Belur Math

Coordinates: 22°37′57″N 88°21′23″E / 22.63250°N 88.35639°E / 22.63250; 88.35639
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Belur Math
বেলুড় মঠ
Islamic motifs
CreatorRamakrishna Mission
Completed1938[1]
Temple(s)4
Inscriptionsnone
Website
belurmath.org
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Belur Math (pronounced

Belur, West Bengal, India on the west bank of Hooghly River.[2] Belur Math was established in January 1897, by Swami Vivekananda who was the disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. Swami Vivekananda returned back to India from Colombo with a small group of disciples and started work on the two one at Belur, and the others at Mayavati, Almora, Himalayas called the Advaita Ashrama.[3] The temple is the heart of the Ramakrishna movement. It is notable for its architecture that fuses Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and Christian art and motifs as a symbol of unity of all religions. In 2003, Belur Math railway station was also inaugurated which is dedicated to Belur Math Temple.[4]

A sketch of Belur Math campus
Belur Math from Ratan Babu Ghat

History

In the beginning of 1897, Swami Vivekananda arrived at

Uttrakhand, called the Advaita Ashrama.[5][6] These monasteries were meant to receive and train young men who would eventually become sannyasis (religious ascetic) of the Ramakrishna Mission, and to give them a training for their work. The same year the philanthropic activity was started and relief of the famine was carried out.[6]

Swami Vivekananda's days as a parivrajaka (wandering monk) before his visit to Parliament of Religions, took him through many parts of India, and he visited several architectural monuments like the

Medieval, Gothic and Renaissance styles. It is reported that Vivekananda incorporated these ideas in the design of the Belur Math temple.[7]

Martin Burn & Co. The mission proclaims the Belur Math as, "A Symphony in Architecture".[8] The Math can be reached by direct EMU train services from Howrah, ferry and by road.[9]

Campus

The entrance gate of Belur Math has symbols of all religions
Shivananda, Swami Vivekananda
, Turiyananda, Brahmananda. Below Sadananda, at Belur Math, 20 June 1899.
Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Belur Math campus.
Thousands of people visit the Math for the annual day celebration.
Ramakrishna Mission Shikshanamandira, Belur Math campus.

The 16-hectare (40-acre) campus of the Belur Math on the banks of the Hooghly includes temples dedicated to Ramakrishna,

APJ Abdul Kalam regarded Belur Math as a "place of heritage and national importance."[14]

Sri Ramakrishna Temple

The marble statue of Ramakrishna at Belur Math
Khandana Bhava Bandhana (Arati Song)ⓘ

The design of the temple was envisioned by Swami Vivekananda and the architect was

Swami Vijnanananda, a direct monastic disciple of Ramakrishna. Sri Ramakrishna Temple was consecrated on 14 January, the Makar Sankranti
Day in 1938.

The Ramakrishna temple at the Belur Math is designed to "celebrate the diversity of Indian Religions"[2] and resembles a temple, a mosque, a church if seen from different positions.[15][16][17] The architectural style and symbolism from a number of religions have been incorporated into the design of the temple at Belur Math, to convey the "universal faith" in which the movement believes.[18][19] The temple is considered a prime example of the importance of "material dimension" of religion.[18]

The main entrance of the temple, has a facade influenced by Buddhist styles in the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi & the main entrance of the Ajanta Caves. The structure which rises over the entrance is modelled on the Hindu temples of South India with their lofty towers. The windows and balconies inside the temple draw upon the

Mughal (Islamic) style of north India. The central dome is derived from the Renaissance architecture of the Duomo of the Florence Cathedral. The ground plan is in the shape of Christian cross.[2][18]

The height of the temple is 34.3 metres (112.5 ft) and covers a total area of 3,060 m2 (32,900 sq ft). The temple mainly is built of

South Indian Gopuram and the pillars on both sides represent Buddhistic architectural style. The three umbrella-like domes on the top built in Rajput-Moghul styles give an idea of thatched roofs of the village Kamarpukur
.

The circular portion of the entrance is an intermingling of

Shiva lingam. The natmandira, the spacious congregational hall attached to the sanctum, resembles a church, especially of St Peter's Church in Rome. The pillars in a line on its both sides are according to Doric or Greek style. The beam above is held by decorative brackets similar to the Meenakshi Temple at Madurai in Tamil Nadu
. The elaborate designs on the pillars resemble the Orissa style.

The hanging balconies above the natmandir and the windows show the effect of

lotus below. The architecture of the big dome and of the other domes show a shade of Islamic, Rajput, Bengal terracotta and Lingaraja Temple styles. The entrance doors on both east and west of the temple having pillars on both sides are like the elegant gateways of the Manmandir in Gwalior Fort. Ganesha and Hanuman
images, representing success and power, are carved above them.

The statue

A full size statue of Sri Ramakrishna is seated on a hundred petalled lotus over a

teakwood imported from Myanmar
.

Swami Vivekananda Temple

Temple of Swami Vivekananda at Belur Math
Swami Vivekananda temple Belur Math.
The first floor of Swami Vivekananda's temple at Belur Math
The OM (in Bengali script) in the first floor of Swami Vivekananda's temple, which was built on the place where Swamiji was cremated in 1902.

