Vivekanandar Illam
Encyclopedia
Vivekanandar Illam or Vivekananda House , earlier known as Ice House or Castle Kernan at Chennai
, India
is an important place for the Ramakrishna Movement in South India. It is remembered as the place where Swami Vivekananda
stayed for nine days when he visited Chennai (then Madras) in 1897. Vivekananda House now houses a Permanent Exhibition on Indian Culture and Swamiji’s Life, maintained by the Chennai branch of the Ramakrishna Math
and is a source of inspiration to thousands of people who visit it every year.
, India
, used by the British to store ice brought from Great Lakes in North America for about 30 years. Ice King Frederic Tudor built an icehouse at Madras facing the Bay of Bengal in 1842 as part of his ice business. Around 1880, the business collapsed and the building was sold to Biligiri Iyengar of Madras. He remodelled the house, renamed it Castle Kernan and used it as a residence. When Swami Vivekananda
visited Madras in 1897 after his return from the West, Iyengar, being a disciple of Swami Vivekananda
, made him stay at the Ice House. Vivekananda stayed at the Ice House between 6 February 1897 to 14 February 1897. During his nine day stay, he shook India’s national consciousness through his fiery lectures at Chennai
. When Vivekananda was about to depart, he agreed to his disciples' request to set up a permanent centre at the Ice House. Later, Ramakrishna Math
(Monastery) Chennai
was founded by Swami Ramakrishnananda, a brother disciple of Swami Vivekananda
. The mission activities continued till 1906. The Math functioned from here during its first 10 years (1897-1906) until it got moved to the current location at Mylapore, Chennai
and the property came up for mortgage and was purchased by a zamindar. In 1917, Ice House was acquired by the Government of Madras as part of their social welfare scheme after which the house functioned as training school for women and a hostel for widows. In 1963, during the Birth Centenary of Swami Vivekananda
, the Government of Tamil Nadu renamed the Castle Kernan as Vivekanandar Illam (Illam means house in Tamil) or 'Vivekananda House'. In 1997, on the eve of the Centenary of Swamiji’s return to India (and his stay at House), the Government of Tamilnadu at the request of the Ramakrishna Math
, leased out the Vivekananda House and it’s valid up to 2020.
. It finds a mention in Madras, The Architectural Heritage, an INTACH [Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage] Guide for the architecturally important buildings in Chennai
. The Vivekananda House structure is distinctive and has several unique features. Though it has undergone several changes over the course of time in terms of spatial functionality, styles and the materials used, it stands out as an important monument connecting contemporary times to the days when it was built. This is reflected clearly in its distinct architectural features such as the circular core, the semicircular corridors, the hemispherical dome and the square plan.
The walls are embellished with the aesthetically handcrafted plaques with floral motifs, and the circular walls proclaim the thrilling messages and exhortations Swamiji gave on different occasions. They have become quotable quotes in the hands of great writers and speakers, since they are as relevant as today when uttered a century ago.
, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai is launching Experience Vivekananda, a project to promote the personality and ideology of Swami Vivekananda
using state-of-the-art multimedia gallery at Vivekananda House.
Short Inspirational videos, 3D animated movie clips and a Holographic presentation on Swami Vivekananda
's life and message will help in motivating the modern youth. The "Experience Vivekananda" project also focuses on enhancing the Art exhibition on Indian Culture so as to get the public assimilate our rich cultural and spiritual heritage as envisioned by Swami Vivekananda
. A Meditation Room where Swami Vivekananda
stayed in 1897 will be preserved with utmost sanctity. Social welfare activities conducted at Vivekananda House will also be expanded in a larger scale.
With the Experience Vivekananda Project coming alive, the following changes are much awaited
Swami Vivekananda
, a great proponent of revival of ancient Indian
culture rich in its spiritual, philosophical and cultural heritage, firmly believed that it's resurgence will help in removing the problems plaguing the modern society. An effort has been made at Vivekanandar Illam through exquisite paintings by eminent artists to chronologically depict these grand traditions from the Vedic
to the present times.The proposed plan is to enhance the art gallery by introducing fiberglass models and dioramas illustrating turning points of our cultural heritage.
Sri Ramakrishna, the master and mentor of Swami Vivekananda
, stands as 'the consummation of five thousand years of the spiritual life of three hundred million people of India.' 'Making of Vivekananda' would present how the traditions of India that consummated in Sri Ramakrishna got transmitted to young Narendranath and transformed him into Swami Vivekananda.
Photo Exhibit of Swami Vivekananda
's life, from his childhood, training under Sri Ramakrishna, itinerant days, his appearance at the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893, return to India, triumphal reception given in Madras and other parts of India, founding of Ramakrishna Mission
, his second visit to the West, return to India and passing away in 1902. All the photos are in black and white, and are displayed on laminated frames affixed on wall panels.
