About an hour from Kolkata, Belur Math is a popular pilgrimage site for people across the world and one of the top attractions in West Bengal. This tranquil shrine is known for its peaceful aura, and if you ever get a chance to visit Kolkata, you should definitely explore Belur Math. Swami Vivekananda spent the last few years of his life in Belur Math, which was also once a hub for the Ramakrishna Movement. Sitting pretty on the banks of Hooghly river –traditionally known as Ganga, the complex sprawls across 40 acres of land and serves as a secular institution welcoming people of all faiths. Built to charge up your mind and body, the campus is also home to a number of temples, a monastery and a museum.
Here are the top attractions to enjoy at Belur Math!
Sri Ramakrishna Temple
The architecture of Sri Ramakrishna temple infuses Hindu, Christian, Islamic and Buddhist art motifs to celebrate the harmony of all religions. You feel peaceful as soon as you get to the main entrance and behold the beautifully fashioned teak-wood canopy artwork framed over the altar, where a sculpture of Sri Ramakrishna is seated on a full-bloomed, Italian marble lotus.The main door has been carved by a Chinese carpenter, the prayer hall passage is reminiscent of Christian churches, while the two rows of stately pillars render the look of Buddhist Caves in Mumbai. Oh! And the windows and the arches around the sanctum inculcate a Rajput and Mughal feel to the building. Isn’t that amazing?
With so many forms of architecture intertwining to make the temple a visual delight, no wonder the Lord’s message of harmony resonates from every nook and corner at this fascinating destination in West Bengal.
The Old Shrine
Situated to the north-east of Sri Ramakrishna Temple, this was the original shrine where Sri Ramakrishna’s mortal remains were worshipped in a pot, known as ‘atma-rama casket’, till the new temple was constructed. The Old Shrine today stands as testimony to the enlightened souls who worshipped here. Take a quick walk around to soak in the spiritual ambience of this place.
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Swami Vivekananda’s Room
This is the sacred place where Swami Vivekananda lived; his clothes, footwear and other articles are still preserved here. This very room is where he attained Mahasamadhi (giving up the body in final meditation). The courtyard outside the room is where Swami ji used to meet his visitors and devotees, under a Mango tree.
Swami Brahmananda Temple
This temple is dedicated to Swami Brahmananda, Sri Ramakrishna’s spiritual son and also the first president of the Ramakrishna Order. The temple stands on the same spot where his body was cremated. The upper floor of the temple still houses a cot and other belongings used by him.
Holy Mother’s Temple
Dedicated to The Holy Mother – Sri Sarada Devi, this is the only temple in the campus overlooking the Ganges. The temple is built on the very spot where her mortal remains were put to flames in 1920, making it a ‘Shakti Peetha’ (abode of the divine mother). Visit this temple during the early evening for the mesmeric ghat views.
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Swami Vivekananda Temple
This two-storeyed temple stands on the spot where Swami Vivekananda’s mortal remains were put to flames. This spot was chosen by Swami ji personally and stands as a revered attraction in West Bengal. Look out for the beautifully winding staircase leading up to the second floor designed by the famous Italian house, Villa d’Este. The nine foot trishul atop the temple has gold-tipped edges, representing Swami ji as a part of lord Shiva. Oh! And the Vilva Tree adjacent to the stairs leading to the Om temple, is the same spot where Swamiji used to meditate.
Ramakrishna Sangraha Mandir – Museum
Preserving the memory and displaying the works of the great prophets associated with the institution, the Ramakrishna Sangraha Mandir, is a one-of-a-kind museum envisioned in the form of a full-bloomed lotus. Learn about the lifestyle of rural Bengal where Sri Ramakrishna grew up, soak in the vastness and evolution of the Indian culture from the Vedic period and take a sneak peek into some of the invaluable manuscripts preserved here.
Nearest airport for Belur Math: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
Nearest railway station for Belur Math: Belur Railway Station
So, when are you planning to visit Belur Math?
