Paramahansa Yogananda, the renowned spiritual leader and author of the beloved book Autobiography of a Yogi, was born on January 5, 1893, in Gorakhpur, India. He was given the name Mukunda Lal Ghosh at birth, and was the fourth of eight children in a devout Bengali family.

Growing up in the small village of Gorakhpur, Yogananda was deeply influenced by his mother's spiritual nature and his father's dedication to serving others. From a young age, he showed a natural inclination towards meditation and spiritual practices, and would often retreat to the forests and rivers near his home to meditate and contemplate the mysteries of life.

At the age of 17, Yogananda met his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, who would become his spiritual mentor and guide for the rest of his life. Under the guidance of Sri Yukteswar, Yogananda deepened his understanding of the spiritual path and began to experience profound states of meditation.

In 1915, Yogananda graduated from Calcutta University with a degree in philosophy, and soon after, he became a monk in the Swami Order of India. He took the name Paramahansa, which means "supreme swan," symbolizing his spiritual journey towards enlightenment.

In 1920, Yogananda was sent to the United States by his guru to spread the teachings of Kriya Yoga, a powerful meditation technique that he had mastered. He spent the next several decades traveling across America, giving lectures and classes on yoga, meditation, and the spiritual path.

In 1925, Yogananda founded the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading the teachings of Kriya Yoga and promoting world peace and harmony. The SRF has since grown into a worldwide spiritual community with centers and meditation groups in over 60 countries.

Paramahansa Yogananda's teachings and message of universal love and unity have touched the lives of millions of people around the world. His Autobiography of a Yogi, first published in 1946, continues to be a best-selling spiritual classic and has been translated into over 50 languages.

Today, the legacy of Paramahansa Yogananda lives on through the SRF and the countless individuals who have been inspired and transformed by his teachings. His message of self-realization and inner peace continues to guide and uplift people of all backgrounds and faiths, making him a beloved and respected figure in the world of spirituality.