View short videos of Swami Vivekananda to know more about him and his teachings.
Experience Vivekananda in 3D his lecture: My Message to the Youth.
Watch Vivekananda come alive in a 3D Holographic Display delivering a lecture on My Rousing Call to the Hindu Nation.
Interact with slideshow of Vivekananda through gestures.
In the words of an eminent British historian,
This new section presents the impact of Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts on national and international leaders.
Swami Vivekananda
stayed in this room (second floor) during his return from west in February 1897. This room, full of sacred memories, is now maintained as a meditation room. Anyone who sits here even for a few minutes cannot but feel the ‘peace that passeth understanding’. Meditation can be done here comfortably seated.
not only for the displays on the famous 'wandering monk',
but also for the semicircular structure in which it’s housed."
Order conducts the class and everyone is welcome to join the class which is held in the hall next to Swami Vivekananda
's room.
and discussion, Question-Answer session, group singing, prayer, voluntary work and other related activities.
-Sarada Devi
-Vivekananda, Vedanta
and self-improvement published by the Ramakrishna Math
are kept for sale here. The visitors are welcome to go through and select the books they wish to buy. The book sale counter is located at the entrance of the Indian Culture Art Exhibit.
's birthday (Jan 12th) and the National Youth Day, is celebrated at Vivekananda House in a befitting manner every year. As part of this, recitation competitions for students, a procession and public meeting are held. Eminent persons are invited to address the gathering of students. A procession of students is also held on this occasion.
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
is an important place for the Ramakrishna Movement in South India. It is remembered as the place where Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
stayed for nine days when he visited Chennai (then Madras) in 1897. Vivekananda House now houses a Permanent Exhibition on Indian Culture and Swamiji’s Life, maintained by the Chennai branch of the Ramakrishna Math
Ramakrishna Math
Ramakrishna Math is a religious monastic order, considered part of the Hindu reform movements. It was set up by Swami Vivekananda to follow the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna...
and is a source of inspiration to thousands of people who visit it every year.
History
Vivekanandar Illam (or Vivekananda House, also called Ice House , Castle Kernan, etc.) is a structure at ChennaiChennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, used by the British to store ice brought from Great Lakes in North America for about 30 years. Ice King Frederic Tudor built an icehouse at Madras facing the Bay of Bengal in 1842 as part of his ice business. Around 1880, the business collapsed and the building was sold to Biligiri Iyengar of Madras. He remodelled the house, renamed it Castle Kernan and used it as a residence. When Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
visited Madras in 1897 after his return from the West, Iyengar, being a disciple of Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
, made him stay at the Ice House. Vivekananda stayed at the Ice House between 6 February 1897 to 14 February 1897. During his nine day stay, he shook India’s national consciousness through his fiery lectures at Chennai
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
. When Vivekananda was about to depart, he agreed to his disciples' request to set up a permanent centre at the Ice House. Later, Ramakrishna Math
Ramakrishna Math
Ramakrishna Math is a religious monastic order, considered part of the Hindu reform movements. It was set up by Swami Vivekananda to follow the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna...
(Monastery) Chennai
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
was founded by Swami Ramakrishnananda, a brother disciple of Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
. The mission activities continued till 1906. The Math functioned from here during its first 10 years (1897-1906) until it got moved to the current location at Mylapore, Chennai
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
and the property came up for mortgage and was purchased by a zamindar. In 1917, Ice House was acquired by the Government of Madras as part of their social welfare scheme after which the house functioned as training school for women and a hostel for widows. In 1963, during the Birth Centenary of Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
, the Government of Tamil Nadu renamed the Castle Kernan as Vivekanandar Illam (Illam means house in Tamil) or 'Vivekananda House'. In 1997, on the eve of the Centenary of Swamiji’s return to India (and his stay at House), the Government of Tamilnadu at the request of the Ramakrishna Math
Ramakrishna Math
Ramakrishna Math is a religious monastic order, considered part of the Hindu reform movements. It was set up by Swami Vivekananda to follow the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna...
, leased out the Vivekananda House and it’s valid up to 2020.
Architecture
Spherical in shape and rising to three-storeys, Vivekananda House stands majestically on the busy Kamarajar Salai and it’s a well-known landmark in modern day ChennaiChennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
. It finds a mention in Madras, The Architectural Heritage, an INTACH [Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage] Guide for the architecturally important buildings in Chennai
Chennai
Chennai , formerly known as Madras or Madarasapatinam , is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is the fourth most populous metropolitan area and the sixth most populous city in India...
. The Vivekananda House structure is distinctive and has several unique features. Though it has undergone several changes over the course of time in terms of spatial functionality, styles and the materials used, it stands out as an important monument connecting contemporary times to the days when it was built. This is reflected clearly in its distinct architectural features such as the circular core, the semicircular corridors, the hemispherical dome and the square plan.
