Belur Math

Belur Math is the global headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math, founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1898 on the western bank of the Hooghly River, opposite Dakshineswar. The 40-acre complex is built around the Sri Ramakrishna Temple — Vivekananda's deliberate architectural statement that Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam share a common religious essence. The temple, completed in 1938, is unique in Indian sacred architecture: the entrance dome is Buddhist, the main facade Hindu, the columns Doric, the windows Saracenic, and the central dome resembles a Christian church. The interior holds the marble image of Ramakrishna seated in dhyana (meditation). Adjacent shrines hold the Holy Mother Sarada Devi (Ramakrishna's wife) and Swami Vivekananda himself. The gardens running down to the river are landscaped on the lines of an English country park, with a small museum holding Vivekananda's personal effects. Visitors of all faiths welcome. Modest dress required. Belur Math sits across the river from Dakshineswar, and the two are best done together — a launch ferry runs hourly between them. Avoid public holidays — the complex draws very large crowds.