Event Schedule
Early Life
Swami Vivekananda, born as Narendranath Datta, came into the world on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata, India. He hailed from an aristocratic Bengali Kayastha family. His father, Vishwanath Datta, was a successful attorney with a liberal outlook, while his mother, Bhuvaneshwari Devi, was a devout and pious woman. From an early age, Narendranath exhibited a keen intellect and a thirst for knowledge, excelling in his studies and showing a deep interest in a wide range of subjects. His upbringing balanced rational thinking, influenced by his father, with spiritual fervor, inspired by his mother.
Meeting Ramakrishna
The pivotal moment in Narendranath's life came in 1884 when he met Sri Ramakrishna, a mystic and saint of Dakshineswar. Initially, Narendranath was skeptical of Ramakrishna's spiritual experiences and teachings. However, his quest for truth and his spiritual inclinations led him to seek out the sage. During their first encounter, Ramakrishna recognized Narendranath's spiritual potential and accepted him as a disciple. This relationship transformed Narendranath's life. Under Ramakrishna's guidance, he underwent intense spiritual training, experiencing profound states of meditation and realizing the unity of all religions. Ramakrishna's teachings profoundly influenced Narendranath, and he became the sage's most ardent follower.
Ascetic Life and Formation of Ramakrishna Mission
After Ramakrishna's death in 1886, Narendranath and a group of close disciples took monastic vows, dedicating their lives to spiritual pursuits. It was during this period that Narendranath adopted the name Swami Vivekananda. He spent several years as a wandering monk, traveling extensively across India. During his travels, Vivekananda observed the harsh realities of Indian society, including widespread poverty and social inequality. These experiences deepened his commitment to the upliftment of the masses. He began to preach the teachings of Vedanta and the message of his guru, emphasizing the importance of self-realization and service to humanity.
Visit to the West and World Parliament of Religions
In 1893, Swami Vivekananda traveled to the United States to attend the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago. His speech at the Parliament, where he addressed the assembly as "Sisters and Brothers of America," earned him a standing ovation and established him as a major spiritual leader. Vivekananda spoke about the universality of religions and the need for mutual respect and understanding among different faiths. His charisma and profound insights gained him a large following in the West. He spent several years lecturing across the United States and Europe, spreading the teachings of Vedanta and establishing the first Vedanta societies in the West.
Return to India and Founding of Belur Math
Swami Vivekananda returned to India in 1897 to a hero's welcome. He was deeply concerned about the socio-economic conditions in India and sought to address these issues through education and social reform. He founded the Ramakrishna Mission, a spiritual and philanthropic organization dedicated to the principles of karma yoga (selfless service). The Mission engaged in various social services, including education, healthcare, and disaster relief. In 1898, he established Belur Math near Kolkata, which became the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission. At Belur Math, Vivekananda continued his work of teaching and inspiring his followers to work for the betterment of society.
Final Years and Legacy
Swami Vivekananda's relentless work took a toll on his health, and he began to suffer from various ailments. Despite his declining health, he continued his spiritual and social work until his last days. On July 4, 1902, Swami Vivekananda passed away at the age of 39. His death marked the end of a remarkable life, but his teachings and legacy continued to inspire millions. Swami Vivekananda left an indelible mark on both Indian and global spirituality. His message of self-reliance, universal brotherhood, and the potential divinity of every individual continues to resonate with people around the world. He is credited with reviving Hinduism and promoting the idea of a modern, inclusive, and spiritually rich India. His emphasis on education, social service, and the upliftment of the masses laid the foundation for many social and spiritual movements in India.
Swami Vivekananda's life was a testament to the power of spirituality combined with social service. His vision and efforts laid the foundation for the modern Hindu renaissance and continue to inspire individuals and organizations worldwide. His legacy lives on through the continued work of the Ramakrishna Mission and the countless people he inspired to live a life of selflessness, spirituality, and service.
If God is present everywhere, why do we need temples?
Once a visitor asked Swami Vivekananda, “Why do we go to temples when god is everywhere?
Swamiji smiled and offered to answer his question in the evening. The person turned up later that evening but was late, Swamiji asked him why he was late. The person said, “The air in my car tires seem to have reduced and I couldn’t find any air pumps to refill them”.
Swami instantly asked him why didn’t he open the valve of the tire and fill it with the limitless air around. The person answered, “How can I do that, we need an air pump to push the air into the tire so it goes inside”.
Swamiji replied, “It seems your tire situation has answered your previous question, Despite having limitless air around you, you need a pump to concentrate the air & push it into the tire, similarly temples are centers of concentrated positive energy & the atmosphere within the temple influences the atmosphere within the person towards positivity & faith as well. Air is everywhere but you do need a fan to feel it”