Cultural heritage of India (Paintings)
43 paintings of exquisite artistry trace the evolution of our culture from Vedic times to the advent of Sri Ramakrishna. While other great cultures of history like those of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome have flashed across the sky for a while like meteors and vanished, the stream of Indian culture flows on uninterrupted down the ages. Unity in diversity is its saving principle which has enabled it to tolerate, accept and absorb into itself the best in the other cultures. These paintings are colorful commentaries on the secret of the longevity of our culture. They illustrate the reach and range of India's spiritual heritage. Every region in the land, for over 4000 years, has bequeathed something rich to Indian culture and contribution of Tamil Nadu in this regard is quite substantial. One section, therefore is devoted to elucidate how Tamil Nadu has enriched the national heritage. The Vedas, the Epics and the Puranas come alive in these paintings. Adorning the exhibition are also some special paintings and models by well-known artists of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal and New Delhi.Swami Vivekananda (Photo Gallery)
The large circular verandah exhibits 120 photographs relating to Swamiji from his days as an itinerant monk to his spiritual conquest of the West, which has become a part of World History. Rare photos are on display, elegantly laminated, with English and Tamil sub-titles and footnotes. These serve to remind the devotees and admirers some of the striking incidents in the life of Swamiji. They have been donated by the Vedanta Society of St. Louis, U.S.A., and are remarkable for their sharpness and clarity, though taken a century ago.The walls are embellished with the aesthetically handcrafted plaques with floral motifs, and the circular walls proclaim the thrilling messages and exhortations Swamiji gave on different occasions. They have become quotable quotes in the hands of great writers and speakers, since they are as relevant as today when uttered a century ago.
Swami Vivekananda's Room
It is in a room on the second floor that Swamiji stayed in February 1897. This room, full of sacred memories, is now maintained as a meditation room. Anyone who sits here even for a few minutes cannot but feel the 'peace that passeth understanding'. Meditation can be done here comfortably seated.Show Room
Books by and on Swamiji and photos of Swamiji with his Quotations are available for sale.Experience Vivekananda Project
As part of 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Swami VivekanandaSwami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai is launching Experience Vivekananda, a project to promote the personality and ideology of Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
using state-of-the-art multimedia gallery at Vivekananda House.
Short Inspirational videos, 3D animated movie clips and a Holographic presentation on Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
's life and message will help in motivating the modern youth. The "Experience Vivekananda" project also focuses on enhancing the Art exhibition on Indian Culture so as to get the public assimilate our rich cultural and spiritual heritage as envisioned by Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
. A Meditation Room where Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
stayed in 1897 will be preserved with utmost sanctity. Social welfare activities conducted at Vivekananda House will also be expanded in a larger scale.
With the Experience Vivekananda Project coming alive, the following changes are much awaited
The Indian Culture – In the Eyes of Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
, a great proponent of revival of ancient Indian
Indian
Indian may refer to:On the Indian subcontinent:*Indian cuisine**Anglo-Indian cuisine* Indian people* A person belonging to one of the ethnic groups of India or South Asian ethnic groups * Languages of India...
culture rich in its spiritual, philosophical and cultural heritage, firmly believed that it's resurgence will help in removing the problems plaguing the modern society. An effort has been made at Vivekanandar Illam through exquisite paintings by eminent artists to chronologically depict these grand traditions from the Vedic
Vedic
Vedic may refer to:* the Vedas, the oldest preserved Indic texts** Vedic Sanskrit, the language of these texts** Vedic period, during which these texts were produced** Vedic pantheon of gods mentioned in Vedas/vedic period...
to the present times.The proposed plan is to enhance the art gallery by introducing fiberglass models and dioramas illustrating turning points of our cultural heritage.
The Making of Vivekananda
Sri Ramakrishna, the master and mentor of Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
, stands as 'the consummation of five thousand years of the spiritual life of three hundred million people of India.' 'Making of Vivekananda' would present how the traditions of India that consummated in Sri Ramakrishna got transmitted to young Narendranath and transformed him into Swami Vivekananda.
The Man and His Message – Vivekananda's Personality and Ideology
Photo Exhibit of Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
's life, from his childhood, training under Sri Ramakrishna, itinerant days, his appearance at the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893, return to India, triumphal reception given in Madras and other parts of India, founding of Ramakrishna Mission
Ramakrishna Mission
Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission are twin organizations which form the core of a worldwide spiritual movement known as Ramakrishna Movement or Vedanta Movement. The Ramakrishna Mission is a philanthropic, volunteer organization founded by Ramakrishna's chief disciple Swami Vivekananda on...
