Kolkata is a city where ancient culture and tradition still lives with pride, keeping equal pace with modern life style. Here at weekends and prior to important work, exams and on auspicious days, people visit the temple of goddess Kali. One such important temple of the city lies at Belur Math.
This centre of pilgrimage is located on almost 40 acres of land at the banks of the Hooghly River; one of the distributaries of the sacred River Ganges. It was built by Swami Vivekananda; after whom the National Youth Day is celebrated in the country. He was the foremost disciple of Ram Krishna and the forerunner of the Ramakrishna Mission.
The site consists of the relics of Ramkrishna Paramhansa; considered to be the incarnation of God and who preached the unity of all religions. Visit this serene and sacred site with our experienced guide and know the place in details.
Highlights
Discover the city of Kolkata
Enjoy a view of the Howrah bridge
Visit most popular Kali temples at Kalighat
Experience Mother Teresa's charitable spirit at the Mother Teresa Ashram
Visit exquisitely designed Marble Palace
itinerary
You are picked up from your hotel by our guide at around 8.30 am. It is a pleasant drive over the Howrah Bridge and Bali Bridge, with River Ganges flowing just beneath the bridges.
We first reach the Dakshineswar temple, dedicated to goddess Kali. Ram Krishna Paramhansa himself used to worship goddess Kali here as a priest and also served as a seat for his divine feelings and preaching. Here you can view lots of devotees bathing in the adjacent river before offering their puja at the temple. The main temple is surrounded by twelve small temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
After a visit to the temples, we visit the simple room where Ramkrishna Paramhansa used to stay. The area also consists of another small and simple room where Ma Sarada, wife of Ramkrishna Paramhansa used to live.
We then reach Belur Math, crossing the river on a traditional boat, enjoying the serenity of nature. Advocating the principle of unity, the Mathwas constructed to reflect the architectural designs of temples, churches and mosques. Here we visit the huge prayer hall where a large statue of Ramkrishna Paramhansa is seated on a lotus temple. There is also a large museum where you can check out the artefacts used by Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Sarada Devi and the disciples.
You can also have lunch here; known as ‘bhog’. It is considered sacred food which is served to devotees after dedicating to goddess Kali. As the trip comes to an end, our guide escorts you to your hotel.