The Swami Vivekananda Temple stands on the spot where Swami Vivekananda's mortal remains were cremated in 1902. Consecrated on 28 January 1924, the temple has in its upper storey an alabaster OM (in Bengali characters). Beside the temple stands a bel (bilva) tree in the place of the original bel tree under which Swami Vivekananda used to sit and near which, according to his wish, his body was cremated. On 4 July 1902 at Belur Math, he taught Vedanta philosophy to some pupils in the morning. He had a walk with Swami Premananda, a brother-disciple, and gave him instructions concerning the future of the Ramakrishna Math. He left his body (died) in the evening after a session of prayer at Belur Math. He was 39. Vivekananda had fulfilled his own prophecy of not living to be forty-years old.

Holy Mother's temple

The Holy Mother's temple is dedicated to Sarada Devi, the spiritual consort of Ramakrishna. The holy mother's temple is right at the entrance of Belur Math. The temple is over the area where her mortal remains were consigned to flames. The temple of the Holy Mother was consecrated on 21st July 1920.[20]

Swami Brahmananda's temple

Another temple dedicated to Swami Brahmananda—a direct disciple of Ramakrishna and the first president of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission—is situated near Holy Mother's temple.[20] The temple was built on the place where Swami Brahmananda was cremated. Swami Shivananda dedicated this temple on 7 February 1924.[21]

Swami Brahmananda Statue in Brahmananda Temple, Belur Math. A Closer Look.
Swami Brahmananda Statue in Brahmananda Temple, Belur Math.
Swami Brahmananda temple, Belur Math.

Ramakrishna Museum

The famed, two-storey Ramakrishna Museum hosts artifacts used by Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda, and some of his disciples. These include the long coat worn by Vivekananda in the West, Sister Nivedita's table, and an organ of Mrs Sevier's.[22][23] The museum chronicles the contemporary growth of the movement, and the Bengalese.[23]

The museum has a realistic recreation of the Panchavati – the clutch of five sacred trees of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple where Ramakrishna practised sadhana (spiritual disciplines).[23] The black stone bowl from which Ramakrishna took payasam (a sweet Indian dish) during his final days, while suffering from throat cancer, and the pillow he had used, in the house in Calcutta where he spent his last few months, are on display.[23] Ramakrishna's room in the house, where he distributed ochre clothes to 12 disciples anointing Vivekananda (then Narendranath) as their leader, has also been shown with a model of Ramakrishna bestowing grace on his disciples, and the footwear used by Ramakrishna has been put on the model. The room at Dakshineswar where Ramakrishna lived has been recreated with display of clothes and other objects used by him, the tanpura used by Vivekananda to sing to his master, and the copies of two charcoal drawings sketched by Ramakrishna are on display.[23]

Sarada Devi's pilgrimage to

Indian Institute of Science at Bangalore.[23]

The wooden staircase and the lotus woodwork of Victoria Public Hall in Chennai, where Vivekananda gave inspiring speeches to a large congregation, have been brought over. A few displays away from this is a show on Miss Josephine MacLeod, who met Swamji in the U.S. in 1895 and served India for 40 years thereafter. She played an important role in the Ramakrishna movement. At this enclosure is a crystal image of Swamiji that was done by Paris jeweler René Lalique.[23]

Activities

The Belur Math conducts medical service, education, work for women, rural uplift and work among the labouring and backward classes, relief, spiritual and cultural activities.[24][25][26][27] The center also celebrates annual birthdays of Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Sarada Devi and other monastic disciples of Ramakrishna. The annual celebrations of Kumari Puja[28] and Durga Puja[29] are one of the main attractions.[30] The tradition of Kumari puja was started by Vivekananda in 1901.[31][32]

Visiting

Belur Math has been re-opened for visitors and devotees from 18 August 2021.[33][34]

Timings : Morning: 6.30 to 11.30 am | Afternoon: 3.30 to 5.45 pm(October to March) 4:00 to 6:00 pm(April to September)[35][36]

It was temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, from 22 April to 17 August 2021, and earlier from 24 March 2020 to 9 February 2021, with a brief opening during the phased unlock process from 15 June to 2 August 2020, and from 10 February to 21 April 2021.[37][38][39][40][41]

Presidents

  • Swami Brahmananda 1897–1922
  • Swami Shivananda
    1922–1934
  • Swami Akhandananda
    1934–1937
  • Swami Vijnanananda
    1937–1938
  • Swami Shuddhananda
    1938–1938
  • Swami Virajananda 1938–1950
  • Swami Shankarananda
    1951–1962
  • Swami Vishuddhananda
    1962–1962
  • Swami Madhavananda 1962–1965
  • Swami Vireshwarananda
    1965–1985
  • Swami Gambhirananda
    1985–1988
  • Swami Bhuteshananda
    1988–1998
  • Swami Ranganathananda
    1998–2005
  • Swami Gahanananda
    2005–2007
  • Swami Atmasthananda
    2007–2017
  • Swami Smaranananda 2017–2024

