Where is the original building of Baranagar Math ?

The building photo, which is shown in the history, crumbled to dust in1897 by devastating earthquake. There is no trace of the original building. In the place of that building, slum dwellers built huts & shops etc. The foremost task is to evict the land by shifting slum dwellers to a suitable place or compensation to be given. Then the land will be excavated to find out exact location of historical building.


What are two pillars whose photo given as "mute witness to the Spiritual history"? Are these pillars a part of that historical building?

The two pillars are not part of original historical building. These two pillars were main entrance gate pillars of the premises. They are intact. They have been repaired and renovated in 1993.

Why this historical building of Baranagar Math or FIRST MONASTERY of Ramakrishna order was called "a haunted house" before occupying it?

A Landlord Mr. Munshi of a village called Taki of West Bengal State had built this building. It was not in use for long time. Naturally people used the house for all dirty things. It is said that human killing also occurred at this spot. Hence this abandoned house was later called as "haunted house". When Swami Vivekananda started The First Monastery in this house, it was in dilapidated condition.

Adjacent to the remaining Main Entrance Pillars, there is an old building at present. Is it a part of that original historical building ?

No, it is not a part of the said historical building. It is a private property, came into existence much later.

Is there any memorial available apart from the ‘Photo of the that building’ and ‘Pillars of main entrance gate’?

Apart from Baranagar Math building photo and two pillars, there is another memorial available. It is a group photo of Sanyasin disciples of Sri Sri Ramakrishna Deva. The group photo was snapped in front of this historical building.

Is there any outside person in that group photo, apart from the direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna Deva?

Yes, there is one person in the group photo who was not disciple of Sri Ramakrishna but a cook. He is standing fourth from left, next to Swami Vivekanandaji.

Where is the place of ‘Viraja Homa i.e. Sacrificial Fire is lit at the time of Vow of Sannyasa ordained Sanyasins’.

Swami Vivekananda and other brother disciples performed Viraja Homa And took the vows of Sanyasa in Baranagar Math premises. The exact spot of Varaja Homa was on the back side of the historical building.There was a Bilwa Tree under which homa was performed.

Is the Bilwa Tree still present on the spot ?

No, that original tree got destroyed in the course of time. Presently a new Bilwa Tree is planted on the very spot.

Why does Appeal show a big amount of Rs. 2.5 crore to build a replica of original Baranagar Math building which seems to be small two storied building in the photo?

It was a garden house with an area of about one acre of land. At present 18 building and slum dwellers are residing within the area. Huge amount is needed just to recover the whole area. The slum dwellers and shops have occupied the holy land. There are more than 30 families and shops to whom we will have to give compensation according to current market rate. Actual rebuilding cost of the replica building will be only 25 Lacs and Rs. 1.5 crores will be required to give compensation or to rehabilitate the displaced tenants.

About sending Donation:

We are NRI (Non Resident Indian). How can we send our Donation for holy project?

Cheque or draft drawn in the name of "Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar" may please be sent to us by Airmail to this address :

The Presiden
Ramakrishna Math, Baranagar
125/1, Pramanick Ghat Road
Kolkata - 700 036, INDIA

Phone: (91-033) 25323852, 25570827
 FAX   – (91) -2456 5111
e-mail : info@rkmbaranagar.org