Paramahansa Yogananda, the renowned spiritual leader and author of the beloved book "Autobiography of a Yogi", was born on January 5th, 1893 in Gorakhpur, India. He was given the name Mukunda Lal Ghosh at birth by his parents, Bhagabati Charan Ghosh and Gyana Prabha Ghosh.

Growing up, Yogananda was a curious and introspective child. He had a deep interest in spirituality and often engaged in discussions with his father, who was a disciple of the revered saint, Lahiri Mahasaya. His mother also played a significant role in shaping his spiritual beliefs and practices.

At the age of 17, Yogananda met his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, who became his spiritual mentor and guide. Under the guidance of Sri Yukteswar, Yogananda deepened his understanding of the teachings of yoga and Vedanta. He also received formal education in physics and philosophy at the Scottish Church College in Calcutta.

In 1915, Yogananda became a monk and took the name Swami Yogananda Giri. He spent the next few years traveling across India, sharing his spiritual teachings and inspiring others to seek a deeper understanding of the divine. In 1920, he was invited to speak at the International Congress of Religious Liberals in Boston, Massachusetts, which marked the beginning of his journey to the West.

Yogananda spent the next several years traveling and lecturing across the United States, sharing the ancient teachings of yoga and meditation with a Western audience. In 1925, he founded the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) in Los Angeles, California, with the aim of disseminating the teachings of Kriya Yoga, a meditation technique that he learned from his guru, Sri Yukteswar.

In 1946, Yogananda published his most famous work, "Autobiography of a Yogi", which has since become a spiritual classic and has been translated into over 50 languages. The book chronicles his life and spiritual journey, as well as the teachings of his guru and other great spiritual masters.

Sadly, Yogananda's physical life came to an end on March 7th, 1952, when he passed away in Los Angeles. However, his teachings and legacy continue to inspire millions of people around the world to this day. His message of love, unity, and self-realization remains relevant and powerful, making him a beloved figure in the world of spirituality and beyond.

In conclusion, Paramahansa Yogananda was born on January 5th, 1893, in Gorakhpur, India. His life and teachings continue to touch the hearts and minds of people worldwide, making him a timeless and cherished spiritual leader.