FOREWORD

The golden-letter day dawned in the history of Belgaum – the 23rd January 2004! It was the consecration ceremony of the Universal Temple dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna.

The palpable spiritual atmosphere that was manifest on that blessed day ushers the revival of spirituality in Belgaum. The vivid description and the lively photographs of that heavenly programme provided here help to relive the experience of that holy day!

This spiritual renaissance in Belgaum was inaugurated by none other than the great Swami Vivekananda. In 1892 when Swami Vivekananda came to Belgaum he was an unknown wandering mendicant. Today the whole world is wondering at the magnanimous personality of that renowned monk. The tremendous spiritual power  that originated 110 years ago, during his stay at Belgaum has now manifested in the form of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama. During his eventful stay of 12 days in Belgaum he re-oriented the lives of those who came in touch with him. By his effulgent presence, enlightening conversations, elevating songs sand electrifying talks he revived the spiritual fervour in the minds and hearts of Belgaum. Above all he meditated and gave initiation – Mantra Deeksha – to his hosts in the very place where the Ashrama is situated now.

Thus Swami Vivekananda has set in motion a stupendous spiritual current in Belgaum, and has raised it to a status of a sacred pilgrimage centre.

The newly budding Ashrama has already taken the purifying waters of this spiritual current to the remote corners of Belgaum district. And the Ashrama stands now as a beacon light in Belgaum shedding the enlightening and enlivening message of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sharada Devi and Swami Vivekananda – the Divine Trio.

It is indeed a rare privilege for people of Belgaum that they can visit the Ashrama frequently and breathe in the spiritual atmosphere generated by Swami Vivekananda! And it is interesting to note that many youths from all over Karnataka are joining the Ashrama to undertake spiritual practices in the place hallowed by Swamiji’s stay. Ashrama too has chalked out definite programmes and activities to provide an opportunity for the public to come in contact with the rejunvenating life and message of the Divine Trio.

THE CONCEPT OF UNIVERSAL TEMPLE

The divine life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna bears testimony to the truth “As many faiths, so many paths”. Sri Ramakrishna lived and taught this truth. He arrived at this wonderful truth through his spiritual experiences as a result of his unprecedented spiritual practices. The temples of Sri Ramakrishna are universal, mainly in this sense. No distinction of caste, creed, race, sex or religion is made for those visiting this temple. People belonging to any religion and any faith can come to this temple and experience the serene atmosphere here, worship the Universal Truth in any form that suits their temperament and be benefited.

The ritual worship in this temple, which includes the worship of all Godheads, also speaks of the concept of the universality behind this temple as demonstrated by Sri Ramakrishna. Though Sri Ramakrishna is the prime deity, worship of many other deities is also done on different occasions.

The Ramakrishna temple stands not only for ritualistic worship, but also for worship of God in man, a concept lived and taught by Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sharada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. The life and teachings of the Divine Trio teaches us to worship God through different forms of services. This temple stands to foster in all of us such an attitude of service in whatever we do.

This is what is termed by Swami Vivekananda as ‘Practical Vedanta’.

~the Secretary