Prajnana Mission was founded in 1993 by Paramahamsa Hariharananda, with his beloved disciple Paramahamsa Prajnanananda carrying forward the vision of uplifting humanity—socially, morally, and spiritually. The Mission was officially registered in 1999 and is headquartered in Jagatpur, Odisha.
Dedicated to selfless service, Prajnana Mission pursues a multifaceted approach to its mission. It strives to propagate the ancient mystical science of Kriya Yoga and share the wisdom of its revered lineage of Masters. Additionally, the Mission is committed to preserving and promoting spiritual and cultural values, providing free education to underprivileged children, offering healthcare services to the distressed and vulnerable, and extending relief to victims of natural calamities.
Prajnana Mission is dedicated to disseminating the teachings of Kriya Yoga as passed down through an unbroken lineage of Masters, from Mahavatar Babaji to H.H. Paramahamsa Hariharananda and his spiritual successor, H.H. Paramahamsa Prajnanananda. To spread these sacred teachings, the Mission coordinates and organizes programs across more than 100 centers in India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, UAE, Muscat, Bahrain, and Kuwait. As part of this effort, it regularly conducts Kriya Yoga initiations and spiritual retreats (Sadhana Shibirs).
The spiritual headquarters of Prajnana Mission is Hariharananda Gurukulam in Balighai, Puri, the sacred resting place of Beloved Gurudev Paramahamsa Hariharananda. This unique spiritual haven houses a temple dedicated to the revered lineage of Kriya Yoga Masters. Its serene and meditative atmosphere draws saints (sadhus) and spiritual seekers (sadhakas) from around the world.
The Mission also hosts various programs, including Guru Purnima, birth and mahasamadhi days of the Masters, the Intensive International Kriya Yoga Seminar, monthly initiation programs, and spiritual retreats. These initiatives provide Kriyavans with opportunities to deepen their practice and immerse themselves in the profound teachings of the Masters.
The Mission publishes books, magazines, and journals in multiple languages—including English, Hindi, Odia, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, and Malayalam—to spread spiritual wisdom. Its publishing journey began in 1996 with the release of Nectar Drops (Words of Wisdom), authored by Paramahamsa Hariharananda.
Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, a prolific author, has written extensively on scriptures, the lives of the Masters, core values of life, and practical spirituality. He has authored over 200 books in multiple languages, enriching spiritual literature worldwide. To date, the Mission has published nearly 500 books and magazines, making profound spiritual knowledge accessible to seekers everywhere.
In addition to books, the Mission releases quarterly publications that share updates on global activities, teachings from the lineage of Masters, metaphorical interpretations of scriptures, and insights on applying spirituality to daily life. These include Sthita Prajna (published in both English and Hindi) and Tarane Nauka (published in Odia).
To bring the profound wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita to all, Prajnana Mission conducts various programs throughout the year. One of its key initiatives is the Gita Jnana Yajna, a series of discourses held at different centers. During these sessions, Guruji and other monks of the Mission present metaphorical interpretations of the Gita, offering practical spiritual teachings that individuals can incorporate into their daily lives.
The Mission also organizes state-level Gita Chanting Competitions and Gita Knowledge Tests, inspiring students to engage deeply with this sacred scripture. Nearly 6,000 students, from primary school to post-graduate levels, participate in these competitions. Events are conducted at block, district, and state levels, with winners receiving scholarships. As a special honor, students who successfully recite the entire Bhagavad Gita are awarded a gold coin. Through these initiatives, the Mission nurtures a love for the Gita among the youth, encouraging them to learn, understand, and embody its timeless values in their lives.
Prajnana Mission has designed the Youth Orientation Program (YOP) to foster the holistic development of young adults—nurturing the body, mind, and spirit. This week-long, free residential program equips students with essential life skills while deepening their awareness of their role in a progressive society. Participants receive training in yoga, pranayama, and meditation, along with lessons in interpersonal and communication skills, leadership, and the spirit of selfless service.
