Ramakrishna Math (Yogodyan), Kankurgachi

October 18, 2024

Originally known as “Sri Sri Ramakrishna Samadhi Mahapeeth Sri Yogodyan” and later as “Ramakrishna Yogodyan Math”, this place came into existence before the formation of the first Ramakrishna Math at Baranagore, on 19^th October,1886.

Entrance to the Yogodyan Lane

Entrance to the premises

Founded by Sri Ram Chandra Dutta, the Yogodyan Math was blessed by Sri Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa’s visit in 1883 and 1885. The Math enshrines a part of the sacred relics of Sri Ramakrishna since 23^rd August 1886 (Janmastami Tithi) where the present Temple stands now. The white marbel statue was set up on 26th January 1967.

The main temple besides the Ramakrishna Kunda

An oil painting of the Master was established in 1901 by Ram Chandra Dutta and other disciples. Since 2021, it is placed in the room of the Holy Mother at the second floor.
Ramakrishna himself proclaimed the garden as “Yogodyan” and sanctified “Vedi Ghar” and the pond “Ramakrishna Kund”. Sri Ramakrishna is said to have quenched his thirst at this pond and proclaimed the water as sweet. The pond is well preserved and protected by fencing. A gate and plaque adorns the banks. The tulsi mancha and panchavati garden are also maintained.

Yogodyan literarily means a garden congenial for spiritual contemplation. Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi worshiped Sri Ramakrishna in the shrine on 1901 and visited the place on three later occasions. Swami Vivekananda visited Yogodyan during enshrining of The Holy Relics as well as on other occasions.
The Vedi ghar was the room where the Master was seated. It bears his photograph and alter signifying the exact placed which he blessed by his divine presence.
Sri Ram Chandra Dutta was a renowned Chemist of Calcutta Medical College and a distinguished lay disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. He led an austere life and breathed his last here in 1899. Ram Chandra had purchased a vast marshy land at Kankurgachhi in East of Kolkata, belonging to Mohammed Abdus Wahab with the intention of setting up a secluded place where devotees could perform kirtan without disturbing the neighborhood. From Kankurgachhi, he published three books – “Tattwasar”, “Tattwa Prakashika” and “Sri Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansha Dever Jeevan Britwanta” (the first biography of Sri Ramakrishna). He also used to publish monthly religious newsletter “Tattwa Manjari” from here. The last five years of his life he used to live here as a saint, initiated many devotees and even offered sannyas to some of them. Swami Shivananda (Tarak) and Swami Adbhutananda (Latu), two direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna, also stayed here and practiced austerity.
On 21^st March, 1943 this sacred place became one of the main branch centers of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math.
Till date the centre is activily involved in daily worships, observance of religious events and special days, religious classes and endowment lectures. Community welfare activities include charitable dispensary, youth training programmes, dissemination of knowledge through library and bookstall and other welfare activities.

The Charitable Dispensary

The peaceful ambience invokes a sense of tranquility as one enters the premises. The bird house, flowering trees in full bloom, plant nursery and broad pathways contribute to the overall serenity of the place.