Self-Realization Fellowship history

Yogananda purchased the hotel in 1925 and immediately set about transforming its grounds into a lush and expansive oasis that includes a wishing well, an outdoor “temple of leaves,” a koi pond, trickling waterfalls and plenty of benches for meditation.

Los Angeles real-estate magnate Alphonzo Bell Sr. later purchased the land, and in 1927 the surrounding hillsides were hydraulically graded to fill the canyon and make it level for future development.

His lecturing and teaching led to the chartering of the fellowship in 1935, with headquarters in Los Angeles; there are now centres worldwide, as well as several independent groups influenced by his teachings.

Shortly after Paramahansa Yogananda received the gift of the Encinitas Hermitage from one of his closest disciples, Rajarsi Janakananda, he began plans for the construction of the Golden Lotus Temple, which he dedicated on January 2, 1938.

The area and surrounding hills remained undeveloped until H. Everett McElroy, assistant superintendent of construction for 20th Century Fox studios, purchased the property in 1940.

Lake Shrine formally opened to the public on August 20, 1950, coinciding with the thirtieth anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda’s work in America.

She started at The Times in 2006 and has worked across a wide range of sections including entertainment, home and garden, national news, technology and science.

In 2012 the auxiliary J Street Chapel opened at 1105 Second Street to accommodate the growing number of people interested in Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings.