Ramakrishna Math, Thanjavur was blessed by the sacred visit of Most Revered Srimat Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, President, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, during the last week of August 2025. The visit drew a large number of devotees, admirers, and well-wishers from Thanjavur and neighbouring districts.
Maharaj was warmly received at Tiruchirappalli Airport with a civic reception by eminent citizens and later at Thanjavur by the Prince of Thanjavur, along with nearly 500 devotees. At Kumbakonam, where Swami Vivekananda had delivered his historic address in 1897, Maharaj was honoured at the Town Hall and unveiled a statue of Swamiji at the Town High School in the presence of 1,300 students. A devotional music concert by Kalaimamani Sri Veeramani Raju at Thanjavur Math was attended by about 400 devotees.
The highlight of the celebrations was the inauguration of the new Prayer Hall cum Village Empowerment Centre at the rural campus, graced by nearly 50 monks. A six-foot statue of Swamiji was unveiled, and BPCL officials dedicated the Village Empowerment Centre to the public. Cultural performances by students and a bhajan session by Sri Vittaldas Maharaj’s troupe further enriched the occasion.
A devotees’ retreat brought together 250 participants who listened to inspiring talks by monks and received the benediction of Most Revered Maharaj. Later, 120 children from 11 schools presented a thematic performance on Swamiji, followed by an enthralling katha-keerthana on Sri Sarada Devi by Smt. Vishaka Hari. Educational assistance was distributed to 41 deserving students, and welfare aid worth around ₹2 lakhs was extended to the needy.
Youth programmes for college students drew about 500 participants. Students from the Government College of Fine Arts, Kumbakonam, added a creative touch by sketching live portraits of the Holy Trio and the newly built Math. An interactive session with 180 distinguished citizens from different walks of life provided a meaningful platform to reflect on Swamiji’s message of service and spirituality.
Throughout the programmes, annadanam was served daily, feeding more than 5,000 devotees and villagers. The events were widely covered by leading newspapers and All India Radio, ensuring that the uplifting message of the Holy Trio reached a wider audience.
