Our first blog on our own website is on Belur Math. Fitting. For, I have been a Ramakrishna Mission follower since childhood. However, in the present case, my last blog was on Dakhineshwar Temple, and hence, it more than makes sense to follow it up with a write-up on Belur Math.
For those who don’t know, Belur Math is famous for being the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission, a spiritual and charitable organisation well-known for its secular teachings and inclusive social-development programs for the poor. Located just across the Hoogly river from Dakhineshwar Temple, Belur Math draws followers from every religion. Sparse, clean and full of trees and seasonal flowers, the Math is for those who come to seek God in silence.
My Favourite Time To Go To Belur Math: During the evening Aarti. That’s the evening service which takes place immediately after sunset. As is the ritual with any Ramakrishna Mission anywhere in the world, the evening Aarti, replete with its devotional songs and the Maharaj’s puja, is one of the most serene experiences. Sit there, sing along, and you will be convinced that the Lord is taking care of you.
What All To See @Belur Math?
- Shri Ramakrishna’s Temple, the brainchild of Swami Vivekananda, is what most draws most people to Belur Math. The secularism that it propagates, can be noticed in the motifs of the temple, with each depicting one religion.
- After the Main Temple, do walk up to the Original Temple of Shri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sarada’s Temple, Swami Vivekananda’s Room and Temple, Ramakrishna Museum, Book Shop, Showroom that sells products made by rural trainees.
How To Reach Belur Math?
- Belur Math is in North Kolkata and is well connected by local trains, busses and taxis. Should you need to take the metro, the closest station would be Dum Dum Metro Station.
- My preferred way of going to Belur Math is by taking the ferry from the ferry ghat at Dakhineshwar Temple. How much does it cost? 5-6 rupees per person per way!!! Take the ferry I tell you, you will love it!!
Belur Math Timings: The Math opens around 6am every day and shuts for the noon at 11.30 am. It reopens at 4 pm in the afternoon and shuts at 7pm in the evening. The regulars of Ramakrishna Mission will know that the timings are more or less uniform with every Ramakrishna Mission anywhere in the world.
Truly Belur Math, Calcutta is an abode of the Divine. Being here is an ecstatic experience. Anyone who is spiritual minded, even if he/she visits this place for a minute would always long to be here.
I myself (living in Ghaziabad) have visited this place 5 times in a year.