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{{Short description|Headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission in West Bengal, India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| name = Belur Math<br/>বেলুড় মঠ
| image = Belur Math, Howrah.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Ramakrishna Belur Math
| map_type = India Kolkata
| map_caption = Location in West Bengal

| coordinates = {{coord|22|37|57|N|88|21|23|E|type:landmark_region:IN-WB|display=inline,title}}
| country = {{flag|India}}
| state = [[West Bengal]]
| district = [[Hooghly district|Howrah]]
| location = [[Belur, West Bengal|Belur]]
| elevation_m =
| festivals=
* Celebration of Sri Ramakrishna
* Swami Vivekananda and Sarada Devi's birthdays
* Durga Puja, Janmasthami
* Christmas
* Kali Puja
* Shiva Ratri
| architecture = Fusion of Hindu, Christian and Islamic motifs
| temple_quantity = 4
| monument_quantity=
| inscriptions = none
| established = {{start date and age|1897|01}}<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.belurmath.org/symphony_in_architecture_ramakrishna_temple/prelude.htm |title=A Symphony in Architecture – Ramakrishna Temple, Belur Math |access-date=2013-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718233543/http://www.belurmath.org/symphony_in_architecture_ramakrishna_temple/prelude.htm |archive-date=18 July 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| creator = [[Ramakrishna Mission]]
| website = {{URL|https://belurmath.org/}}
}}
{{Hinduism small}}
'''Belur Math''' ({{IPA|bn|ˈbeluɽ ˈmɔʈʰ|pron}}) is the headquarters of the [[Ramakrishna Mission|Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission]], founded by [[Swami Vivekananda]], the chief disciple of [[Ramakrishna Paramahamsa]]. It is located in [[Belur, West Bengal, India]] on the west bank of [[Hooghly River]].<ref name="Dutta_104"/> The land for the Math was purchased on 4th March, 1897. Swami Vivekananda established Belur Math by placing holy relics of Shri Ramakrishna at Belur Math premises on 9th December 1898. Swami Vivekananda returned from America via Colombo and with a small group of disciples started working on the construction of two temples, one at Belur and the other one at Mayavati, Almora, which was called the Advaita Ashrama.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Belur Math in Kolkata, Belur Math and Swami Vivekananda |url=https://www.kolkataonline.in/city-guide/belur-math-in-kolkata#:~:text=Belur%20Math%20was%20established%20in,Himalayas%20called%20the%20Advaita%20Ashrama. |access-date=2023-07-24 |website=www.kolkataonline.in}}</ref> The temple is the heart of the Ramakrishna movement. It is notable for its architecture that fuses Hindu, Islamic, Buddhist, and Christian art and motifs as a symbol of unity of all religions. In 2003, [[Belur Math railway station]] was also inaugurated which is dedicated to Belur Math Temple.<ref>{{cite book|author=Sarina Singh|author2=Joe Bindloss|author3=Paul Clammer|author4=Janine Eberle|title=India|page=452}}</ref>

[[File:A sketch of Belur Math.jpg|thumb|A sketch of Belur Math campus]]
[[File:Belur Math Howrah.jpg|thumb|Belur Math from Ratan Babu Ghat]]

== History ==
In the beginning of 1897, Swami Vivekananda arrived at [[Baranagar]], [[Calcutta]] with his small group of Western disciples. Two monasteries were founded by him, one at Belur, which became the headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission and the other at Mayavati on the Himalayas, in [[Champawat District]], [[Uttrakhand]], called the [[Advaita Ashrama]].<ref>
{{cite book
| author = Hendrik Kraemer
| title = World Cultures and World Religions
| page = 151
}}
</ref><ref name="farquhar-202">{{Cite book | author = J. N. Farquhar | title = Modern Religious Movements in India | page = 202| author-link = J. N. Farquhar }}</ref> These monasteries were meant to receive and train young men who would eventually become ''[[Sannyasa|sannyasis]]'' (religious ascetic) of the Ramakrishna Mission, and to give them a training for their work. The same year the philanthropic activity was started and relief of the famine was carried out.<ref name="farquhar-202"/>

