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Vivekananda House

The Vivekananda House, also recognised as Vivekanandar Illam, is an essential landmark and is directly associated with Sri Ramkrishna Math since 1897 as Swami Vivekananda went to stay there for few days after coming back from West. The Sri Ramakrishna Math since foundation in 1897-1907, now is a place with major historical significance, with a permanent space exhibiting Indian culture and the various details related to Swami Vivekananda. The Vivekananda House acts as a major source of inspiration for people coming to Chennai and visiting this place.

History

The Chennai Ramakrishna Math having started a special Cultural Centre focusing on Vivekananda as the major youth icon. The centre aspires to promote the preachings and thoughts of Swami Vivekananda in relationship to the Indian culture and the trainings to attain excellence in various facets of life.

The Centre aspires to function as an 'Academy for Human Excellence' where the participants are trained to achieve their goals and lead a more enriching and holistic lifestyle through different programmes. This cultural centre falls within the premises of Vivekananda House along the Marina Beach Road, Triplicane in Chennai.

Having acquired a quintessential place in the Ramakrishna Movement, the Vivekananda House in Chennai was previously known as the Ice House or the Castle Kernan. This structure houses a fully fledged exhibition space featuring works related to Swami Vivekananda’s work and various facets of Indian culture. This structure is also known as the Ice House since, the British stored ice from North America for almost 30 years. After changing hands, this structure came to be inhabited by Swami Vivekananda on his visit and stay in Madras in 1897. This was the time when he gave fiery and powerful lectures in Chennai to shake the souls of the Indians. Before leaving Madras, Vivekananda promised his follower that he will set up a fully functional knowledge base at the Ice House.

Visitor's Information

A disciple of Vivekananda found the Ramakrishna Math that operated from the Vivekananda House in the first 10 years until the organisation was moved to Mylapore. The Ice House in 1914 went to the Madras government that transformed the building into a hostel for an organisation involved in social welfare activities. On the birth centenary of Swamiji, this building was renamed as Vivekananda House. Currently, at the request of the Math, the Tamil Nadu government leased out the structure and presently its lease is valid till 2020. The structure is spherical in shape and features three storeys with a majestic layout along the bustling Kamarajar Salai.

Reflecting the circular core, corridors that are semi-circular, hemispheric dome, and a basic square layout, this structure definitely commands noteworthy recognition from the patrons of art and architecture.

How to Reach

The Vivekananda House is itself a prominent bus terminus, other than being a major stopping along the Beach Road bus corridor. You can also avail public transport facilities from near the Chepak railway station.

Chennai International Airport is located in close proximity to the city of Chennai. The Anna terminal is for international flights and the Kamaraj terminal is for the domestic flights. The airports also have pre-paid taxi booths to help you avail easy source of transportation. You might as well opt for private vehicles. The rickshaws are considered to be relatively cheaper forms of transportation.

Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore are the two prime railway stations connecting Chennai to the rest of India. You might avail bus from CMBT or go for buses run by different state run organisations.

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Vivekananda House
Vivekananda House
Vivekananda House
Vivekananda House
Vivekananda House
Vivekananda House

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