Belur Math

বেলুড় মঠ

The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, on the west bank.

About Belur Math

Swami Vivekananda founded the monastery at Belur in 1898 and lived his last years here. The main temple, consecrated in 1938, was designed to reflect his idea of the harmony of religions: from different angles its outline recalls a temple, a mosque and a church, with details drawn from Buddhist, Rajput and Mughal buildings. Along the river are the temples marking where Vivekananda, Sarada Devi and Swami Brahmananda were cremated, and a museum of the movement.

Why visit

Serene grounds on the river, and an evening arati sung by the monks.

What to see and do

The Sri Ramakrishna temple
Swami Vivekananda’s room and temple
The riverside lawns
The Ramakrishna Museum

Plan your visit

Area: Howrah & the West Bank, Hooghly Riverfront & Howrah
Nearest landmark: Belur, Howrah
Best time: Morning or sunset. October to March is the most comfortable time of year.
Time needed: About 1½ hours
Cost: Free
Entry: An active place of worship that admits visitors; its own rules apply. Open morning and afternoon with a midday closure; exact hours are not currently verified. The museum has a small ticket.
Train: Belur Math or Belur
Getting there: Ferries cross from Dakshineswar; buses run from Howrah and Esplanade.
Parking: Parking is available outside the main gate.
Walking: Some walking
Accessibility: The grounds are level with paved paths.
Photography: Photography is restricted. No photography inside the campus.

Tip

There is a long midday closure. Evening arati at dusk is the highlight. Dress modestly; photography is not allowed inside the grounds.

Nearby and related places

Dakshineswar Kali Temple: Rani Rashmoni’s nine-spired temple on the Hooghly, where Sri Ramakrishna lived.
Adyapeath: A white temple of Adya Ma with three images set one above another.
Rail Museum, Howrah: Old locomotives and a toy train beside Howrah station.
Indian Botanic Garden: A 1787 garden at Shibpur, home of the Great Banyan.
Santragachi Jheel: A lake beside a railway station that fills with migratory ducks each winter.
Kuthi Ghat: Baranagar’s old riverside ghat, named for the Dutch factory that stood here.

More guides

Last checked on 2026-10-02. Each place was checked to exist and its position confirmed. Timings, closing days and ticket prices are shown only where known and can change: confirm before you travel.