The America Sevashram Sangha was established in 1986 when Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj was instructed by his Guruji Swami Purnanandaji Maharaj to establish a branch of the Sangha in America. Swami Purnanandaji Maharaj passed away on April 11th 1986 and handed over the torch of leadership to Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj; who would lead these branches of the Sangha both in Guyana and America. Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj arrived in New York in 1987 and founded the America Sevashram Sangha.