Swami Vivekananda's days as a ''parivrajaka'' (wandering monk) before his visit to Parliament of Religions, took him through many parts of India, and he visited several architectural monuments like the [[Taj Mahal]], [[Fatehpur Sikri]] palaces, Diwan–I–Khas, palaces of [[Rajasthan]], ancient temples of [[Maharashtra]], [[Gujarat]], [[Karnataka]], [[Tamil Nadu]] and other places. During his tour in America and Europe, he came across buildings of architectural importance of Modern, [[Medieval]], [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] and [[Renaissance architecture|Renaissance]] styles. It is reported that Vivekananda incorporated these ideas in the design of the Belur Math temple.<ref>{{cite book | title = A Symphony in Architecture Ramakrishna Temple Belur Math | chapter = prelude | chapter-url = http://www.belurmath.org/symphony_in_architecture_ramakrishna_temple/prelude.htm | author = Swami Tattwajnanananda | access-date = 10 October 2008 | archive-date = 18 July 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130718233543/http://www.belurmath.org/symphony_in_architecture_ramakrishna_temple/prelude.htm | url-status = dead}}</ref>

[[Swami Vijnanananda]], a brother-monk of Swami Vivekananda and one of the monastic [[disciples of Ramakrishna]], who was, in his pre-monastic life, a civil engineer, designed the temple according to the ideas of Vivekananda and Swami Shivananda, the then President of Belur Math laid the foundation stone on 13 March 1929. The massive construction was handled by [[Martin Burn & Co.]] The mission proclaims the Belur Math as, "A Symphony in Architecture".<ref>{{cite book | title = A Symphony in Architecture Ramakrishna Temple Belur Math | author = Swami Tattwajnanananda}}</ref> The Math can be reached by direct EMU train services from Howrah, ferry and by road.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Top Ten Temple Towns of India|publisher=Mark Age Publication|first=S.C.|last=Karkar|location=Kolkota|isbn=978-81-87952-12-1|year=2009|page=92}}</ref>

== Campus ==
[[File:Belur Math Gate.jpg|thumb|The entrance gate of Belur Math has symbols of all religions]]
[[File:Ramakrishna Monastic Disciples 1899.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Monastic disciples, Trigunatitananda, [[Swami Shivananda|Shivananda]], [[Swami Vivekananda]], Turiyananda, Brahmananda. Below Sadananda, at Belur Math, 20 June 1899.]]
[[File:Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Belur Math.jpg|thumb|Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Belur Math campus.]]
[[File:Ramakrishna Sangraha Mandir.jpg|thumb|Ramakrishna Sangraha Mandir, Belur Math, West Bengal, India]]
[[File:Annual Day celebration in Ramakrishna Math, Belur.jpg|thumb|Thousands of people visit the Math for the annual day celebration.]]
[[File:Ramakrishna Mission Shikshanamandira, Belur Math Campus.jpg|thumb|[[Ramakrishna Mission Shikshanamandira]], Belur Math campus.]]

The {{convert|40|acre|ha|adj=on|order=flip}} campus of the Belur Math on the banks of the Hooghly includes temples dedicated to Ramakrishna, [[Sarada Devi]] and Swami Vivekananda, in which their relics are enshrined, and the main monastery of the [[Ramakrishna Order]]. The campus also houses a Museum containing articles connected with the history of Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Several educational institutions affiliated with the Ramakrishna Mission are situated in the vast campus adjacent to Belur Math, including [[Ramakrishna Mission Shilpamandira]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.belurmath.org/belurmath.htm|title=Belur Math|access-date=2008-10-10|archive-date=10 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210072617/http://www.belurmath.org/belurmath.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Belur Math is considered one of the prime tourist spots near Kolkata<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040805/asp/calcutta/story_3583419.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050103054115/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1040805/asp/calcutta/story_3583419.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2005|title=A Calcutta that's quintessential|last=Saha|first=Subhro |date=5 August 2004|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2009-05-06}}</ref> and place of pilgrimage by devotees.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1030313/asp/calcutta/story_1760773.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030407043128/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1030313/asp/calcutta/story_1760773.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 April 2003|title=By boat, a pilgrim's triangle|date=13 March 2003|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2009-05-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-24079946_ITM|title=Eastern Railway to start train to Belurmath|last=Yengkhom|first=Sumati |date=31 July 2003|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2009-05-06}}</ref> The ex-president [[APJ Abdul Kalam]] regarded Belur Math as a "place of heritage and national importance."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-13569542_ITM|title=Belur a heritage site: President|date=2 October 2004|work=Financial Times|access-date=2009-05-06}}</ref>

=== Sri Ramakrishna Temple ===
[[File:Ramakrishna Marble Statue.jpg|thumb|right| The marble statue of Ramakrishna at Belur Math <br/>
{{Audio|খণ্ডন ভব বন্ধন.oga|Khandana Bhava Bandhana (Arati Song)}}]]

The design of the temple was envisioned by Swami Vivekananda and the architect was [[Swami Vijnanananda]], a direct monastic disciple of Ramakrishna. Sri Ramakrishna Temple was consecrated on 14 January, the [[Makar Sankranti]] Day in 1938.

