About Ramakrishna Math
RAMAKRISHNA MATH is a monastic organization for men brought into existence by Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886), the great 19th century saint of Bengal who is regarded as the Prophet of the Modern Age.
This organization has set in motion a non-sectarian, universal spiritual movement which has been silently working for more than a hundred years for spiritual regeneration of humanity.
The activities of this Math are centered round the ideals expounded by Sri Ramakishna Paramahamsa. All people irrespective of religion, caste and nationality are welcome here to get peace of mind and freedom from bondage. It aims at the harmony of religions, spiritual fulfillment, all-round development of human faculties, social equality and peace for all humanity.
These ideals and principles help people to realize their true potential and unfold their personality. These values help people on the path of personal growth and fulfillment.
Spiritual ideals of the organization are based on the India’s ancient religious philosophy known as Vedanta. Vedanta alone has remained the dominant philosophy of India’s religious tradition. In modern times this ancient system of thought has been Purified, Unified and Energized by Sri Ramakrishna, and expounded in the modern idiom by Swami Vivekananda and made available to the people all over the world without any distinction of caste, creed, race and nationality.
Beginning of the movement in Bangalore
The Vedanta Society, Bangalore
In March 1901, the Vedanta Society was formed by few ardent devotees of Bangalore inspired by the call of Swami Vivekananda and the message of Sri Ramakrishna.
Founding a Centre in Bangalore
Bangalore devotees requested to Swami Ramakrishnanandaji who was at Madras, to establish a permanent Centre of Ramakrishna Order in Bangalore. Upon their requests Ramakrishna Math, Bangalore came into existence in 1904 in a rented building.
Laying of the Foundation Stone
On 20 August 1906 Swami Abhedananda laid the foundation stone of the building of the Bangalore Centre. A Sanskrit Bhagavad Gita book, pictures of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, five kinds of jewels (pancha loha) and some Hindu sacred symbols were laid beneath the corner stone.
Initially this centre was called ‘Ramakrishna Mission Institute’ which was changed to ‘Ramakrishna Ashrama’ in 1910 as advised by the President, Swami Brahmananda. Since 1 April 1999, the Ashrama has been renamed as ‘Ramakrishna Math’ following the general pattern adopted by the Ramakrishna Math and Mission for its centres.
Inauguration of the Ashrama Building at Basavanagudi
By the end of 1908, the construction of the building for the Bangalore centre was completed. On 20 January 1909, Swami Brahmananda, President of the Order, came to Bangalore along with Swami Ramakrishananda, Sister Devamata and others, inaugurated the Ashrama building.