Our Temple
According to Swami Vivekananda, the temples of Sri Ramakrishna should be built for enabling the devotees to advance spiritually for realizing the truth with no hatred towards other faiths. The guidelines for building the temple of Sri Ramakrishna at Belur Math were laid down by Swami Vivekananda himself. Keeping this as basis, various other architectural features familiar to the region are added while maintaining its universal outlook. So various architectural elements and motifs found in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples and the churches and cathedrals of Europe are synthesized in this Universal Temple.
1. Invocation
"Om Namo Bhagavate Ramakrishnaya"
We bow down in reverence to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, His divine consort Sri Sarada Devi, and their great disciple Swami Vivekananda — the living embodiment of spiritual wisdom, love, and service.
2. Opening Prayer
Om, lead us from darkness to light,
Lead us from ignorance to wisdom,
Lead us from death to immortality.
Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
3. Reading / Reflection
"Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this divinity within by controlling nature, external and internal."
— Sri Ramakrishna
"Serve man as God incarnate."
— Swami Vivekananda
Let us remember that service to humanity is service to God. Through selfless work and devotion, we purify ourselves and draw closer to the divine.
4. Meditation / Silent Prayer
Let us sit in silence for a few minutes, meditating on the divine presence of Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada Devi in our hearts. May their blessings guide our thoughts, words, and actions.
Old Temple
The Sanctified Spot
Srimat Swami Vijnananandaji, a direct disciple of
Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna, came on a visit to Batticaloa
on 03.04.1934. During his sojourn, immersed in an exalted
state of mind, he sanctified this place by worshipping
Sri Ramakrishna with his own hands.
It is quite significant. Moreover, he blessed this branch centre of
Ramakrishna Mission for forthcoming immense growth.
This memorable event took place near the mango tree
in front of the old office of the Principal of
Sivananda Vidyalaya as recorded by Swami Natarajanandaji.