PILGRIMAGE
IN INDIA
Belur Math:- In 1897
Swami Vivekananda founded
Ramakrishna Mission in loving memory
of his Guru
Ramakrishna Paramhansa who preached unity of all religions.
The International Head quarters of this Mission is located on
the west bank of Hoogly, where the edifice is supposed to
represent the three different religions in a single
structure.
Swami Vivekananda is largely credited with the concept of
the Math. There are now branches of Ramakrishna Mission
all over India. Belur Math, the movement's
international
headquarters, was founded in 1899. The architecture
of
Belur Math combines the features of a church, a temple and
a mosque, to embody the spirit of religious fraternity.
The
main gateway leads to the Ramkrishna Sarada
Mandir. The mission was founded in
1938 by Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) and named after
his mentor Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa
(1836-1886). The Ramakrishna Mission is famous for its missionary work and has
branches all over the world. The main temple in Belur Math incorporates the
various architectural styles of the different religions of India.
The headquarters of the Ramkrishna Order, the Belur Math, was set
up on 14th January 1938, as homage to the memory
of Sri Ramkrishna, the 19th century monk and seer. His most eminent
disciple, Swami Vivekananda, who placed the ashes of Sri Ramkrishna
at this spot, marked the spot where the Math stands. Another attraction for
visitors is the Sri Ramkrishna Museum, set up with the assistance
of the National Council of Science Museum.
Items owned by Sri Ramkrishna, Ma Sarada and Swami Vivekananda are kept as souvenirs,
and made to recreate the bygone ambience of blessed
serenity. This International tourist attraction is located near
Belur in Howrah district. Its sprawling prayer hall with a
statue of Ramakrishna is remarkable. People from different parts of the
country and abroad visit these places. Its peaceful and calm atmosphere is befitting
the gravity of the place. The Mission runs among other things, an art
college, an industrial school and charitable dispensary. Belur
Math is open daily from 6.30 am to 11.00 am and from 3.30 pm to
7.00 pm.
Places of Interest
Sri Ramakrishna Museum - The
other tourists attractions that you can explore during
your tour to Belur Math is Sri Ramakrishna Museum, set up
with the assistance of the National Council of Science Museum.
Getting there and Around
By Air - Kolkata
is well connected by air to all major countries in the world, as well as to
Indian cities. The air carriers that have flights to and from the city
include Aeroflot, Air France, Air India, Biman Bangladesh, British
Airways, Cathay Pacific, Gulf Air, Indian Airlines, Japan
Airlines, Jet Airways, KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines, Royal Jordanian
Airlines, Royal Nepal Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways International.
By Rail - Trains
are available from all parts of the country
to Calcutta. Most inward bound trains stop at
Howrah, which is also the station from which major trains to other cities
depart. Most trains heading to areas such as
New Jalpaiguri and other provinces in the north-east stop at the other
station, Sealdah. Local trains to nearby towns are available from
both stations, depending on which part of West Bengal you
want to go to. Since Howrah and Sealdah are not exactly
a hop, skip and jump away from each other, do remember to check which station
you need you board your train from, when you buy your ticket!
By Road - A few
buses ply from Orissa and Bihar to Calcutta. However, these are highly
uncomfortable and best avoided. Buses are also available to nearby
towns, especially if you wish to visit Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri on your
trip to Calcutta. Depending on which direction you're heading in, buses could
depart from the end of the Maidan near Chowringhee
Road, or the bus stand at Babu Ghat near Fort William. A few
tour operators have their own private bus stands, so do make inquiries.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not a problem in Kolkata
as there are thousands of Hotels Ranging
from Luxurious to Budget hotels,Lodges ,Guest houses and Resting
beds per hour are also available.
