Raja Celebrations Meet Spiritual Exploration as Puri Heritage Walk Explores Kriya Yoga Traditions

Puri: The festive spirit of Raja Parba blended with spirituality and heritage as participants of the 22nd edition of Puri Heritage Walks (PHW) embarked on a unique experiential journey to explore the philosophy of Kriya Yoga and Puri’s lesser-known cultural landmarks.

As part of the heritage walk, participants visited Hariharananda Gurukulam at Balighat, where they were introduced to the principles and practices of Kriya Yoga—an ancient spiritual discipline focused on mastering “Prana” or life force to achieve inner harmony and higher consciousness.

At the Gurukulam, heritage enthusiasts received detailed insights from Swami Pujyananda on the significance of yogic practices and their role in regulating breath, calming the mind and promoting balanced living. He explained that Kriya Yoga offers a path for elevating human consciousness and encourages individuals to remain fearless while navigating life’s realities.

Participants also learned about various monastic traditions including Giri, Puri and Bharati orders and explored the spiritual legacies of revered figures such as Mahavatar Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, Paramahansa Yogananda, Sanyal Mahasaya, Swami Hariharananda and Swami Prajnananandaji Maharaj. Special emphasis was laid on Paramahansa Yogananda’s contribution in introducing Kriya Yoga to audiences across India and the world.

Following the interaction, the group paid homage at the samadhi of Yogi Hariharananda Giri and walked through the Gurukulam’s Unity Trail, which symbolises interfaith harmony through installations and statues representing diverse spiritual traditions, including Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, Mahavira and Lord Buddha.

Set amid greenery, the campus also features a large goshala, adding to the serene atmosphere of the spiritual centre managed by Prajnana Mission.

In the concluding leg of the walk, participants visited the temple of Maa Narayani at Narayanibanta, where they offered prayers on the occasion of Pahili Raja. The visit also offered a glimpse into the site’s artistic and historical richness through ancient sculptures, paintings influenced by the Pattachitra tradition and a preserved collection of old photographs depicting Puri and Shrimandir.

Adding a festive touch to the experience, participants celebrated Raja Parba by enjoying traditional swings tied to old trees within the temple premises.

The heritage walk concluded on a memorable note with participation from enthusiasts representing Puri, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Khordha and Rourkela, bringing together heritage, spirituality and festive traditions in a unique cultural experience.