The Ramakrishna temple at the Belur Math is designed to "celebrate the diversity of Indian Religions"<ref name="Dutta_104">Dutta (2003), p. 104.</ref> and resembles a [[temple]], a [[mosque]], a [[Church (building)|church]] if seen from different positions.<ref>
{{cite book | title = Pilgrimage Centers of India | page = 167}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mysinchew.com/node/16955?tid=14|title=Travel: Kolkata Surprise|date=2008-10-18|publisher=MySinchew |access-date=2009-05-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/take-five/soul-places-of-india/2005/12/17/1134703641099.html|title=Soul places of India|last=Simmons|first=Graham |date=18 December 2005|work=The Sunday Morning Herald|access-date=2009-05-08|quote=The Ramakrishna Mission, at Belur Math in Calcutta, is known for its charitable works and outstanding temple – Hindu, Saracen and Arabic design on a foundation of a Christian cross.}}</ref> The architectural style and symbolism from a number of religions have been incorporated into the design of the temple at Belur Math, to convey the "universal faith" in which the movement believes.<ref name="ouc">
{{cite book
| author = Open University Course Team
| title = Introduction to the Humanities
| page = 75
}}</ref><ref>
{{cite book
| title = Pilgrimage Centers of India
| quote = This symbolises the main message of the master that all religions and men are essentially one and united.
| page = 167
}}</ref> The temple is considered a prime example of the importance of "material dimension" of religion.<ref name="ouc"/>

The main entrance of the temple, has a facade influenced by Buddhist styles in the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi & the main entrance of the Ajanta Caves. The structure which rises over the entrance is modelled on the Hindu temples of South India with their lofty towers. The windows and balconies inside the temple draw upon the [[Rajput]] (Hindu) and [[Mughal (tribe)|Mughal]] (Islamic) style of north India. The central dome is derived from the Renaissance architecture of the Duomo of the [[Florence Cathedral]]. The ground plan is in the shape of [[Christian cross]].<ref name="Dutta_104" /><ref name="ouc"/>

The height of the temple is {{convert|112.5|ft|m|order=flip}} and covers a total area of {{convert|32900|sqft|m2|abbr=on|order=flip}}. The temple mainly is built of [[chunar stone]] and some portion in the front is of cement. The high entrance of the temple is like a [[South Indian]] [[Gopuram]] and the pillars on both sides represent Buddhistic architectural style. The three umbrella-like domes on the top built in Rajput-[[Mughal Empire|Moghul]] styles give an idea of thatched roofs of the village [[Kamarpukur]].

The circular portion of the entrance is an intermingling of [[Ajanta Caves|Ajanta]] style with Hindu architecture and within it, placing the emblem of the Order, is a representation of beauty and solemnity. Just above seen is a replica of a [[Shiva lingam]]. The ''natmandira'', the spacious congregational hall attached to the ''sanctum'', resembles a church, especially of St Peter's Church in Rome. The pillars in a line on its both sides are according to [[Doric order|Doric]] or [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] style. The beam above is held by decorative brackets similar to the [[Meenakshi]] Temple at [[Madurai]] in [[Tamil Nadu]]. The elaborate designs on the pillars resemble the Orissa style.

The hanging balconies above the natmandir and the windows show the effect of [[Mughal Empire|Moghul]] architecture used in the Fatehpur Sikri. The broad ''parikrama'' path for doing circumambulatory rounds on all sides of the ''garbhamandira'' ([[sanctum sanctorum]]) are built like [[Buddhist]] ''chaityas'' and Christian Churches. The lattice work statues of [[Navagraha]] figures are etched on semi-circular top of outside the temple. The golden [[kalasha]] is placed on the top of the temple and has a full-bloomed [[lotus (plant)|lotus]] below. The architecture of the big dome and of the other domes show a shade of Islamic, Rajput, Bengal terracotta and [[Lingaraja Temple]] styles. The entrance doors on both east and west of the temple having pillars on both sides are like the elegant gateways of the Manmandir in Gwalior Fort. [[Ganesha]] and [[Hanuman]] images, representing success and power, are carved above them.

