Belur Math : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
- By
- Aparna Patel
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- 19 Jun, 2023
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Belur Math is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus situated on the bank of river Hooghly, in the state of West Bengal in India. Belur Math is not just an important pilgrimage site, but also one of India’s greatest architectural marvels. Founded in the late 19th century, it is the headquarters of the world-wide Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. It is a holy place that symbolizes the unity of all religions and dedication to the service of humanity. This blog post explores some of the interesting facts, history, and information about Belur Math, as well as providing a travel guide for visitors.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts About Belur Math
1. Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramkrishna Math and Mission, established in 1897 by Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna.
2. Belur Math is placed on the west bank of the Hooghly River.
3. Belur Math is the spiritual hub of the International Ramakrishna Mission, which has founded around 136 branches across the world.
4. The Math has been declared a Heritage Site by the Government of India.
5. Belur Math is home to beautiful temples dedicated to various Hindu deities, including Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and sacred figures of other religions, such as Jesus, Buddha, Shankaracharya, and Guru Nanak Dev.
6. The Belur Math Headquarter Cultural Complex is used to provide training and visiting facilities for spiritual seekers coming from all over the globe.
7. Belur Math is recognized for its cultural programs and academic events that promote inter-religious harmony.
8. Belur Math is the largest educational and charitable trust in India, which has 28 branch centers across the country and 84 in different countries.
9. Belur Math serves several humanitarian services, such as poverty relief, education, health care, etc., to the needy.
History & Information About Belur Math
Belur Math is one of the prime religious centres in West Bengal, India. Located on the west bank of the Hooghly River, Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, a direct disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It is a place of pilgrimage and venerated as the single most far-reaching centre of the Ramakrishna Order because it was at Belur Math that Swami Vivekananda attained mahasamadhi (“super conscious state”), after a brief illness, in 1902.
The temple complex at Belur Math is a marvelous architectural masterpiece, a living witness of great skill and craftsmanship. Constructed in 1938, the main temple here is dedicated to Ramakrishna, while the other temple enshrines his consort, Sarada Devi. Built in the Orissan style of architecture, the shrine is adorned with intricately carved sculptures of deities, each about three feet in height.
The present day Belur Math is a sprawling campus with a host of buildings and facilities such as a monastery, a museum, an art gallery, an administrative building, a library, an auditorium and a cultural centre. It provides accommodation to a dozen monks and many visitors. Other important features at Belur Math are the Dakshineswar Temple, once visited by Ramakrishna, and the shrines of Swami Vivekananda and Sarada Devi. There is also a samadhi of Swami Yogananda, another devotee of Ramakrishna, who has founded the Self-Realization Fellowship based at Los Angeles.
Belur Math has become a major spiritual and educational centre for Hindus worldwide and is now the nerve centre for the Ramakrishna Movement. It holds annual celebrations on the birthday of its founder, Swami Vivekananda, and other important events such as the Prakam Vat Savitri Puja, and Mahashivratri.
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Travel Guide For Visiting Belur Math
Belur Math is a sacred temple of the Ramakrishna order located on the banks of the Hooghly river in Kolkata, West Bengal. Belur Math was founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1916 and has become an important pilgrimage spot for devotees of Hinduism and seekers of spiritual solace.
The main Temple of Belur Math is dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, the 19th century mystic saint from Bengal. The temple has several shrines and chapels devoted to other Hindu gods and goddesses.
The matha also has a large meditation hall for visitors to spend some time in contemplative quietude. Inside the meditation hall, visitors will find a statue of Sri Ramakrishnan, Sri Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda, Maha Shivratri images and several frescoes paid homage to all the Dasas.
The Belur Math is open to visitors for different time slots and on most occasions during the year. The Matha complex also houses the Belur Math Museum which houses artifacts from the Ramakrishna Order.
Finally, the Belur Math is open day and night for visitors to take part in darshan and to also participate in the many religious festivals that happen throughout the year like the Sarada Utsav, Ramakrishna Jayanti, and many others.
If you’re looking to experience a spiritual time in India, Belur Math is definitely worth a visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Belur Math
Q: What is Belur Math?
A: Belur Math is a Hindu temple complex located on the banks of the Hooghly River in West Bengal, India. It is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda. It is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for devotees of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Vivekananda.
Q: What is the significance of Belur Math?
A: Belur Math is considered to be a symbol of universal unity and acceptance of various religions and sects as propounded by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. It is a place where all religions meet, where all sects of Hinduism are accepted, and where all people can come together in unity despite their differences.
Q: What activities can be enjoyed at Belur Math?
A: Visitors to Belur Math can enjoy a range of activities such as puja worship, spiritual discourse, meditating, prasadam distribution, boating, and various cultural activities. There is also a meditation hall, library, art gallery, museum, and a beautiful garden with a large collection of plants and flowers.
Q: What is the address of Belur Math?
A: The address is Belur Math, Belur, Howrah District, West Bengal 711 202, India.