Pacific Palisades Spiritual Oasis
Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine: Gandhi's Ashes and Hollywood Zen
Los Angeles, California, United States
By the Wicked Cool Places editors · Published
Why it’s cool
This ten-acre Pacific Palisades retreat houses a portion of Mahatma Gandhi’s remains and served as a spiritual sanctuary for icons like Elvis Presley and George Harrison.
Beyond the high-end real estate of the Pacific Palisades, a ten-acre sanctuary offers a quiet reprieve from the relentless energy of Los Angeles. Founded in 1950 by Paramahansa Yogananda, this lush campus serves as a physical manifestation of the teachings found in his influential book, Autobiography of a Yogi.
It is a place where the air feels different, cooled by a central lake and shielded by dense, manicured greenery.
Why It Stands Out
The grounds are famous for their eclectic architecture and deep spiritual significance. A converted windmill, left behind by previous landowners, now serves as a silent chapel.
The Heritage Square Museum also preserves historic structures from the city's past. Nearby, the Golden Lotus Archway frames the Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial.
This simple stone shrine is particularly notable because it contains a portion of Gandhi’s ashes, making it a site of international pilgrimage. The shrine’s influence extends into music history.
Elvis Presley frequented the grounds, forming a close bond with the Fellowship’s leadership. Decades later, the site hosted the funeral for George Harrison, who was a long-time devotee of Yogananda’s teachings.
Visitors can walk the same paths these icons used to escape the pressures of fame, passing monuments that honor a variety of global faiths, including Buddhism, Judaism, and Christianity. The design of the park intentionally incorporates these diverse symbols to promote a message of universal harmony.
Before You Go
The site is managed by the Self-Realization Fellowship and remains a functioning spiritual center. While it welcomes those looking for a break from city noise and smog, the atmosphere is one of quiet reflection.
Respectful behavior is expected as you navigate the lakefront paths and garden alcoves. The grounds offer a rare opportunity to experience stillness within the boundaries of a major metropolis.
Another quiet escape can be found at the Old Zoo Picnic Area.
Questions worth answering
Who was responsible for creating this space?
Paramahansa Yogananda established this ten-acre retreat in 1950. It serves as a physical version of his book, Autobiography of a Yogi.
Is it true that Gandhi has a memorial here?
The Mahatma Gandhi World Peace Memorial sits near the Golden Lotus Archway. It holds some of his ashes in a stone shrine.
Which musicians used to spend time on the grounds?
Elvis Presley visited often and knew the leaders well. George Harrison followed the teachings here and had his funeral on the property.
What should I expect from the atmosphere?
The air stays cool because of the central lake and thick plants. It's a quiet spiritual center where visitors are expected to be respectful.
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