====The statue====
A full size statue of Sri Ramakrishna is seated on a hundred petalled lotus over a [[damaru]] shaped marble pedestal wherein the Sacred relics of Sri Ramakrishna are preserved. The swans on the front represents Paramatman. The statue of Sri Ramakrishna was made by the famous sculptor late Gopeswar Pal of Kolkata and the decorations of the temple were conceived by artist late Sri [[Nandalal Bose]]. The canopy above the deity and all the doors and windows are made of selected [[teakwood]] imported from [[Myanmar]].

=== Swami Vivekananda Temple ===
[[File:Swami Vivekananda Temple at Belur Math, Howrah, WB.jpg|alt=Temple of Swami Vivekananda at Belur Math|thumb|250x250px|[[Swami Vivekananda]] temple Belur Math.]]
[[File:The Om in the first floor of Swami Vivekananda's temple .jpg|alt=The first floor of Swami Vivekananda's temple at Belur Math|thumb|375x375px|The OM (in Bengali script) in the first floor of Swami Vivekananda's temple, which was built on the place where Swamiji was cremated in 1902.]]
The Swami Vivekananda Temple stands on the spot where Swami Vivekananda's mortal remains were cremated in 1902. Consecrated on 28 January 1924, the temple has in its upper storey an alabaster OM (in Bengali characters). Beside the temple stands a bel (bilva) tree in the place of the original bel tree under which Swami Vivekananda used to sit and near which, according to his wish, his body was cremated. On 4 July 1902 at Belur Math, he taught Vedanta philosophy to some pupils in the morning. He had a walk with [[Baburam Maharaj (Swami Premananda)|Swami Premananda]], a brother-disciple, and gave him instructions concerning the future of the Ramakrishna Math. He left his body (died) in the evening after a session of prayer at Belur Math. He was 39. Vivekananda had fulfilled his own prophecy of not living to be forty-years old.

=== Holy Mother's temple ===
The Holy Mother's temple is dedicated to [[Sarada Devi]], the spiritual consort of Ramakrishna. The holy mother's temple is right at the entrance of Belur Math. The temple is over the area where her mortal remains were consigned to flames. The temple of the Holy Mother was consecrated on 21 July 1920.<ref name="Sengupta">{{cite book|last=Sengupta|first=Jatindra Chandra |title=West Bengal district gazetteers|publisher=State editor, West Bengal District Gazetteers|year=1965|volume=5|page=624}}</ref>

=== Swami Brahmananda's temple ===
{{Expand section|date=December 2009}}
Another temple dedicated to [[Disciples of Ramakrishna|Swami Brahmananda]]—a direct disciple of Ramakrishna and the first president of the [[Ramakrishna Math]] and [[Ramakrishna Mission]]—is situated near Holy Mother's temple.<ref name="Sengupta" />

The temple was built on the place where Swami Brahmananda was cremated in a period of two years. It a marble image of Swami Brahmananda. Shyam Ghosh, a disciple of Swami Brahmananda, bore the expenses of Rs 40,000. Shyam Ghosh was the son of Navagopal Ghosh, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. [[Shivananda|Swami Shivananda]] dedicated this temple on 7 February 1924.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Swami Brahmananda Temple |url=https://belurmath.org/swami-brahmananda-temple/ |access-date=18 August 2021 |website=Belur Math}}</ref>
[[File:Brahmananda Statue.png|thumb|Swami Brahmananda Statue in Brahmananda Temple, Belur Math. A Closer Look.]]

[[File:Brahmananda Statue, Belur Math.png|thumb|Swami Brahmananda Statue in Brahmananda Temple, Belur Math.]]
[[File:Swami Brahmananda temple, Belur Math, Howrah, India.jpg|thumb|Swami Brahmananda temple, Belur Math.]]

=== Ramakrishna Sangraha Mandir ===
The famed, two-storey Ramakrishna Sangraha Mandir hosts artifacts used by Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda, and some of his disciples. These include the long coat worn by Vivekananda in the West, [[Sister Nivedita]]'s table, and an organ of Mrs Sevier's.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-18940000_ITM|title=Oasis of peace|date=1 March 2005|work=The Statesman|access-date=2009-05-06}}</ref><ref name="Hindu-05">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/04/01/stories/2005040100540300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050406102233/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/04/01/stories/2005040100540300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 April 2005|title=Evolution of a spiritual movement on display |last=Dutta|first=Indrani|date=1 April 2005|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2009-05-06}}</ref> The museum chronicles the contemporary growth of the movement, and the Bengalese.<ref name="Hindu-05"/>

