Sri Ramakrishna Math, Lucknow

The Universal Temple opens at 5:00 am in the morning and closes at 11:45 am, reopening at 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm. The principal daily puja takes place from 7:45 am to 9:00 am, during which Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda are worshipped together. Evening prayers (aratrikam) begin at 6:30 pm, followed immediately by bhajans—devotional songs—on weekdays. On Sundays and special occasions, bhajans continue for a full hour after the evening prayers.

The Math maintains additional regular observances throughout the week. On Ekadasi days (the eleventh day of each lunar fortnight), Sri Ramanama Sankirtanam—the chanting of Lord Rama's name—is held between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm. On Ashtami days (the eighth lunar day), Devi Mahatmyam (also called Chandi) recitation takes place from 7:30 am to 10:30 am. These practices reflect the order's approach to worship as encompassing multiple divine forms and names.

Annual Celebrations and Festivals

The Math observes the birthdays of its founding figures with particular reverence. The anniversaries of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda and Swami Ramakrishnananda are celebrated annually with special pujas, fire rituals (homas), bhajans, musical programmes and lectures. Thousands of devotees gather for these occasions, and prasad (blessed food) is distributed to all participants. A book discount of up to 40 percent is typically offered during these birthday celebrations.

Beyond the order's own figures, the Math also commemorates the birthdays of other great spiritual teachers and incarnations, including Gautama Buddha, Jesus Christ, Sri Sankara, Sri Ramanuja and Sri Chaitanya. Special pujas are performed on auspicious days including Ramanavami, Shivratri, Janmashtami, Navaratri, Kali Puja and Durga Puja. During Kali Puja and Shivratri, the temple conducts whole-night pujas, homas and bhajans.

Spiritual Guidance and Learning

The Math offers opportunities for spiritual instruction beyond temple worship. Monks deliver regular spiritual discourses in the Ramakrishnananda Hall during evening hours. Discourses in Tamil are held Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, while Sunday discourses are conducted in English at the same time. On festival days, special discourses follow the evening arati. The monks also engage with the wider city, offering classes and participating in religious programmes throughout Lucknow.

Those seeking personal guidance in spiritual matters may request interviews with the Adhyaksha Maharaj (the head of the Math) or other senior monks. The order emphasises the value of association with spiritually advanced individuals as a support for one's own practice.

Visiting Information

There is no entry fee to visit Sri Ramakrishna Math. The temple is located in Nirala Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226020. For inquiries, the Math can be reached at +91-522-278-7143 or via email at rkml@ramakrishnalucknow.org.

Visitors should plan their visit according to the temple's opening hours: 5:00 am to 11:45 am in the morning, and 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the evening. Those wishing to attend the main puja should arrive before 9:00 am. Modest dress is appropriate when visiting any Hindu temple. The atmosphere is contemplative, and visitors are expected to maintain quiet and respectful conduct, particularly during worship times.

The Math and Its Community

Beyond its role as a place of worship, the Math functions as a monastic community and spiritual centre. It maintains a library and organises youth activities, reflecting the order's commitment to education and the development of younger generations. The Math also engages in relief work, embodying Swami Vivekananda's teaching that service to humanity is inseparable from spiritual practice. Visitors interested in learning more about the order's work or supporting its activities may inquire about volunteering or making donations.