Sacred Art for Your Altar: The Gurus of the Kriya Lineage

At the heart of every altar is an image — the form the heart turns to in devotion. For those who walk the path of Kriya Yoga, that image is most often the line of Gurus: the great masters through whom the sacred science of Kriya was carried into the world. A clear, beautiful portrait of a Guru, met at eye level each time you sit, gives the gaze somewhere to rest and the heart someone to meet. This is a guide to the lineage and to choosing the sacred art that will anchor your meditation space.

Why a Guru’s image matters in practice

A devotional image is not worshipped as paper or canvas; it is a window. Returning to the same beloved face, day after day, the mind grows still and the heart opens in remembrance and attunement. The image becomes a point of contact — a way of feeling the living presence and blessing of the Guru, even in silence. This is why the picture at the center of an altar is chosen with such care.

The line of Gurus

In the Kriya Yoga lineage, four great masters are revered as the Gurus through whom the path descends:

Mahavatar Babaji

The deathless master of the Himalayas, who revived Kriya Yoga for the modern age and entrusted it to his disciples. Babaji is held as an ever-living presence, working quietly for the upliftment of humanity.

Lahiri Mahasaya

The beloved householder-saint of Banaras, who received Kriya from Babaji and gave it freely to sincere seekers of every walk of life — showing that the highest realization is possible while living fully in the world. (A Lahiri Mahasaya canvas is available for the altar.)

Swami Sri Yukteswar

The illumined “Jnanavatar,” wisdom incarnate — a master of penetrating insight and gentle severity, and the guru of Paramahansa Yogananda. (See the Sri Yukteswar canvas.)

Paramahansa Yogananda

Who brought Kriya Yoga to the West and, through Autobiography of a Yogi, to countless hearts around the world. His face is, for many, the doorway to the whole lineage. (Available as a classic portrait and a meditation portrait.)

The whole lineage in one image

Many devotees like to keep the entire line of Gurus together, gathered in a single view at the center of the altar. Our SRF Guru Lineage canvas brings the masters together in one piece — a complete focal point for a Kriya practitioner’s sacred space.

Beloved forms of the Divine

Alongside the Gurus, many altars hold a cherished form of God. For those whose devotion turns to Krishna, the Lord of the Bhagavad Gita, or to the Divine Mother, we offer sacred canvases of Krishna and Dakshineswar Kali Ma as well. The right image is simply the one your heart already loves.

Choosing the art for your space

A few practical notes for choosing well:

• Material: our sacred canvas prints are museum-quality, gallery-wrapped, and ready to hang — no frame required — so the image sits clean and reverent on the wall.
• Size: made to order in several sizes. Choose a larger piece for a focal wall above the altar, or a smaller one to stand upon the altar surface itself.
• Placement: hang or stand the image so the Guru’s eyes meet yours at eye level when you are seated.
• Beyond canvas: we also offer traditional Kriya lineage art prints for those who prefer a classic print.

“When the disciple is ready, the Guru appears.” — a traditional saying

Placing it on your altar

Once chosen, give the image pride of place at the center of your altar, with a lamp or candle nearby and perhaps an offering of flowers or incense. (Our guide to creating a devotional home altar walks through the whole arrangement.) Kept clean and tended, the image becomes the still point your practice — and your home — quietly orients around.

Frequently asked questions

Which Guru’s image should I choose?

Choose the one your devotion naturally turns to — often the Guru of your own path, or Paramahansa Yogananda as the doorway to the lineage. Many keep the whole line of Gurus together. There is no wrong choice; follow your heart.

What sizes do the canvases come in?

They are made to order in several sizes, so you can choose a larger focal piece for the wall or a smaller one to rest on the altar. See each product page for the current options.

Canvas or framed print — what’s the difference?

Our canvas prints are gallery-wrapped and ready to hang as-is, with a clean, contemporary look and no frame needed. If you prefer a traditional framed look, our art prints can be framed to your taste.

Where should I hang or place the image?

At eye level when seated, at the center of your altar or on the wall just above it, so the Guru’s gaze meets yours as you sit.

Do I need the whole lineage, or just one image?

Either is perfect. A single beloved portrait is a complete focal point; the full lineage gathers all the Gurus in one view. Begin with what calls to you and add over time if you wish.

May the faces you love watch over your practice, and draw you ever inward.