Additionally, the Mission conducts the Residential Brahmachari Training Course under the direct guidance of Guruji. This program provides selected trainees from around the world with the opportunity to immerse themselves in ashram life, practice Kriya Yoga meditation, study scriptures, engage in seva (selfless service), and participate in various Gurukulam activities.
Prajnana Mission also supports Jnanaprabha Mission in promoting social and spiritual awareness among schoolgirls. This initiative educates young girls on effective learning techniques, their rights and responsibilities, and fundamental moral values. The program emphasizes environmental awareness, meditation, yoga, health, hygiene, and cleanliness. Through lectures, storytelling sessions, and interactions with accomplished women, students are encouraged to develop a strong sense of self-awareness and purpose.
Prajnana Mission conducts charitable health, education and disaster relief services, mostly in Odisha. Mission has the local knowledge, network and expertise to meet the social welfare needs of the distressed, under privileged and needy. It works in partnership with Hand-in-Hand, a registered charity for humanitarian aid, based in Europe and the USA.
Hariharananda Balashram is a residential, co-educational English medium school that provides free education, accommodation, clothing, nutritious diet, and medical care to around 600 underprivileged students between the ages of 4 and 17. The school follows the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum, offering classes from pre-primary to class XII. In addition to standard subjects, students learn Hindi, Odia, Sanskrit, technical studies, life skills, and scriptural teachings, reflecting an integration of modern education with India's ancient moral and spiritual systems.
The school’s mission is to uplift the least privileged children, ensuring their holistic development in body, mind, and intellect. Through this integrated approach, it aims to transform these children into competent individuals who embody strong values and leadership qualities, eventually contributing to the betterment of their communities. Balashram emphasizes both personal and communal upliftment, aiming to create positive change in society through its students.
Hariharananda Balashram is located in the peaceful rural village of Arua, around 100 kilometers from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The Balashram is spread over twelve acres in the village of Pattamundai and has facilities to provide for the children's educational, physical, social, and emotional needs. The school campus includes a well-designed infrastructure that consists of a main school building, three hostels for students, a mini auditorium, laboratories, staff quarters, a cowshed, and a kitchen block.
The school is supported by a dedicated team of nearly 50 staff members, including teachers and support staff. Each year, approximately 40 children are admitted to the school, with an equal number of boys and girls, ensuring a balanced and inclusive environment for learning and development.
Project Chrysalis, initiated in 2016, was designed to ensure bright futures for students graduating from grades 10th or 12th at Hariharananda Balashram. The project provides academic guidance and financial support to these students as they pursue further education, whether through regular graduation courses or job-oriented programs. The initiative continues to assist students until they complete their studies and are able to secure employment, ensuring they are empowered to support themselves and contribute meaningfully to society.
Hariharananda Shikshashram, a low-fee, vernacular-medium day school, was established by Prajnana Mission in Athagarh in 2017. In addition to following the standard academic curriculum, these schools place a strong emphasis on English language skills and moral education, aiming to nurture well-rounded students.
Hariharananda Charitable Health Centers and Village Health Projects (VHPs) have been established by Prajnana Mission in various parts of Odisha and West Bengal to serve underprivileged rural communities. These centers offer free medical, dental, and pathological care, along with the distribution of essential medicines to people living in areas with limited or no access to healthcare facilities.
In 2014, a super specialty hospital was inaugurated in Jagatpur, Cuttack. This facility provides a wide range of services, from minor surgical procedures to the treatment of acute infections and the long-term management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Equipped with X-ray and pathology labs, the hospital offers timely diagnostic services to patients who would otherwise have to travel long distances. Specialized care in fields such as neurology, cardiology, nephrology, urology, radiology, ophthalmology, and more is also made available to those in need.
At the Hariharananda Gurukulam campus in Balighai, Puri, a well-equipped pharmacy and outpatient facility cater to the local population. A team of specialist physicians provides care across a wide spectrum of disciplines, including general medicine, surgery, pathology, radiology, pediatrics, gynecology, ophthalmology, ENT, dermatology, cardiology, urology, and dentistry.
