Paramahansa Yogananda, born as Mukunda Lal Ghosh, was a spiritual leader and author who became famous for his teachings on yoga and meditation. He was born on January 5, 1893, in Gorakhpur, India, and from a young age, he showed a deep interest in spirituality and the search for the purpose of life.

Yogananda's journey towards fame began when he met his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, at the age of 17. Under his guidance, Yogananda delved deeper into the practice of Kriya Yoga and other spiritual techniques. He also completed his education and received a degree in philosophy from the University of Calcutta.

In 1920, Yogananda founded the Yogoda Satsanga Society in Ranchi, India, to spread his teachings on yoga and meditation. He also started a magazine called "East-West" to reach a wider audience. However, it was his book, "Autobiography of a Yogi," published in 1946, that truly catapulted him to fame.

The book, which chronicled Yogananda's spiritual journey and his encounters with renowned spiritual leaders, became an instant success. It was translated into multiple languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide. The book's popularity can be attributed to its unique blend of spiritual wisdom, personal anecdotes, and scientific explanations, making it accessible to people from all walks of life.

Yogananda's fame spread beyond India, and he embarked on a series of lectures and tours in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world. He also established the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) in Los Angeles, California, to disseminate his teachings and provide a spiritual community for his followers.

Apart from his writing and lectures, Yogananda's fame also came from his remarkable abilities as a yogi. He demonstrated feats of levitation, materialization, and other supernatural powers, which caught the attention of many. These abilities, along with his teachings, earned him the title of "the father of Yoga in the West."

Yogananda's teachings on yoga and meditation were a significant influence on the Western world's spiritual landscape, and he is credited with introducing many to the practice of Kriya Yoga. His followers included renowned figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, and Leo Tolstoy.

Today, Paramahansa Yogananda is considered one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the 20th century. His legacy lives on through the continued popularity of his book and the SRF, which has centers and meditation groups worldwide. His teachings continue to inspire people to seek inner peace and spiritual enlightenment, making him a timeless and beloved figure in the world of spirituality.