Hariharananda Centenary - Mahasamadhi Temple

Samadhi Temple

At 6:48 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 3, 2002, Paramahamsa Hariharananda peacefully left his mortal body after one final breath. Baba exited the body land to immerse himself once more in the supreme almighty Lord. Traditional Vedic last rites were performed the next morning. Hariharanandaji’s mortal body remained in the USA for one week so his disciples could have a final darshan with the breathless master.

On the 11th of December, 2002, the mortal body of Paramahamsa Hariharananda left the USA, homeward bound for the distant shores of Mother India to be laid to rest with his forefathers.

At Bhubaneswar, Orissa, on the 14th of December, the government of Orissa accorded State honors to the body of Paramahamsa Hariharananda, an honor never before bestowed on a monk.

Baba’s body was greeted by the State Guard of Honor, senior government ministers, officials from the state of Orissa, and more than one thousand devotees. Baba’s body was escorted to Hariharananda Gurukulam, Balighai, his final resting place by a police escort followed by a convoy of many hundreds of cars, arriving in Balighai at 5:30 a.m. (EST), 4:00 p.m. Indian time. On that day, thousands waited to pay tribute to Baba. The ashram overflowed with devotees, old disciples, distinguished guests, Baba's monks and acharyas. The King of Orissa also came to pay his respects. Undoubtedly such a warm welcome upon Baba's return to India, after six years, was a tribute to the love and compassion that was and is Paramahamsa Hariharananda.

The mahasamadhi ceremony commenced at 12:30 p.m. on the 15th of December, 2002 with many distinguished monks, guests, state officials, and devotees present. Baba was buried with traditional Vedic monastic burial rites. To complete the ceremony, a Shiva lingam named Harihareshwara was installed in the samadhi shrine, a symbol of Baba’s union with the Divine.

On the day of the full moon, the 18th of December, more than 200 monks and sadhus from many traditions gathered to offer prayers. Realized masters are eternally present through their teachings. Anyone who prays or meditates can feel the masters’ presence all along their spiritual journey. Paramahamsa Hariharanandaji has promised to help sincere spiritual seekers at the time of their need.

January 2004 Temporary
Shelter After Burial

Architect's Rendering

Construction Photos

A temporary shelter was built after the burial to protect Baba’s samadhi shrine from the climatic conditions and animals. Paramahamsa Prajnananandaji had a vision of his guruji’s samadhi mandir and set forth to have it built.

Talented architects came forward and in consultation with Prajnananandaji an architectural drawing was drafted. The octagonal temple with four sets of stairs leading to Gurudev’s samadhi shrine is a place of pilgrimage for spiritual seekers to sit and silently meditate. Statues of the masters will be placed along the 15-foot long temple walls. The outer 30-foot long verandah has a seating capacity for 300 people. This holy temple will be surrounded by lotus ponds, beautiful flower gardens, and trees.