Ramakrishna Math, Antpur

Visiting Hours: 4:30 AM-11:30 AM and 3:30 PM-8:00 PM
For followers of the Ramakrishna movement, Antpur is among the most sacred sites in India. The Ramakrishna Math complex stands at the birthplace of Swami Premananda (born Baburam Ghosh), one of Sri Ramakrishna’s closest disciples. But the event that truly hallowed this ground occurred on the night of 24 December 1886, when nine young monks, including the future Swami Vivekananda, gathered around a sacred fire (dhuni) and took their vows of renunciation. This gathering is revered as the spiritual birth-night of the Ramakrishna monastic brotherhood. The informal resolve taken here preceded by weeks the formal sannyasa initiation at Baranagore and, by over a decade, the founding of the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897.
The Dhuni Mandap: A memorial pavilion marks the exact spot where the sannyasa vows were taken. A bass-relief panel on the wall depicts the nine disciples around the blazing fire, with Narendranath (Vivekananda) delivering an inspiring speech on the life of Jesus Christ as  the vows were taken, after all, on Christmas Eve.
Mayer Bari (Mother’s House): The Ghosh family residence, where Holy Mother Sarada Devi stayed during her two visits to Antpur (1889 and 1894). The rooms used by Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda have been preserved. Behind the house lies a pond called Jalahari, said to have been used by the Holy Mother.
Narendra Sarovar: A large, peaceful lake where Swami Vivekananda and his fellow monks used to bathe. It was here that Swami Trigunatitananda nearly drowned one day, not being a strong swimmer. The lake remains a serene spot for contemplation.
Gangadhar Shiva Temple: An ancient Shiva temple within the Math complex that was visited by Sri Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda during their time in Antpur.