Popular Temple
Belur Math
Belur, Howrah, West Bengal
Headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, blending Hindu, Islamic, and Christian architecture in one structure
At a glance
- Location
- Belur, Howrah, West Bengal
- Presiding deity
- Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (temple complex, headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission)
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Vaishnava
- Nearest railway station
- Belur Math railway station (~1-1.5 km, a dedicated station)
- Nearest airport
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (~25 km)
- Best time to visit
- October to March; Ramakrishna's birth anniversary and Durga Puja are marked with special observances.
History
Belur Math was founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1899 and serves as the global headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math. The main temple's architecture deliberately blends Hindu, Islamic, and Christian design elements, symbolizing the principle of "Sarva Dharma Samabhava" (harmony of all religions) championed by both Ramakrishna and Vivekananda.
Spiritual significance
The sprawling riverside complex on the Hooghly offers a notably tranquil, green setting conducive to meditation, making it one of Kolkata's most peaceful spiritual retreats.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
6:00 AM to 6:30 PM, with slight seasonal variation.
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
A local train from Howrah reaches Belur Math station, from where the temple is just a short walk away.
Continue your Krishna bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.