, his second visit to the West, return to India and passing away in 1902. All the photos are in black and white, and are displayed on laminated frames affixed on wall panels.
- Vivekananda HD
View short videos of Swami Vivekananda to know more about him and his teachings.
- Vivekananda 3D
Experience Vivekananda in 3D his lecture: My Message to the Youth.
- Vivekananda Live
Watch Vivekananda come alive in a 3D Holographic Display delivering a lecture on My Rousing Call to the Hindu Nation.
- Vivekananda Interactive
Interact with slideshow of Vivekananda through gestures.
The World Mover – Vivekananda's influence in the Modern World
In the words of an eminent British historian,
"It is very difficult to evaluate his importance in the scale of world history. … In centuries to come he will be remembered as one of the main moulders of the modern world".
This new section presents the impact of Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts on national and international leaders.
The Meditation Room where Vivekananda Stayed
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
stayed in this room (second floor) during his return from west in February 1897. This room, full of sacred memories, is now maintained as a meditation room. Anyone who sits here even for a few minutes cannot but feel the ‘peace that passeth understanding’. Meditation can be done here comfortably seated.
Tourism
"The Vivekananda House is interestingnot only for the displays on the famous 'wandering monk',
but also for the semicircular structure in which it’s housed."
Activities
Sri Ramakrishna Math conducts a number of other activities for the benefit of local populationMeditation Class
Every Wednesday evening, from 7 to 8 P.M., a class on the 'Purpose and Method of Meditation' is conducted for the benefit of the general public and no fee is charged for attending it. A monk of the RamakrishnaRamakrishna
Ramakrishna , born Gadadhar Chattopadhyay , was a famous mystic of 19th-century India. His religious school of thought led to the formation of the Ramakrishna Mission by his chief disciple Swami Vivekananda – both were influential figures in the Bengali Renaissance as well as the Hindu...
Order conducts the class and everyone is welcome to join the class which is held in the hall next to Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
's room.
Yoga Class
On Sunday mornings, in the two halls in the Illam, separate Yoga classes are held for men and women. One has to register oneself beforehand to attend the class for which a nominal fee is charged.Vivekananda Youth Forum
Personality development, especially for youths, is the need of the hour. And to this end, a meeting of local youth is held every Sunday evening at the Vivekananda House. It consists of readings from the Complete Works of Swami VivekanandaSwami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
and discussion, Question-Answer session, group singing, prayer, voluntary work and other related activities.
Book Sales
Books on RamakrishnaRamakrishna
Ramakrishna , born Gadadhar Chattopadhyay , was a famous mystic of 19th-century India. His religious school of thought led to the formation of the Ramakrishna Mission by his chief disciple Swami Vivekananda – both were influential figures in the Bengali Renaissance as well as the Hindu...
-Sarada Devi
Sarada Devi
Sarada Devi , born Saradamani Mukhopadhyaya , was the wife and spiritual counterpart of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a nineteenth century mystic of Bengal. Sarada Devi is also reverentially addressed as the Holy Mother by the followers of the Ramakrishna monastic order...
-Vivekananda, Vedanta
Vedanta
Vedānta was originally a word used in Hindu philosophy as a synonym for that part of the Veda texts known also as the Upanishads. The name is a morphophonological form of Veda-anta = "Veda-end" = "the appendix to the Vedic hymns." It is also speculated that "Vedānta" means "the purpose or goal...
and self-improvement published by the Ramakrishna Math
Ramakrishna Math
Ramakrishna Math is a religious monastic order, considered part of the Hindu reform movements. It was set up by Swami Vivekananda to follow the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna...
are kept for sale here. The visitors are welcome to go through and select the books they wish to buy. The book sale counter is located at the entrance of the Indian Culture Art Exhibit.
Computer Center
A computer center has been functioning in the two adjacent rooms in the rear portion of the Illam building. Training in basic computer skills is given free of charges to the poor children living near the Vivekananda House.Coaching Center for Children
Coaching classes are held for poor school children from the vicinity so that they can be independent in completing their own assignments and are also provided guidance to improve in the subjects in which they are weak.National Youth Day Celebrations
National Youth Day – Swami VivekanandaSwami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda , born Narendranath Dutta , was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission...
's birthday (Jan 12th) and the National Youth Day, is celebrated at Vivekananda House in a befitting manner every year. As part of this, recitation competitions for students, a procession and public meeting are held. Eminent persons are invited to address the gathering of students. A procession of students is also held on this occasion.
Sources
- Vivekananda House Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai
- Lonely Planet Review on Vivekananda House Lonely PlanetLonely PlanetLonely Planet is the largest travel guide book and digital media publisher in the world. The company is owned by BBC Worldwide, which bought a 75% share from the founders Maureen and Tony Wheeler in 2007 and the final 25% in February 2011...