On the western bank of the Hooghly at Belur near Kolkata stands Belur Math, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda in honour of his master, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Its central temple is a marvel of symbolic architecture, deliberately blending the forms of a Hindu temple, a Christian church, an Islamic mosque, and a Buddhist stupa — a living emblem of the harmony of all religions that Sri Ramakrishna taught.
Set amid tranquil gardens by the river, Belur Math is a great centre of spirituality, service, and learning, drawing seekers from across the world, and is among the most revered modern shrines of India.
