Belur Math

Belur Math is among the most peaceful places to visit near Kolkata, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission on the Hooghly. This guide covers hours, history and practical tips.

Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It stands on the west bank of the Hooghly River in Howrah. The land was bought on 4 March 1897 and Vivekananda installed the relics of Ramakrishna there on 9 December 1898. Wikipedia describes the temple's architecture as fusing Hindu, Buddhist and Christian art and motifs as a symbol of the unity of religions.

The official site lists visiting hours of 6:30 to 11:30 am and 4:00 to 9:00 pm, adding that after the evening aratrikam bell devotees may sit only in the Sri Ramakrishna temple; a search summary of the site's FAQ gives 3:30 to 8:30 pm for the October–March evening session. The complex also has a museum, whose ticket was reported at INR 5 (unverified).

A railway station, Belur Math, opened in 2003, and a ferry connects the campus with Dakshineswar across the river, so the two sites are often combined. Dress modestly and expect to remove footwear; the official page does not give photography rules, so check signs on arrival.