Swami Vivekananda’s House

Greatness needs no introduction. Swami Vivekananda’s ancestral residence bears testimony to the advent of this Great Monk into this world. Holy is this place of Kolkata in India which has been blessed with the birth of many enlightened souls like Swami Vivekananda who brought great salvation to the humanity. The house which is now converted into a beautiful museum speaks volumes about the life and struggles of Swamiji, his goals and aspirations for the betterment of the World, his spiritual mission in this world and his message to humanity. A visit to this place will surely enlighten one’s mind and will ignite a spirit of universality in our soul.

Location of Swami Vivekananda’s ancestral home at Kolkata

It is located at Vivekananda road near Girish Park.

History of Swami Vivekananda’s ancestral home at Kolkata

Known as Narendranath Dutta in his pre-monastic life, Swami Ji was born to affluent parents on the 12th of January, 1863. His father Bishwanath Dutta was an eminent barrister and mother Bhubaneshwari Devi was a pious and devout lady. The ancestral home of Swami Ji had been home to many previous generations of his family. It was this house where he was born and where he spent his childhood and young adulthood. The wonder filled stories of his birth and childhood were enacted at this very ground where the home stands. It fills one with amazement and such reverence when one visits this house. The Ramakrishna Mission took the first initiative to restore the original birthplace of Swami ji. This initiative came into effect on 1st of October, 2004. The then President of India Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam inaugurated the house along with a cultural centre and a library for the public. However, new additions to the ancestral property swallowed many original portions of the house like the garden surrounding the 30 acres land, but the architectural features are perfectly intact and well preserved.

Features of Swami Ji’s House

The front gate leads way to the marble stairs where the adjacent walls come alive with life size portraits of the Great Monk of India. The pictorial representations and arrangement of pictures narrates the life tales of Swami Ji in a chronological fashion. There are red arrows that guide you through different layers of history well preserved in cases of wood and glass. Some artifacts and belongings are described as follows: The clock which stopped at 5 minutes to 7, beside the place where Swamiji was born. The Shiva Lingam, which is the exact replica of Varanashi Vireshwar Shiva Lingam. Clay model of Swami Vivekananda engrossed in meditation, oblivious of a snake. Swami Vivekananda’s boxing gloves, horse riding stirrup etc. depicting his interest in boxing, rowing, horse riding and fencing. The original relics of his dresses. The clay model of Swamiji at his studies, enthralled by the vision of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The room from where Swamiji used to give alms to the poor. A bunch of ‘hookahs’ from Swamiji’s father’s personal belongings.