The Scientific Process of Soul-Culture and the Bhagavad Gita commentary) present the technique as scientific mysticism; the international centers (in 30+ countries) under his disciples (Paramahamsa Prajnanananda among the current teachers).

Legacy and Impact

Among the most institutionalized kriya lines after Yogananda’s; the Puri ashram (Karar Ashram) remains the lineage’s Indian seat; his breathing-based pedagogy (the “cobra breath” lore among the teachings) is the tradition’s own account.

Verification notes

• Dates and the lineage connections are documented by the institute.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).