Swami Vigyanananda Giri (b.1952) is a Himalayan Yogi who has been practicing 'Kriya Yoga' since 1972. His Guru is Swami Bhabananda Giri, who belongs to the lineage of Sri Yukteswar Giri, Lahiri Mahashaya and Mahavatar Babaji.

Swami Vigyanananda Giri lives in the Himalayan forests near Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. He has been living there since 1997. There are two small temples; one dedicated to Durga, known as Langhamata and one to Shiva. The entire area gets covered by snow during the period from December to March. The place becomes inaccessible during these months, but he continues to reside there all alone through this period also, braving very severe winter conditions. Swamiji looks after these temples and lives a very simple life.

Kriya Yoga taught by Swamiji is of pristine purity and is not commercialized. The initiation is on one to one basis and the practice he recommends is individualized to suit each aspirant. There is no fee, no form to fill and there is no formal organization with office bearers. He does not deliver formal lectures, but he answers all questions put to him by those who meet him.

Swamiji believes in scientific approach in life. He encourages disciples to understand the principles of Kriya and also to observe and experiment during the practice. He takes keen interest in guiding disciples to achieve success and hand-holds to ensure proper practice. His concern is to prevent harm to the initiates due to wrong practice or over enthusiasm.

Swamiji conducts two programs in a year in the Langhamata temple. One is a Navarathri celebration held during March-April, with nine days of continuous Hawan and then Purnahuti followed by Bhandara on the ninth day. During this period, ‘Rhododendrens’ (Braha) blossom to add divine colour to the festivities. The second one is a Dussera Navarathri celebration again, held during October-November, with nine days of Hawan followed by Purnahuti and Bhandara. Hundreds of people from the villages down below congregate and participate in these celebrations. These programs are conducted in a highly spiritual ambience and with minimal instructions and effort. It is a treat to watch and participate in the programs. Every-one present is given an opportunity to offer Hawan samgri to the Hawan Kund.