Vivekananda House, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India

Vivekanandar House  is a historic building. Formerly known as “Castle Kernan” and “Ice House”, it is situated near Lady Willingdon College, Kamarajar Salai (South Beach Road), Triplicane. Swami Vivekananda stayed here from 6th – 14th February 1897.  The Math was functioning here for 9 years soon after its inception (1897-1906) under the spiritual guidance of Swami Ramakrishnananda.

Vivekananda House, also known as Ice House, is a shrine and target of pilgrimage for the admirers of the Swami Vivekananda. Built way back in 1877 or much earlier, the two-story house is a masterpiece of Victorian architecture with its characteristic designs of sunburst and gabled roof. I have captured the illuminated façade of Vivekananda House during evening time.

Swami Vivekananda (12 January 1863–4 July 1902), the patriotic Hindu monk, was the key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the western world. For this purpose he proceeded to the United States to represent India as a delegate in the 1893 Parliament of World Religions. His oration on the tenets of Hindu philosophy impressed the westerners and Hinduism was regarded to the status of a major world religion.

It is in this house that Swami Vivekananda stayed for six weeks in 1900. The bedroom where Vivekananda stayed, lived and slept is now a safe haven for meditation. One can respectfully see the table at which he dined, placed downstairs near the fireplace. Devotees can stroll through the kitchen where he cooked his simple food, the parlor where he spoke and the garden where he frequently played with the children. These physical reminders of the life of Swami Vivekananda revive the great principles for which he stood all along his life.

Extensive renovation has been done, costing more than 5 crores.  A Museum highlighting and depicting the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda as well as the landmarks of Indian culture has been setup.