Timings: 06:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Weather: N.A.
Belur Math Timings: All Days
April to September: 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
October to March: 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Ramakrishna Museum Timings: Tuesdays to Sundays
April to September: 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
October to March: 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Belur Math, Kolkata Overview
The Ramakrishna Math and Mission’s main office is located at Belur Math in Kolkata. It is frequented by people from all over the world, regardless of their religious beliefs, and is spread out over forty acres of land on the west bank of the Hooghly River.
Hindu, Christian, and Islamic features are combined in the temple’s unusual construction as a representation of the harmony of all world religions. The temple, which Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna Paramahansa’s principal disciple, founded, is the centre of the Ramakrishna Movement. A museum and several other connected educational institutes are also included within the temple complex. At the 5:30 PM evening Aarti, a bell is rung to announce that guests are not permitted to loiter on the Math premises or to visit any temple other than the Sri Ramakrishna temple. The hymns of adoration for Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada Devi are chanted during the Aarti ceremony. Since one is meant to do nothing more than sit and contemplate, this Aarti is different from those at other sites of worship. No religious sacrifice is made. There are no gifts of flowers or desserts.
Belur Math Campus
Temples honouring Swami Vivekananda, Sri Sarada Devi, and Sri Ramakrishna are located on the complex’s peaceful site. Additionally, this is where Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission’s global headquarters are located. This popular tourist destination close to Kolkata is particularly proud of its well-kept museum, which has priceless artefacts from the Ramakrishna Math and Mission’s past. A degree college and a polytechnic are among the educational institutions connected to the Ramakrishna Mission which is situated on this extensive site next to the Belur Math. A life-size statue of Sri Ramakrishna is also present here; it is supported by a marble pedestal in the form of a “damaru” and depicts him sitting on a lotus with 100 petals. The pedestal contains the holy relics of Sri Ramakrishna. The campus’s beauty is further enhanced by the lush meadows and trees. The Belur Math has become a significant site for pilgrimage as a result of all of these factors, and its spiritual atmosphere is well known across the world.
History of Belur Math
Swami Vivekananda had established two monasteries prior to his small group of disciples’ arrival in Colombo in January 1897. The Belur Math is one of them. These monasteries served the objective of instructing young men in their trade so that they may subsequently join the Ramakrishna Mission as “sannyasis.” Swami Vivekananda himself actually spent his final years at Belur Math. In 1898, he blessed the site by worshipping the urn that held Sri Ramakrishna’s sacred relics and carrying it to the place of devotion on his shoulders. He said, “The brilliant light of universal harmony that will erupt from here will fill the whole planet,” in this instance, which was a prophetic statement. According to these remarks, Belur Math has developed into the centre of spiritual movements and a gathering place for all sincere spiritual seekers.
The Architecture of Belur Math
Swami Vivekananda had a vision for the temple’s design, and he was given charge of the building’s architecture. The temple’s structure and decoration “honour the diversity of Indian Religions.” The monument has elements of a mosque, a temple, and a church when viewed from various perspectives. The inclusion of architectural elements from several religions communicates the movement’s belief in a universal faith.
The Buddhist designs of the Sanchi Stupa and the entrance to the Ajanta Caves have a significant effect on the temple’s main entryway. The central dome is influenced by European architecture, while the windows and balconies are examples of Rajput and Mughal architectural designs. Additionally, the floor plan is shaped like a Christian cross. The 112.5 feet high temple, which is primarily made of chunar stone, has carvings of Lord Ganesha and Hanuman, who stand for success and power, respectively, atop the pillars of the entrance doors.
Celebrations and Activities at Belur Math
The Belur Math additionally commemorates the birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother, and Swami Vivekananda in addition to all conventional Hindu holidays including Durga Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Kali Puja, and Saraswati Puja. Also respectfully observed are the birthdays of Sri Krishna, Buddha, Jesus Christ, and Chaitanya. The Christmas Eve events, which open with Bible readings and carol singing, are especially remarkable. In addition to providing medical care, education, and rural uplift, Belur Math also carries out other spiritual and cultural activities here.
How to reach Belur Math
Belur Maths is 4 km from Howrah Railway Station and is situated in the city’s northern region. The Howrah bus stop and train station are both easily accessible from outside by all kinds of transportation. Travel options include a car, bus, or taxi. You can travel to Belur by taking bus number 54 from Howrah.
Belur Math is also served by local railways. The entry to the Math is closer if you take a bus, car, or cab, albeit it is less convenient. From the train station or bus stop, it takes about 30 minutes to get there.