The museum has a realistic recreation of the ''Panchavati'' – the clutch of five sacred trees of the [[Dakshineswar Kali Temple]] where Ramakrishna practised ''sadhana'' (spiritual disciplines).<ref name="Hindu-05"/> The black stone bowl from which Ramakrishna took ''payasam'' (a sweet Indian dish) during his final days, while suffering from [[Head and neck cancer|throat cancer]], and the pillow he had used, in the house in Calcutta where he spent his last few months, are on display.<ref name="Hindu-05"/> Ramakrishna's room in the house, where he distributed [[ochre]] clothes to 12 disciples anointing Vivekananda (then Narendranath) as their leader, has also been shown with a model of Ramakrishna bestowing grace on his disciples, and the footwear used by Ramakrishna has been put on the model. The room at Dakshineswar where Ramakrishna lived has been recreated with display of clothes and other objects used by him, the ''tanpura'' used by Vivekananda to sing to his master, and the copies of two charcoal drawings sketched by Ramakrishna are on display.<ref name="Hindu-05"/>

Sarada Devi's pilgrimage to [[Chennai]], [[Madurai]] and [[Bangalore]] has also been exhibited, along with items used by her then, in 1911. The museum showcases a huge replica of Swami Vivekananda in the front of the [[Chicago Art Institute]], where the famous [[Parliament of the World's Religions]] was held in September 1893. Alongside the same display, is a letter by [[Jamsetji Tata]], Swami Vivekananda's co-passenger on the trip, that reveals an important and well-known work of Tata's, which was inspired by Swamiji: the founding of the [[IISc|Indian Institute of Science]] at Bangalore.<ref name="Hindu-05"/>

The wooden staircase and the lotus woodwork of [[Victoria Public Hall]] in Chennai, where Vivekananda gave inspiring speeches to a large congregation, have been brought over. A few displays away from this is a show on Miss [[Josephine MacLeod]], who met Swamji in the U.S. in 1895 and served India for 40 years thereafter. She played an important role in the Ramakrishna movement. At this enclosure is a crystal image of Swamiji that was done by Paris jeweler [[René Lalique]].<ref name="Hindu-05"/>

== Activities ==
The Belur Math conducts medical service, education, work for women, rural uplift and work among the labouring and backward classes, relief, spiritual and cultural activities.<ref name="cyrus-118">
{{cite book
| author = Cyrus R. Pangborn
| title = Hinduism: New Essays in the History of Religions
| chapter = The Ramakrishna Math and Mission
| page = 118
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-12-14/patna/27938159_1_flood-relief-relief-operations-relief-and-rehabilitation-programmes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023205107/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-12-14/patna/27938159_1_flood-relief-relief-operations-relief-and-rehabilitation-programmes|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 October 2012|title=R K Mission's flood relief measures continue|date=14 December 2008|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=2009-05-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/23/stories/2005122313160300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060420135505/http://www.hindu.com/2005/12/23/stories/2005122313160300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 April 2006|title= An eventful year for RK Mission |date=23 December 2005|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2009-05-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1031222/asp/bengal/story_2706029.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031225064618/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1031222/asp/bengal/story_2706029.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 December 2003|title=Mission lists relief work|date=22 December 2003|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2009-05-08}}</ref> The center also celebrates annual birthdays of Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Sarada Devi and other monastic [[disciples of Ramakrishna]]. The annual celebrations of ''Kumari Puja''<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-01|title=Sri Sri Kumari Puja 2020 at Belur Math|url=https://media.belurmath.org/sri-sri-kumari-puja-2020-at-belur-math-6812/|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Media Gallery|language=en-US}}</ref> and ''[[Durga Puja]]''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Durga Puja – Belur Math|url=https://media.belurmath.org/tag/durga-puja/|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Media Gallery|language=en-US}}</ref> are one of the main attractions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081007/jsp/calcutta/story_9932503.jsp|title=Day of anjali & attraction|date=7 October 2008|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2008-10-10| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081010045231/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081007/jsp/calcutta/story_9932503.jsp| archive-date= 10 October 2008 }}</ref> The tradition of ''Kumari puja'' was started by Vivekananda in 1901.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How Swami Vivekananda gave Durga Puja at Belur Math an idol makeover|url=https://www.dailyo.in/lifestyle/swami-vivekananda-durga-puja-belur-math-ramakrishna-paramhansa-idol-worship-ma-sarada-brahmo-samaj-kumari-puja-divine-mother/story/1/6938.html|access-date=2021-03-01|website=dailyo.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/StoryPrint.aspx?ID=NEWEN20070030030&ch=633577555410071250|title=Kolkata pays tribute to sacred feminine|last=Sanyal|first=Sourav|date=20 October 2007|publisher=NDTV|access-date=2009-05-06|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319172125/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/StoryPrint.aspx?ID=NEWEN20070030030&ch=633577555410071250|archive-date=19 March 2012}}</ref>

