Sri Ramakrishna Math Chennai (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images & Information)

Sri Ramakrishna Math Chennai is a spiritual and cultural centre carrying forward the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. It’s the first branch centre of the Ramakrishna Order in southern India. Chennai Ramakrishna Math was established by Sri Ramakrishnananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. And the atmosphere here is one of palpable holiness.

Guided by the principles of the Ramakrishna Order, the Math emphasises ethical living and social responsibility. It’s also home to the Universal Temple, a symbol of religious harmony. The space welcomes seekers across beliefs, and sitting here has a calming effect.

With its lush green surroundings, Chennai Ramakrishna Math is an ideal place for contemplation and meditation. This ashram-like monastic centre attracts people from varied backgrounds who seek clarity, balance and fulfillment in their lives.

Where is Sri Ramakrishna Math in Chennai?

Chennai Ramakrishna Math is located in Mylapore, right next to the ancient Kapaleeswar Temple Tank. It aims to share compassionate and rejuvenating lessons about spiritual living. Also, the Math sits close to residential and cultural regions in Chennai, making it easily accessible from different parts of the city.

History of Chennai Ramakrishna Math

Sri Ramakrishna Math in Chennai, the first branch of the Ramakrishna Order in South India, was started in March 1897. It was initially housed at the Ice House (now called Vivekanandar Illam) on Marina Beach Road, and it has been a hub for worship, education and social service since.

In 1906, Swami Ramakrishnananda shifted the centre to Mylapore, on a plot of land donated by his student. Sri Ramakrishna Math was just a single-storey structure at that time, with a hall and four small rooms. However, due to constant repairs and reconstruction, it had to be moved to its current location.

A new construction of Chennai Ramakrishna Math began in 1916, with the foundation stone laid by Swami Brahmananda. It was inaugurated in 1917. After the Universal Temple was consecrated in 2000, the 1916 building (now referred to as the Old Temple) is used primarily for meditation and devotee meetings.

Architecture of Chennai Ramakrishna Math

Sri Ramakrishna Math Chennai comprises the Old Temple building and the Universal Temple. The architectural style reflects traditional South Indian design principles while maintaining simplicity and spiritual purpose. They have evolved over time to better serve the Math’s purpose.

The Old Temple showcases the classic architecture of the region. Originally a simple structure with a large hall and a few rooms, the building features arched entrances and side openings, with marble flooring. The shrine area has been modified to separate the altar from the meditation space. A small gopuram marks the shrine, adding to its appeal.

The Universal Temple is the architectural centerpiece of the Math, rising to an impressive 102 feet. It has design elements from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples alongside European cathedrals. The temple begins with a 60-foot-wide entrance gateway designed in Vijayanagar style. From here, the marble image of Sri Ramakrishna in the shrine is visible.

A grand 16-foot-wide stairway leads to the prayer hall, elevated 10 feet above ground level. It’s designed like a Latin cross, divided into naves and aisles. At the heart of the temple is the Garbha Mandira, a 39-feet-square space with a white marble image of Sri Ramakrishna seated on a lotus. A unique feature of the Chennai Ramakrishna Math Temple is the presence of separate shrines for Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda, located on either side of the main shrine.

Within the Old Temple and Universal Temple, this Ramakrishna Math has spaces for occasional scripture classes and spiritual discourses. The complex also houses a library and a bookshop with resources for spiritual and cultural studies. These resources are available in several languages, including Tamil, English and Sanskrit.

Things to do at Ramakrishna Math Chennai

1. Attending daily prayers – Ramakrishna Math conducts daily puja for Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda at the Universal Temple. You can participate in aarti, bhajans and other daily rituals carried out here. This spiritual centre also celebrates Hindu festivals and the birthdays of revered figures in the Math with special pujas and elaborate rituals.

2. Meditating in Old Temple – The Old Temple in Ramakrishna Math Chennai offers a serene space for meditation and quiet contemplation. Away from the bustling city, it provides a tranquil setting for inner reflection. The lush green surroundings and open spaces of the Math complex add to the calming effect. It also offers an ideal environment for occasional meetings and classes of the ashram devotees.

3. Exploring other attractions – The Math also has several other sacred spots in the complex. Among the prominent ones is the Ramakrishnananda Mandapam, which commemorates Swami Ramakrishnananda's legacy. It’s constructed in the same spot where his room used to be. Chennai Ramakrishna Math also has a library with over 45,000 books and a bookshop with 1000+ titles. The shop contains photos, souvenirs and gift items, too.

Ramakrishna Math Chennai Timings and Entry Fees

The Math and the temple are open daily, throughout the week. Its opening hours are from 5 AM to 11.45 AM and from 3 PM to 9 PM. The winter season, from November to February, is the best time to visit Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. Visit during the evening hours, and have around 1-2 hours to explore the ashram complex properly.

The entry is free for everyone.

How to reach Sri Ramakrishna Math Chennai?

Sri Ramakrishna Math Chennai is in the Mylapore locality of Chennai. Its distance from Chennai Central railway station is 9 km, from Koyembedu bus terminus is 13 km, and from Chennai airport is 16 km.

Now, here are the different ways to reach Chennai’s Ramakrishna Math –

By bus – Local city buses are easily available from all over Chennai. The RK Mutt Road bus stop is only a few hundred metres from the ashram complex.

By auto/e-rickshaw – Auto rickshaws and e-rickshaws are other common ways to visit Chennai Ramakrishna Math. You can get them easily everywhere in the city.

By taxi/cab – Hiring a taxi or private cab is the best way to visit Sri Ramakrishna Math. They’re available for booking from the top car rental companies in Chennai.

Explore the famous sightseeing places of Chennai by booking a Chennai tour package from us. At Chennai Tourism, we offer all-inclusive packages suiting to your budget and preferences. Please fill the Contact Us form to know more.

Location Map for Sri Ramakrishna Math Chennai