Sri Ramakrishna Math, Bangalore: Where Peace, Harmony and Divinity Co-exist

Of the many attractions for tourists and visitors to Bangalore, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Bull Temple Road, is one that beckons a large number of visitors who are spiritually inclined. Here one is sure to find peace of mind and food for spiritual thoughts in the serenity of nature.

Sri Ramakrishna Math was founded in Bangalore in 1904, and initially functioned from a rented building elsewhere in the city. Later it was shifted to the present address in 1909, and was inaugurated by Sri Brahmananda, the then President of Ramakrishna Math and Mission.

Ramakrishna Math and Mission were founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897 as per the direction of his Guru Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886) who is called the Prophet of the Modern Age. The twin organizations – Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission- are closely inter-woven in many ways, and strive to fulfil the objectives and goals based on the principles of practical Vedanta. These principles are aptly reflected in the Sanskrit motto of Ramakrishna Math and Mission thus:

Atmano mokshartam jagad hitaya cha meaning “For one’s own salvation and for the welfare of the world”.

Ramakrishna Math is situated next to Sri Ramakrishna Square on Bull Temple Road. A magnificent statue of Swami Vivekananda was installed here on 12th January 2009. Here you see a few stone tablets on which are inscribed the inspiring messages of Swami Vivekananda.

As you enter the Math premises, on the left, you see a bookstore that sells spiritual books on Ramakrishna-Vivekananda & Vedanta Literature published by Ramakrishna Math, as well as the Office and Library. The Library has a considerable stock of valuable books on religion, philosophy, and spirituality.

As you proceed a little further, you will see the Sri Ramakrishna temple that contains the holy relics of Sri Ramakrishna. The temple was sanctified by Holy Mother Sarada Devi in March 1911 when she stayed here for three days. It also houses a prayer (meditation) hall where bhajansare conducted daily in the evenings. To the left of the hall, there is a small room that houses the relics of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi.

To the left of Sri Ramakrishna temple, there is a Stone Bench Monument of Swami Vivekananda where one can see the stone bench on which Swami Vivekananda used to sit and rest when he was in Bangalore for a few days in 1892. It is said that, during his visit to Bangalore, Swami Vivekananda had stayed at Kalappa Choultry in the Majestic area, which was located near the house of Sri Sugapa, a jeweller.  There was a stone bench in front of Sri Sugapa’s house on which Swami Vivekananda had sat and rested a few times. Subsequently, when a sannyasinbecame a celebrity after his memorable address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago on September 11, 1893, Sri Sugapa came to know that the person who used to rest on the stone bench in front of his house was none other than the revered Swami Vivekananda. As the stone bench had been sanctified by Swami Vivekananda, Sri Sugapa and his descendants took great care of it till it was officially handed over to the Sri Ramakrishna Math in January 1997. Now visitors can see a beautiful statue of Swami Vivekananda installed on it.

Of particular significance to the devotees of Sri Sarada Devi is a rock called “Holy Mother’s Rock” on which Sri Sarada Devi, during her visit to Bangalore, in March 1911, sat and did meditation. This is located just behind Sri Ramakrishna temple. The spot where she had sat has become a shrine now. Rest of the rock is now exclusively used for japa and meditation by the devotees.

In sum, Sri Ramakrishna Math is an important spiritual centre for the followers of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda and Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi.

 Pictures:

Statue of Swami Vivekananda at Sri Ramakrishna Square. All images are by the author.

Sri Ramakrishna Temple at Sri Ramakrishna Math, Bangalore.

Stone Bench Monument of Swami Vivekananda, Bangalore.

Holy Mother’s Rock at Sri Ramakrishna Math, Bangalore.

Photos of Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramakrishna, and Sri Sarada Devi.

Image via http://www.frank-parlato.us/images/VK-RK-HM.jpg