See also

References

  1. ^ "A Symphony in Architecture – Ramakrishna Temple, Belur Math". Archived from the original on 18 July 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  2. ^ a b c Dutta (2003), p. 104.
  3. ^ "Belur Math in Kolkata, Belur Math and Swami Vivekananda". www.kolkataonline.in. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  4. ^ Sarina Singh; Joe Bindloss; Paul Clammer; Janine Eberle. India. p. 452.
  5. ^ Hendrik Kraemer. World Cultures and World Religions. p. 151.
  6. ^ a b J. N. Farquhar. Modern Religious Movements in India. p. 202.
  7. ^ Swami Tattwajnanananda. "prelude". A Symphony in Architecture Ramakrishna Temple Belur Math. Archived from the original on 18 July 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2008.
  8. ^ Swami Tattwajnanananda. A Symphony in Architecture Ramakrishna Temple Belur Math.
  9. ISBN 978-81-87952-12-1
    .
  10. ^ "Belur Math". Archived from the original on 10 December 2008. Retrieved 10 October 2008.
  11. ^ Saha, Subhro (5 August 2004). "A Calcutta that's quintessential". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 3 January 2005. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  12. ^ "By boat, a pilgrim's triangle". The Telegraph. 13 March 2003. Archived from the original on 7 April 2003. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  13. ^ Yengkhom, Sumati (31 July 2003). "Eastern Railway to start train to Belurmath". The Economic Times. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  14. ^ "Belur a heritage site: President". Financial Times. 2 October 2004. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  15. ^ Pilgrimage Centers of India. p. 167.
  16. ^ "Travel: Kolkata Surprise". MySinchew. 18 October 2008. Retrieved 8 May 2009.
  17. ^ Simmons, Graham (18 December 2005). "Soul places of India". The Sunday Morning Herald. Retrieved 8 May 2009. The Ramakrishna Mission, at Belur Math in Calcutta, is known for its charitable works and outstanding temple – Hindu, Saracen and Arabic design on a foundation of a Christian cross.
  18. ^ a b c Open University Course Team. Introduction to the Humanities. p. 75.
  19. ^ Pilgrimage Centers of India. p. 167. This symbolises the main message of the master that all religions and men are essentially one and united.
  20. ^ a b Sengupta, Jatindra Chandra (1965). West Bengal district gazetteers. Vol. 5. State editor, West Bengal District Gazetteers. p. 624.
  21. ^ "Swami Brahmananda Temple". Belur Math. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  22. ^ "Oasis of peace". The Statesman. 1 March 2005. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g Dutta, Indrani (1 April 2005). "Evolution of a spiritual movement on display". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 6 April 2005. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  24. ^ Cyrus R. Pangborn. "The Ramakrishna Math and Mission". Hinduism: New Essays in the History of Religions. p. 118.
  25. ^ "R K Mission's flood relief measures continue". The Times of India. 14 December 2008. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2009.
  26. ^ "An eventful year for RK Mission". The Hindu. 23 December 2005. Archived from the original on 20 April 2006. Retrieved 8 May 2009.
  27. ^ "Mission lists relief work". The Telegraph. 22 December 2003. Archived from the original on 25 December 2003. Retrieved 8 May 2009.
  28. ^ "Sri Sri Kumari Puja 2020 at Belur Math". Media Gallery. 1 November 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  29. ^ "Durga Puja – Belur Math". Media Gallery. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  30. ^ "Day of anjali & attraction". The Telegraph. 7 October 2008. Archived from the original on 10 October 2008. Retrieved 10 October 2008.
  31. ^ "How Swami Vivekananda gave Durga Puja at Belur Math an idol makeover". dailyo.in. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  32. ^ Sanyal, Sourav (20 October 2007). "Kolkata pays tribute to sacred feminine". NDTV. Archived from the original on 19 March 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  33. ^ "Belur Math in Kolkata to re-open for public from today". Hindustan Times. Kolkata News. 18 August 2021.
  34. ^ Times Now, Kolkata News (18 August 2021). "Kolkata: Belur Math to reopen for devotees and visitors for about five hours from today".
  35. ^ AIR News, States (18 August 2021). "West Bengal: Belur Math to be opened for devotees, visitors from today".
  36. ^ "Belur Math". 18 August 2021.
  37. ^ Belur Math (20 April 2021). "Belur Math will remain closed from 22 April 2021 | Swami Suvirananda" – via YouTube.
  38. ^ সংবাদ প্রতিদিন, Samvad Pratidin (21 April 2021). "করোনাতঙ্কে ফের বন্ধ হচ্ছে বেলুড়মঠ, খুলবে কবে?" (in Bengali). Retrieved 21 April 2021.
  39. ^ "Belur Math to reopen gates on 10 February". The Telegraph. India. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  40. ^ Kundu, Indrajit (1 August 2020). "Belur Math shrine in Bengal to shut indefinitely from 2 August after brief reopening". India Today. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  41. ^ Belur Math, Ramakrishna Mission, Entrance Restriction at Belur Math from 2 Aug 2020, archived from the original on 13 December 2021, retrieved 1 March 2021

Further reading

External links

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