Paramahansa Yogananda’s final resting place is located at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. The crypt is in the Sanctuary of Golden Slumber in the Great Mausoleum structure. Directions to the mausoleum are available from the information booth located at the park’s main entrance. Park hours are daily from 8:00am – 5:00pm (6:00pm DST); however, please note that the Mausoleum closes at 4:00pm. For driving directions, please visit Google Maps and paste in the Forest Lawn address.
The following information is intended to enhance your pilgrimage experience. Please note that the entrance to the Sanctuary of Golden Slumber alcove of the Great Mausoleum is not very visible from the driveway. Park your vehicle in the lined spaces on the right near the main mausoleum entrance, then walk back up the hill towards the first section of the building.
You will enter down a walkway and through a single green door. Security will buzz you in to the mausoleum. Proceed down the hall until you reach the Sanctuary of Golden Slumber (on your right side).
There are two small marble benches in the sanctuary, one in front of the crypt, the other by the stained glass window. Since the benches, walls, and floor are marble, the temperature in the sanctuary can be cool. It’s a lovely spot to pay homage to Master and to spend some time in meditation! Flowers are provided daily, so please refrain from bringing your own.
In the hallway just past the crypt, a plaque dedicated to the memory of Paramahansa Yogananda’s Self-Realization Fellowship disciples adorns the right side wall.
Sri Daya Mata Crypt: Please note that Sri Daya Mata’s crypt is at the entrance near the green door in the Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit. As soon as you walk through the door, turn right and the crypt is immediately on your right, fourth from the bottom, in the main hallway.
Flowers adorn the crypt and there is a new mounted plaque.
There is a nearby bench that has a plaque with a saying of Paramahansa Yogananda. This bench, located below a long stained-glass window, is the only seat in this area.
Information on the Interment of Sri Mrinalini Mata at Forest Lawn can be found on the SRF Website: Interment of Sri Mrinalini Mata & Directions to her niche.
The Lewis Graves: When you drive through the main gate, ask the attendant for a map so you can locate the gravemarkers for the Lewis and Rosser families. The Lewis’s plot is located in the “Harmony” section, BLK 2725 between upper and lower Cathedral Drives. Their plot is near the top of the Harmony section. Across upper Cathedral Drive, you will see a life-size Statue of David. The Lewis’s are buried three or four rows south of upper Cathedral drive, near a large tree (see photo below).
Please wear sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes with tread and be very careful when you walk down the hill – it is uneven and severely slanted.
Their daughter, Brenda Lewis-Rosser, is located in Block 8963 of the next section, Garden of Ascension. The sections are marked in black print on the street curbs.
Drive past the turn off for the Great Mausoleum, up Cathedral Drive. At the end of the road, you may turn left to circle back on the upper Cathedral Drive or turn right on Freedom Way towards Arlington Road and John Rosser’s burial location (Col. of Tenderness, Wiche 6457).
Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale)
1712 S. Glendale Avenue
Glendale, CA 91205
Great Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Golden Slumber
Park Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (6:00 pm during DST)
Mausoleum & Church Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Open 7 days a week.
Please enjoy the photos below! To download or print a larger 4×6 image, please click on the photo title. A new window will pop up. Right click on the image to save a copy. Jai Guru!