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Belur Math: history, architecture, visiting hours and how to reach

The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission sits on the west bank of the Hooghly. How it came about, what it looks like, when it is open and how to get there.

Last checked: 31 Oct 2026 · 3 sources

History of Belur Math

Swami Vivekananda, chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, established Belur Math in January 1897. It is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. (Source: Wikipedia, Belur Math)

The Math is in Belur, Howrah district, on the west bank of the Hooghly River. The campus covers 16 hectares (40 acres). (Source: Wikipedia, Belur Math)

Architecture and the Ramakrishna Temple

The design blends Hindu, Buddhist and Christian elements to symbolise the unity of religions. Depending on the angle it can look like a temple, mosque or church, and its ground plan is in the shape of a Christian cross. It is about 34.3 m tall, built mainly of chunar stone. (Source: Wikipedia, Belur Math)

Vivekananda envisioned the design and Swami Vijnanananda was the architect. The temple was consecrated on 14 January 1938, Makar Sankranti. Ramakrishna's statue sits on a hundred-petalled lotus above a damaru-shaped marble pedestal that holds his sacred relics. (Source: Wikipedia, Belur Math)

Durga Puja and Kumari Puja

The annual Durga Puja and Kumari Puja are among the Math's main attractions. The Kumari Puja tradition was started by Vivekananda in 1901. Our source gives no further detail. (Source: Wikipedia, Belur Math)

💡 If you plan to visit during the Puja days, check the Math's own festival calendar (belurmath.org) for the actual programme.

Visiting hours

💡 These hours are as published by Belur Math and can change, so check belurmath.org before you go. Arati timings are on a separate page of the site.

How to reach

Belur Math railway station is in Eastern Railway's Howrah division, on the Eastern line of the Kolkata Suburban Railway, station code BRMH. It is the terminal of the branch and connects Howrah with Belur Math. The article puts the station about 1.5 km from the temple. (Source: Wikipedia, Belur Math railway station)

Address: PO Belur Math, Dist Howrah, West Bengal, PIN 711202. The Math's page gives no train or bus routes, only a Google Maps directions link. (Source: Belur Math official site, Our location (opening hours as published by Belur Math))

The Wikipedia article on the Math says it can be reached by Belur Math railway station, direct EMU trains from Howrah, by ferry and by road. (Source: Wikipedia, Belur Math)

💡 Ferry ghats, timings and fares are not in our sources, so look those up separately, and think about your return train or ride in advance.

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