A Visit to Sri Ramakrishna Math

On Saturday June 27, 2009, one of my colleagues took me for evening prayers to the Sri Ramakrishna Math, a temple he likes to visit. The temple welcomes all, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, race, and nationality. The temple you see in this picture was constructed in the 1950's, and is one of several buildings on the property. The grounds are green and peaceful; people talk softly or walk in silence, as this is a place of meditation. Before entering the temple we removed our shoes. Inside the temple, we sat on the carpeted floor, men on the left side and women on the right. At the front and centre is a statue of Sri Ramakrishna, the founder of the temple. On the left is an image of his esteemed disciple Vivekananda, and on the right an image of the Holy Mother.

The service consisted mostly of singing, led by monks who were seated near the front, and accompanied by musicians playing small hand drums (tabla), a tambourine, and a keyboard instrument that sounds similar to an accordian. A leader at the front would also ring a bell (for an entire song at the beginning) and perform various rites. I did not understand the words, but the overall effect was one of reverence and devotion.

The temple is very active. Besides religious services and lectures, they have a library, bookstore and printing press, and they run several charitable programs directed towards healthcare, education and disaster relief.