New to Kolkata or looking to rediscover your city? A trip to Belur Math is where you need to start. An architectural masterpiece, nestled amidst palms and manicured lawns, this beauty was founded by Swami Vivekananda, a chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
If you need a break from the chaos of the city, Belur Math is beautiful, serene and impeccably clean. Once you enter its complex, the noise of the city will seem miles away, as you stand there engulfed in the aura of peace and tranquility that the place exudes. It is ideal for the meditative soul. If you want to begin a journey within yourself, then drop whatever you are doing and pay this place a visit, you won’t regret it. The aarti here at sunset is a sight for sore eyes.
As you walk south along the banks of the Hooghly, overlooking the bathing ghats you will see the temple of the Holy Mother, Ma Sarada Devi. Larger yet similar is Swamiji’s temple marking his cremation spot. Towards the right is Swamiji’s two-storeyed house, displaying his simple worldly possessions. Another popular spot is on the banks of the river, where people sit in front of the samadhi pitha, the holy site where seven disciples of Sri Ramakrishna were consigned to flames. Then head to the Ramakrishna Museum (entry fee INR 3, located to the left of the entrance, before the new temple) that contains interesting mementos, belongings and relics from Swamiji’s era.
