Most Revered Srimat Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, kindly visited Ramakrishna Math and Mission Sevashrama, Contai on 20th June 2025, to inaugurate the newly constructed Abhedananda Sabhagriha. His visit to this centre after a gap of forty years was a momentous and spiritually uplifting event, marked by deep devotion and enthusiasm.
Grand Reception
Revered Maharaj was given a ceremonious welcome at Rupashree Bypass, 4 km from the Ashrama. The procession featured:
- A convoy of cars and 40 decorated bikes
- A Vivek Rath
- 10 tableaus with photos and manab-murtis of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda
- Band performance by the students of our hostel and non-formal schools
- Conch-shell blowing and uludhwani by women devotees
- Chanting and devotional songs by enthusiastic devotees
More than 1500 devotees, monks, brahmacharins, admirers, local Ashrama representatives, and members of Guchha Samiti and Bhava Prachar Ashramas participated joyously in this colourful reception.
Upon arrival at the Ashrama around 10:45 a.m., Revered Maharaj went to the temple and offered arghya to the Holy Trio. Following this, monks, brahmacharins, and devotees offered pranams and received his blessings.
Inauguration of Abhedananda Sabhagriha
At 12 noon, Revered Maharaj inaugurated the Abhedananda Sabhagriha in the presence of:
- Senior monks and brahmacharins
- Sri Sisir Kumar Adhikari, Hon’ble Member of Parliament
- Sri Arup Kumar Das, Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly
- Sri Dibyendu Adhikari, former MP
- Other MC members, engineers, dignitaries, and devotees
Inside the hall, Revered Maharaj offered arghya to the Holy Trio and performed Arati, accompanied by devotional chanting. In his short benedictory address, he also presented mementoes to the MP, MLA, engineers, and those associated with the construction of the Sabhagriha. The beautifully constructed hall left all visitors deeply impressed.
More than 1300 devotees partook noon prasad on this auspicious occasion.
Other Highlights of the Visit
- A Sadhu Bhandara was arranged, attended by 54 monastic members from Belur Math and nearby centres. Revered Maharaj graced the bhandara along with his secretary and sevakas.
- Daily bhajans and kirtans after evening Arati in the presence of Revered Maharaj created an atmosphere of spiritual fervour in the temple.
- On 21st June, Revered Maharaj delivered a benedictory address in the newly inaugurated Abhedananda Sabhagriha, attended by more than 800 devotees.
- Revered Maharaj also visited various parts of the Ashrama campus after lunch prasad on 21st June.
This historic and spiritually charged visit of Most Revered Srimat Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj became a beacon of divine inspiration, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of all present.
