In 1897 Swami Vivekananda founded Ramakrishna Mission in loving memory of his Guru Ramakrishna Paramhansa who preached unity of all religions. The International Head quarters of this Mission is located on the west bank of Hoogly, where the edifice is supposed to represent the three different religions in a single structure.
Swami Vivekananda is largely credited with the concept of the Math. There are now branches of Ramakrishna Mission all over India. Belur Math, the movement�s international headquarters, was founded in 1899. The architecture of Belur Math combines the features of a church, a temple and a mosque, to embody the spirit of religious fraternity. The main gateway leads to the Ramkrishna Sarada Mandir.
The mission was founded in 1938 by Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) and named after his mentor Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836-1886). The Ramakrishna Mission is famous for its missionary work and has branches all over the world. The main temple in Belur Math incorporates the various architectural styles of the different religions of India. The headquarters of the Ramkrishna Order, the Belur Math, was set up on 14th January 1938, as homage to the memory of Sri Ramkrishna, the 19th century monk and seer.
His most eminent disciple, Swami Vivekananda, who placed the ashes of Sri Ramkrishna at this spot, marked the spot where the Math stands. Another attraction for visitors is the Sri Ramkrishna Museum, set up with the assistance of the National Council of Science Museum. Items owned by Sri Ramkrishna, Ma Sarada and Swami Vivekananda are kept as souvenirs, and made to recreate the bygone ambience of blessed serenity. This International tourist attraction is located near Belur in Howrah district. Its sprawling prayer hall with a statue of Ramakrishna is remarkable. People from different parts of the country and abroad visit these places.
Its peaceful and calm atmosphere is befitting the gravity of the place. The Mission runs among other things, an art college, an industrial school and charitable dispensary.