The newly constructed Temple of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna at Ramakrishna Math, Dakshineshwar, was solemnly inaugurated on 16 July 2026, the sacred day of Rathayatra, by Srimat Swami Gautamananda ji Maharaj, President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, in the august presence of Vice Presidents, Trustees, monks, devotees, and distinguished guests.
The sacred ceremonies commenced in the early morning with the arrival of the President Maharaj, followed by the Pratishtha (consecration) of the new temple at 8:15 a.m. Thereafter, the monastic members proceeded to the historic Dakshineshwar Bhavatarini Kali Temple, where the Revered President Maharaj offered worship in the sanctum sanctorum. The programme also included the unveiling of a bronze image of Nabin Bhaskar, the sculptor of the stone image of Sri Sri Bhavatarini Kali. This was followed by visits to Sri Ramakrishna’s Room, the Holy Mother’s Nahabat, Panchavati, and other sacred places associated with the life of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna. A group photograph of the monks was also taken in the courtyard of the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple.
A Dharmasabha (public meeting) was held later in the morning. The programme commenced with Vedic chanting and devotional music. The gathering was welcomed by Swami Bodhasarananda, Assistant Secretary, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. Srimat Swami Gautamananda ji Maharaj and the Revered Vice Presidents—Srimat Swami Girishananda ji Maharaj, Srimat Swami Vimalatmananda ji Maharaj, and Srimat Swami Divyananda ji Maharaj—delivered benedictions and inspiring addresses. The assembly was also addressed by Swami Balabhadrananda (Assistant General Secretary, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission), Sri Kushal Chowdhury (Trustee and Secretary, Dakshineshwar Kali Temple Trust), Swami Nikhileshwarananda (Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Rajkot), Swami Bodhamayananda (Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad), and Sri Manas Kumar Ghosh (Chairman, Swami Vivekananda Vidyamandir, Singur). The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Swami Ishavratananda, Adhyaksha of Ramakrishna Math, Dakshineshwar, followed by a closing devotional song rendered by Swami Shivadhishananda.
After the public meeting, prasad was distributed to the devotees, while the monks participated in the Sadhu Bhandara. In the evening, Arati, Kali Kirtan, and the worship of Sri Sri Ma Kali were performed, bringing the day’s sacred observances to a spiritually elevating conclusion.
The inauguration of the new temple marks a significant milestone in the history of Ramakrishna Math, Dakshineshwar. Dedicated to the worship of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna, the temple will serve as a vibrant spiritual centre, radiating his eternal message of harmony, purity, God-realization, and the unity of all religions, inspiring countless devotees and spiritual seekers for generations to come.
