The next day in the early morning we were ready for a visit to the Belur Math Kolkata. We had to hire a car as it was some distance away from our hotel. It is situated in the district of Howrah on the banks of river Hooghly and is the base of the Ramakrishna Mission. As the timing of the Belur Math was from 5.30 am to 10.30 am and 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm, we started our journey a bit early so that we could properly see it during the allotted time. The entry over here is free for everyone.
This Math was built in the year 1938 and is a captivating sight. The Belur Math campus has an area of 40 acres and is committed to the relics of Sarada Devi, Ramakrishna and Vivekananda. It also has a museum showcasing the related historical articles and some educational institutions.
The main design of the Belur Math temple was done by Swami Vivekananda but the architecture was concluded by Swami Vijnanananda who was a disciple over here. As the temple is treated as the heart and soul of the Mission, the architecture designs of the Math are an interesting fusion of Islamic, Hindu and Christian culture to signify the concept of unity in diversity. The entrance is inclined by the Buddhist style of art but the rising structure is influenced by the Southern India’s Hindu temples.
The main design of the Belur Math temple was done by Swami Vivekananda but the architecture was concluded by Swami Vijnanananda who was a disciple over here. As the temple is treated as the heart and soul of the Mission, the architecture designs of the Math are an interesting fusion of Islamic, Hindu and Christian culture to signify the concept of unity in diversity. The entrance is inclined by the Buddhist style of art but the rising structure is influenced by the Southern India’s Hindu temples.
To the devotees, Belur Math Kolkata is a sacred place for pilgrimage, but for us it was an enchanting place seeped in history having national importance. I took many photographs of this place and realized that this tour of Kolkata was going to have an important effect on our heart and soul. The next place in the row is the Dakshineswar Kali Temple Kolkata, which we were eagerly waiting to visit. Chunar stone and a bit of cement has been used in its construction. There are Hanging Balconies and a pathway for performing parikramas. The Belur Math is nestled amidst green lawns and beautiful shrubs and trees that contribute towards its soothing and relaxing atmosphere. The spiritual ambience of the place could be felt in one’s heart.