Paramahansa Yogananda established the international headquarters, the Mother Center, of Self-Realization Fellowship in 1925. It is located on the crest of Mt. Washington, five miles from downtown Los Angeles. Here he lived and worked for more than twenty-five years, and from this center his lectures, writings, and recorded talks are published and made available worldwide.
Also situated here are ashrams (monastic communities) for Self-Realization Fellowship monastics.
Paramahansa Yogananda’s living quarters at the Mother Center have been preserved as a
shrine, and there are exhibits of some of his personal effects in the library and reception hall. The chapel where he conducted services throughout the years is open daily for prayer and meditation. A lovely outdoor “temple of leaves,” where he often gave classes, also invites quiet reflection and meditation, and visitors are welcome to enjoy the Mother Center gardens.
General Opening Hours
Meditation
Grounds
- Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Closed on Mondays and holidays
Visitors’
Center & Main Building
- Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Closed on Mondays and holidays
Note:
Visiting hours can change on short notice. Changes will be
indicated in the section below:
Special Events and Holidays
December
Sunday, December 22
Main Building closed
Meditation Grounds open 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, December 23
Main Building and Meditation Grounds closed
Tuesday, December 24
Christmas Eve
Main Building closed — Meditation Grounds open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 25
Christmas Day
Main Building and Meditation Grounds closed
Thursday, December 26
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
January 2025
Wednesday, January 1
New Year’s Day
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 5
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 11
Meditation in honor of Paramahansa Yogananda
Main Building and Meditation Grounds closed
February
Saturday, February 22
Main Building closed for Kriya Yoga Initiation
Meditation Grounds open 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
April
Friday, April 18
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Good Friday
Saturday, April 19
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 20
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday
May
Saturday, May 17
Main Building closed for Kriya Yoga Initiation
Meditation Grounds open 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Monday, May 26
Main Building and Meditation Grounds closed
Memorial Day
June
Convocation Week:
Sunday, June 22
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, June 23
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 24
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 25
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 26
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, June 27
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 28
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 29
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Monday, June 30
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
July
Friday, July 4
Main Building and Meditation Grounds closed
Independence Day
September
Monday, September 1
Main Building and Meditation Grounds closed
Labor Day
October
Friday, October 31
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Halloween
November
Saturday, November 8
Main Building closed for Kriya Yoga Initiation
Meditation Grounds open 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
November 27
Main Building and Meditation Grounds closed
Thanksgiving Day
Friday, November 28
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 29
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
December
Tuesday, December 23
Main Building and Meditation Grounds closed
Wednesday, December 24
Main Building closed
Meditation Grounds open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve
Thursday, December 25
Main Building and Meditation Grounds close
Christmas Day
Friday, December 26
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
January 2026
Thursday, January 1
Main Building and Meditation Grounds open 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
New Year’s Day
Monday, January 5
Main Building and Meditation Grounds closed
Saturday, January 10
Meditation in honor of Paramahansa Yogananda
Main Building and Meditation Grounds closed
3880 San Rafael Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90065
(323) 225-2471