Belur Math, the main office of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, a symbol of one universal faith, is located in north Kolkata on the west bank of the Hooghly River. People from all around the world come to the Math, which equally celebrates all religions, in order to find spiritual fulfillment. The temple’s design alone conveys a lot about its spiritual and non-sectarian outlook. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, our former president, referred to Belur Math as a location of historical and national significance.
Swami Vivekananda, the foremost disciple of the saint Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, conceptualised and built the Math, which upholds the core ideal of “selfless service of God in man.” The Math is situated on 40 acres and is encircled by lush landscaping and palm trees. Along with the main monastery of the Ramakrishna order, the site houses individual temples with relics devoted to Swami Vivekananda, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, the wife of Sri Ramakrishna, and Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
Belur Math is one of the most significant places that visitors visiting Kolkata must see because of its fascinating history, stunning architecture, and status as a sanctuary of the highest spiritual significance. Compared to other popular locations, the area has a strikingly tranquil atmosphere.
Inside the Belur Math Temple
The temple has a height of 112.5 feet and a surface area of 32,900 square feet. It is constructed of chunar stone and concrete. The temple’s architecture and main themes are based on Swami Vivekananda’s idea of a single, universal religion. A direct monastic disciple of Ramakrishnan, Swami Vijnanananda served as the temple’s chief architect.
When viewed from various perspectives, the monument has elements of a cathedral, a palace, and a mosque all at once. Ancient styles of temples and Buddhist stupas, as well as the diversity of all Indian religions, have all served as inspiration for architectural components.
The motifs on the entrances of South Indian temples’ Gopurams and Sanchi Stupas have a significant influence on the designs on the temple’s high entrance. The top has three umbrella-shaped domes that replicate the thatched roofs of homes in Sri Ramakrishna’s birthplace Kamarpukur hamlet. Lattice sculptures of navagraha figures adorn the temples’ outer walls.
The patterns on the temple’s tall entrance are heavily influenced by the motifs on the Gopurams and Sanchi Stupas of South Indian temples. Three umbrella-shaped domes at the top of the structure resemble the thatched roofs of houses in the Kamarpukur village, where Sri Ramakrishna was born. The outside walls of the temples are adorned with navagraha sculptures made of lattice.
Museum hours
The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday, closed on Mondays, and on some public holidays.
Belur Math is located 4 kilometres north of Howrah station. Belur Math can be reached by bus, local trains, or ferries.
Bus: Bus lines 51, 54, and 56 will drop you off at the math from Howrah Station.
Bus number AC 50 travels from Garia/EM Bypass/Science City/ Airport/Dakshineshwar/Bally.
Additionally, minibuses go between Howrah Station and Esplanade to Belur Math.
As an alternative, you can get a private cab from one of the best vehiclesKolkata rental businesses offer hassle-freecity travel and to take advantage of all the city’s top tourist attractions.
By Local Train: There are numerous trains that run frequently between Belur and Howrah as well as Belur Math stations. The additional half-hour required to get to the destination from the station is the sole negative to using the train.
By Ferry: Ferry services between Dakshineswar and Belur Math and Kuntighat and Belur Math are available often at intervals of 30 minutes.
***Observation: Belur Math prohibits photography inside any of its temples and museums.
