Swami Muktinathanandaji: “Ramakrishna Math is Fulfilling Swami Vivekananda’s Vision for Society and Nation”
Lucknow | The 26th Foundation Day of Ramakrishna Math, Nirala Nagar, Lucknow, was celebrated with deep devotion and grandeur. The temple, inaugurated on November 19, 1999 by Swami Ranganathanandaji Maharaj, the 13th President of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, has since remained dedicated to Swami Vivekananda’s ideals of service, spirituality, and universal harmony.
The celebrations began early at 5:00 a.m. with Mangalarati to Sri Ramakrishna, followed by an all-day Japa Yajna from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. attended by devotees both in person and virtually via the Math’s official YouTube channel “Ramakrishna Math Lucknow.” Thousands of devotees from across India and abroad joined the livestream, taking part in prayers, Chandipath, Vedic chanting, and Mangala Geet performances.
Swami Muktinathanandaji Maharaj, Head of Ramakrishna Math, Lucknow, delivered an inspiring online discourse on the theme “Sri Maa Sarada Devi is the Divine Mother Jagaddhatri.” He described Holy Mother Sarada Devi as the embodiment of love, compassion, and spiritual strength, emphasizing her universal motherhood that transcends all boundaries of religion and caste. “Her life teaches us true devotion, humility, and the power of self-surrender,” he said.
Later in the morning, devotional songs were presented by Rahul Awasthi, Akshay Awasthi, Rahul Choudhary, and Harshit Mishra, accompanied on tabla by Sumit Mallik. Renowned singer Ashok Mukherjee from Kanpur also offered soulful bhajans, accompanied by Shubham Raj on tabla and Gopal Bhattacharya on khol.
At 10:30 a.m., the sacred havan (fire ritual) was performed, followed by Pushpanjali (floral offering), which was also streamed live for global devotees. Those present at the Math offered flowers and sandal paste to the deities, while others participated online. After the rituals, Prasad was distributed to devotees in the Annapurna Hall.
In the evening, Sandhya Aarti and Devi Nam Sankirtan were performed under the guidance of Swami Ishtakrupanandaji, filling the Nat Mandir with spiritual vibrations. At 7:15 p.m., Swami Muktinathanandaji Maharaj delivered a discourse on “The Significance of the Universal Temple of Sri Ramakrishna.”
He said, “Ramakrishna Math is living Swami Vivekananda’s vision in letter and spirit. Swamiji’s idea of the temple was inspired by his study of global art and architecture — blending diverse traditions to represent the unity beneath the world’s diversity. This temple stands as a symbol of that universal oneness.”
He further explained that the Math aims to become “a great center of harmony” — a place where Brahmins to Chandals, all faiths and communities can realize their ideals. Quoting Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy, he said, “Our foremost duty is Annadan — offering food and essentials; next is Vidyadan — imparting knowledge; and finally, Gyandaan — spreading spiritual wisdom. The Math’s mission is to integrate these three aspects for the holistic upliftment of humanity.”
Unlike traditional temples, Ramakrishna temples merge the Sanctum Sanctorum and Nat Mandir into a single open structure, symbolizing inclusivity and participation. Swami Vivekananda envisioned temples as centers not only of worship but also of social service, education, and spiritual culture, a tradition that continues today through the Math’s various service projects.
The evening concluded with fireworks, followed by devotional songs rendered by Animesh Mukherjee accompanied by Mukesh Prasad on tabla. The program ended with Kali Kirtan led by Swami Muktinathanandaji and enthusiastic participation by devotees. Prasad packets were distributed, and many devotees resolved to live by the ideals of Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda — service, spirituality, and harmony.
The day’s celebrations reaffirmed the Math’s commitment to Swami Vivekananda’s mission — to awaken divinity in humanity and build a society rooted in compassion, knowledge, and unity.
