In Pacific Palisades, the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine stands as a symbol of peace and reflection, offering visitors a tranquil retreat from the fast pace of Los Angeles. Nearly devastated by the Palisades Fire in 2025, Lake Shrine has a remarkable story of resilience, stewardship, and community. 

The ten-acre property’s history traces back to the early days of Hollywood when it served as a movie set in the silent film era. In the late 1940s, oil company president H. Everett “Big Mac” Gross acquired the land with plans to develop a luxury resort. However, in 1949, spiritual leader Paramahansa Yogananda purchased the site, envisioning it as a sanctuary open to all, dedicated to fostering inner peace and unity among world religions.

Yogananda’s vision became a reality with the opening of the Lake Shrine in 1950. The lush grounds feature a natural spring-fed lake, vibrant gardens, waterfalls, and memorials honoring major world religions. Among its most distinctive features is the Windmill Chapel, housed in a reproduction of a 16th-century Dutch windmill. Originally built in 1948 as a private office, it has since become a place of quiet meditation for generations of visitors.

Over the decades, exposure to the elements took a toll on Lake Shrine’s historic structures, prompting a series of preservation efforts. Restoration work began in 2013 on the Windmill Chapel, blending sensitive preservation with essential upgrades to meet modern safety standards. Engineers reinforced the building’s structure while preserving its historic character, ensuring it could withstand seismic activity without compromising its architectural integrity. Other restoration projects have focused on maintaining the gardens, pathways, and meditation areas, preserving the serene atmosphere that has defined Lake Shrine for over 70 years.

In January 2025, the Palisades Fire threatened Lake Shrine. As flames encircled the property, local firefighters, emergency responders, and a devoted family of Self-Realization Fellowship members—Billy Asad and his children Gabriella and Nicky—rushed to the rescue. Arriving with fire extinguishers, hoses, and a gas-powered water pump retrieved from the lake, they battled spot fires on the bamboo groves, wet down the roofs, and used every available resource to shield the cherished grounds, including the Windmill Chapel, from the encroaching blaze.

Lake Shrine was saved, even though some losses occurred on the property. The Gandhi World Peace Memorial, Windmill Chapel, and houseboat were among the structures that survived, while the living quarters of the monks who resided on the property and an office were among those impacted.

The courageous actions, carried out under intense heat and heavy smoke, underscored Lake Shrine’s deep emotional bond with its community. As Asad told the Los Angeles Times, “It’s not just this beautiful garden with a lake, it’s a vortex of light and love and peace and harmony and healing.” Their efforts ensured that Lake Shrine’s tranquil grounds and historic structures would continue offering visitors peace and refuge worldwide.

The Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine was selected as the 2025 Chair’s Preservation Award recipient for its extraordinary stewardship and dedication to preserving this historic sacred space.