New Understanding of Religion: Belur Math
About Belur Math
If there is peace on Earth, then Belur Math is one of the places to find peace.
In 1897, Swami Vivekananda founded two monasteries with a small group of his western disciples. One was built at Belur, West Bengal and the other at Mayavati, Uttarakhand. The aim of these monasteries was to train young men to preach the philosophies of the Ramakrishna Mission.
Courtesy: upload.wikimedia.org
Belur Math eventually became the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission. The Belur Math incorporates modern, medieval, gothic, and renaissance style of architecture. It is said that during Swami Vivekananda’s days as a parivrajaka (wandering monk), he visited the Taj Mahal, Agra, palaces of Rajasthan, and the ancient temples of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Inspired by these architecture, Swami Vivekananda integrated their best features to build the Belur Math.
Present Day Belur Math
The Belur Math welcomes everyone, whether or not a follower of the Ramakrishna Mission. The Math’s visiting timings are as follows-
- April to September: 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- October to March: 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Courtesy: mytraveldairy.tumblr.com
If you have a day’s time to spend at the Math, we suggest attending the evening aarti. It is a prayer offered to Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa and mother Sarada Devi. Unlike other temples of Hindu religion, during the aarti, the attendees sit and meditate. Attending the aarti is undoubtedly an out of the world experience.
Devotees from different parts of the world stay for longer times (weeks and months) and participate in the Math’s activities.
Stay tuned for more updates on the places to visit on your trip to Belur.
What people have to say about Belur Math-
“Excellent place for refreshing one’s mind and soul spiritually. Superb calm and quiet atmosphere of the whole vicinity will certainly relax one’s innerself. Finally the evening prayer will certainly bring a spiritual peace of mind.”
-Dola Basu, Visitor
“Peaceful and beautiful place. Well maintained for cleanliness and plantation. Nice riverside views to enjoy.”
-Nivedita Banerjee, Local Guide
“Nice place….You will feel a kind of peace when you will go there…It’s true…?”
-Poulami Baral, Visitor
Source: Google Reviews
Stay tuned for more updates-
What are the nearby places to visit from Belur Math?
