Belur Math

Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, located on the west bank of the Hooghly River at Belur in Howrah district, West Bengal. Founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897, it is the central monastic institution of the Ramakrishna-Vedanta movement. The campus is noted for its distinctive architecture blending Hindu, Islamic, Rajput and Christian motifs and for its temples dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda.

Visitors can expect a large, peaceful riverside campus with landscaped gardens and several temples. The main Ramakrishna Temple is the central structure, with additional shrines dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, Holy Mother Sarada Devi and Swami Brahmananda. The complex includes the Ramakrishna Museum, book stalls, and ghats along the Hooghly River. Visitors can walk through the grounds, view architecture, attend prayers and evening aarti, and visit the museum. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative.

Belur Math was founded by Swami Vivekananda, chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, in January 1897 after his return from the West. The land on the west bank of the Hooghly was acquired and the foundation was laid, with consecration in January 1898. Designed by Swami Vijnanananda, a brother-disciple and architect, the main temple was built to symbolize the universality of religion. It has since served as the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.

Belur Math is the spiritual centre of the Ramakrishna-Vedanta movement and a significant pilgrimage site for followers of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. Its architecture intentionally incorporates motifs from Hindu, Islamic, Rajput and Christian traditions to convey the harmony of religions. The Math hosts daily prayers, meditation, religious discourses and annual celebrations of birth anniversaries of the holy trio.