Temple
The Universal Temple is the most important place of the Sevashrama. All people, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, race, and nationality, are welcome here. They can participate in the worship, bhajans and Aratrikam or spend time in silent prayer or meditation.
The worship of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda and Swami Vijnanananda is performed daily in the Universal Temple from 7.45 am to 9.00 am. The shrine is open from morning 6.00 am to 11.45 am and evening 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Aratrikam or evening prayers will start after 6:00 PM (April to September) and after 05:30 PM (October to March).
‘All the sins of the body fly away if one chants the name of God and sings his glories’, says Sri Ramakrishna. Every day after the evening Aratrikam, bhajans are sung. Ramnama Sankirtanam, Shyamnam Sankirtanam, Saradanam (Ma-nam) Sankirtanam or chanting the name of Lord Rama, Lord Vishnu and Holy Mother (respectively) is held on all Ekadasi days, Purnima days and Amabasya days respectively after Aratrikam. Hanuman Chalisha or chanting the name of Lord Mahavir Hanuman is held every Tuesday.
Special Puja is performed on Phalaharini Kali Puja, Ramanavami, Shivratri, Janmashtami, Navaratri, Durgaastami Puja, Kali Puja and other auspicious days.
The Birthdays of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda and Swami Vijnanananda are celebrated in a grand manner every year. The celebrations are marked with special Puja, Homa, Bhajans, Musical programmes and Lectures. Prasad is distributed among the devotees who take part in the birthday celebrations.
The birthdays of all other direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna are celebrated every year. The Birthdays of other great Incarnations and world teachers like Gautama Buddha, Jesus Christ, Sri Sankara, and Sri Chaitanya are celebrated every year.
Guru Purnima is celebrated every year with many devotees attending the morning celebrations. Special Puja and bhajans are sung in the temple in the morning as well as in the evening after arati.
Sri DurgaMahashtami is celebrated with due solemnity with special Puja of Divine Mother and a homa is conducted in the morning. Durga Suktam, Sri Sri Chandi, Mahishasuramardini Stotra and various bhajans are sung. Many devotees gather to participate in these celebrations and have cooked Prasad at noon.
