Belur Math Kolkata
Belur Math, located in Howrah district, West Bengal, serves as the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. Established by Swami Vivekananda in 1897, it spans approximately 40 acres along the western bank of the Hooghly River. The campus features several temples dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda, making it a significant spiritual center and a place of pilgrimage for devotees worldwide.
In addition to its spiritual significance, Belur Math is notable for its architectural design, which harmoniously blends Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and Christian motifs, symbolizing the unity of all religions. The expansive grounds and serene environment offer a conducive space for meditation and spiritual practices.
In addition to Belur Math, which is the largest and the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, there are several other large and prominent Ramakrishna Maths in India. These include:
1. Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai (Mylapore)
- Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Features: The Universal Temple, built in 2000, is one of the major landmarks. It serves as a center for spiritual activities and cultural programs. The math is also involved in education, healthcare, and social welfare services.
2. Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad
- Location: Hyderabad, Telangana
- Features: A prominent center offering a blend of spiritual, educational, and social services. It has a large campus with a temple and facilities for classes and spiritual retreats.
3. Ramakrishna Math, Pune
- Location: Pune, Maharashtra
- Features: This math conducts regular spiritual, educational, and welfare activities and has a significant number of followers. The Vivekananda Auditorium here hosts various cultural events.
4. Ramakrishna Math, Mumbai (Khar)
- Location: Khar, Mumbai
- Features: One of the oldest centers in India, it serves as a hub for spiritual activities, classes, and public service.
5. Ramakrishna Math, Bangalore
- Location: Basavanagudi, Bangalore
- Features: Known for its active role in social service, including healthcare and education. The math hosts spiritual retreats and has a large meditation hall.
6. Ramakrishna Math, Thrissur
- Location: Thrissur, Kerala
- Features: This center has a large temple dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna and is involved in a variety of educational and social activities. It is one of the largest centers in Kerala.
7. Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati (Uttarakhand)
- Location: Almora, Uttarakhand
- Features: Known for its serene setting in the Himalayas, this ashram is significant for its focus on Vedanta and its deep association with the early disciples of Swami Vivekananda.
These Ramakrishna Maths are major centers of spiritual learning and humanitarian service, playing key roles in disseminating the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda across India.