Additionally, the Bhisindipur Centre specializes in homeopathic treatment, further extending the reach of affordable and alternative care. Prajnana Mission also operates Village Health Projects in Athagarh (Cuttack district) and Arua (Kendrapada district) of Odisha, bringing regular healthcare services to rural populations through mobile medical units and periodic health camps.
Prajnana Mission is deeply committed to serving those living in remote and underserved areas who have limited or no access to healthcare facilities. To fulfill this vision, the Mobile Medical and Dental Unit (MMDU) was launched—an innovative, fully equipped, self-sufficient, air-conditioned vehicle designed to bring healthcare directly to the doorstep of rural communities.
The MMDU regularly travels to remote villages, conducting general health check-ups, dental and medical camps, health and hygiene awareness programs, and social awareness initiatives. It also distributes free medicines to those in need. The unit is specially outfitted to perform basic dental procedures and minor surgeries on-site, providing timely and quality care in areas where medical support is otherwise unavailable.
Prajnana Mission actively provides relief and emergency support during natural disasters and critical emergencies, extending compassionate aid to those affected across India. Since the devastating 1999 super cyclone, when the Mission supported over 10,000 people, it has consistently responded to emergencies such as floods, earthquakes, fire accidents, and other calamities, reaching out to the most distressed communities.
With generous contributions from donors around the world, the Mission supplies essential relief materials—including food, clothing, clean water, and medical aid—to the hardest-hit areas. These timely interventions aim to alleviate immediate suffering and restore dignity to victims in their hour of need.
In addition to emergency aid, Prajnana Mission has also focused on long-term rehabilitation. Following major disasters such as the 1999 cyclone, the 2000 drought and famine, and the 2001 severe floods, the Mission constructed permanent housing for those who lost their homes. The most extensive reconstruction effort took place after Cyclone Fani in 2019, when the Mission built numerous homes to help families rebuild their lives.
The Prachi River, one of the culturally and historically significant rivers of Odisha, is currently facing the threat of extinction. In support of efforts to preserve and revive this vital waterway, Prajnana Mission collaborates with the Prachi Parikrama Charitable Trust by organizing an annual Prachi Parikrama—a week-long eco-walk held every February along the river’s course.
This unique initiative aims to raise public awareness about the ecological and spiritual importance of the river, while inspiring collective responsibility for its conservation. Through years of sustained advocacy and grassroots engagement, these efforts have borne fruit—the government has now acknowledged the urgency of the issue and has announced dedicated projects and funding for the rejuvenation of the Prachi River.
Prajnana Mission in association with Odisha Gau Seva Samiti is actively engaged in creating awareness about the multifaceted benefits of indigenous cows and the importance of their preservation, particularly in promoting organic and sustainable farming practices. The Mission emphasizes the vital role native cattle play in enriching soil health, producing natural fertilizers, and maintaining ecological balance. As part of its commitment, the Mission operates a Nandini Gaushala at Hariharananda Gurukulam in Balighai. This Gaushala not only cares for the well-being of the cows but also serves as a center for educating the public on cow protection, traditional agricultural practices, and the spiritual and environmental significance of indigenous breeds. Additionally, the Mission in association with Guru Gobinda Goseva ashram maintains a Nandi Goshala which provides a safe and nurturing shelter for stray and abandoned bulls.
Prajnana Mission organizes the Panchasakha Peetha Parikrama with the noble aim of propagating the teachings of the revered Panchasakhas and preserving Odisha’s ancient cultural and spiritual heritage. The Panchasakhas—Balarama Dasa, Jagannatha Dasa, Achyutananda Dasa, Ananta Dasa, and Yasovanta Dasa—were saint-poets and spiritual reformers whose profound contributions shaped the Bhakti movement in Odisha. Through this sacred pilgrimage to the five Peethas associated with these saints, the Mission fosters greater awareness of their timeless wisdom, devotional literature, and the values they espoused. The Parikrama not only deepens spiritual understanding among participants but also helps revive interest in Odia language, literature, and traditional practices, thereby nurturing a sense of pride in Odisha’s rich spiritual legacy.
