Kolkata: The Ramakrishna Math and Mission, the monastic order founded 120 years ago by Swami Vivekananda, is now trying to rebuild its first monastery as a monument.
This is an attempt is to rebuild the house, which provided shelter to the 16 apostles of Sri Ramakrishna for nearly six years after their teacher passed away in 1886.
The dilapidated house belonging to a zamindar stood on a one-acre plot and was rented by Swami Vivekananda and his brother disciples for Rs 11 a month.
Today a humble monastery stands on one corner of the original site.
"That is the first sangh where Swamiji and his brother disciples lived and practiced spirituality and thereafter they took part in this social revolution, renaissance," says President, Baranagar Ramakrishna Math, Swami Vamanananda.
Only two pillars remain of the original structure after it was razed by an earthquake at the fag end of 19th century.
A slum currently occupies the lion's share of the site and a few old buildings housing tenants who have refused to move despite promises of rehabilitation by the Math.
In a dire need of funds for acquisition of these properties, the monastery has now appealed to the public for monetary contribution.
"We want that this money should come from the common people, from the whole nation," says Swami Vamanananda.
Though the initial cost of restoration has been estimated at Rs 2.5 crore, the monks say they would need at least 10 times that amount to finish the job.
That's a tough ask even from an order as big as the Ramakrishna Math.
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