== Visiting ==
Belur Math has been re-opened for visitors and devotees from 18 August 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|work=Hindustan Times|agency=Kolkata News|date=18 August 2021|title=Belur Math in Kolkata to re-open for public from today|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/kolkata-news/belur-math-in-kolkata-to-re-open-for-public-from-today-101629244017207.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Times Now|first=Kolkata News|date=18 August 2021|title=Kolkata: Belur Math to reopen for devotees and visitors for about five hours from today|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/kolkata/article/kolkata-belur-math-to-reopen-for-devotees-and-visitors-for-about-five-hours-from-today/800420}}</ref>

It was temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, from 22 April to 17 August 2021, and earlier from 24 March 2020 to 9 February 2021, with a brief opening during the phased unlock process from 15 June to 2 August 2020, and from 10 February to 21 April 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Belur Math|date=20 April 2021|title=Belur Math will remain closed from 22 April 2021 {{!}} Swami Suvirananda|via=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSTyuT5OEJs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=সংবাদ প্রতিদিন|first=Samvad Pratidin|date=21 April 2021|title=করোনাতঙ্কে ফের বন্ধ হচ্ছে বেলুড়মঠ, খুলবে কবে?|url=https://www.sangbadpratidin.in/kolkata/belur-math-will-be-closed-from-22-th-april-due-to-corona/|access-date=21 April 2021|language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Belur Math to reopen gates on 10 February|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/calcutta/belur-math-to-reopen-gates-on-february-10/cid/1804768|access-date=2021-03-01|website=The Telegraph|location=India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Kundu|first=Indrajit|date=1 August 2020|title=Belur Math shrine in Bengal to shut indefinitely from 2 August after brief reopening|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/belur-math-in-bengal-to-shut-indefinitely-from-august-2-1706688-2020-08-01|access-date=2021-03-01|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|last=Belur Math|first=Ramakrishna Mission|title=Entrance Restriction at Belur Math from 2 Aug 2020|date=August 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAk7sISqReI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/QAk7sISqReI |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-03-01}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

It is served by the [[Belur Math railway station]], part of the [[Kolkata Suburban Railway]].

==Presidents ==
* [[Disciples of Ramakrishna|Swami Brahmananda]] 1897–1922
* [[Swami Shivananda]] 1922–1934
* [[Swami Akhandananda]] 1934–1937
* [[Swami Vijnanananda]] 1937–1938
* [[Swami Shuddhananda]] 1938–1938
* [[Swami Virajananda]] 1938–1950
* [[Swami Shankarananda (Indian monk)|Swami Shankarananda]] 1951–1962
* [[Swami Vishuddhananda]] 1962–1962
* [[Swami Madhavananda]] 1962–1965
* [[Swami Vireshwarananda]] 1965–1985
* [[Swami Gambhirananda]] 1985–1988
* [[Swami Bhuteshananda]] 1988–1998
* [[Swami Ranganathananda]] 1998–2005
* [[Swami Gahanananda]] 2005–2007
* [[Swami Atmasthananda]] 2007–2017
* [[Swami Smaranananda]] 2017–2024
* [[Swami Gautamananda]] 2024-

==See also==
* [[Kalighat Kali Temple]]
* [[Dakshineswar Kali Temple]]
* [[Gazi Pir]]
* [[Baranagar Math]]
* [[Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School|Baranagar Ramakrishna Mission]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book|last=Dutta|first=Krishna |title=Calcutta: a cultural and literary history|publisher=Signal Books|year=2003|edition=illustrated|pages=255|isbn=978-1-902669-59-5|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UKfoHi5412UC&pg=PA104}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Belur Math}}
* {{Official website}}

{{Tourist attractions in Kolkata}}
{{Swami Vivekananda}}
{{Howrah topics}}
{{Hindu temples in West Bengal}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Buildings and structures in Howrah]]
[[Category:Headquarters in India]]
[[Category:Hindu monasteries in India]]
[[Category:Hindu pilgrimage sites in India]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Ramakrishna Mission]]
[[Category:Swami Vivekananda]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Howrah district]]

Belur Math - Revision history

LolitasErurf at 22:02, 5 February 2026