History of Viveka Smaraka
History of Viveka Smaraka
Swamiji's Visit to Mysuru:
Swami Vivekananda visited Mysore city in November 1892 as part of his parivrajaka wanderings through the length and breadth of India. Though at that time he was an unknown monk and his stay at Mysore was relatively short, he by virtue of his extraordinary personality, erudition and spiritual magnetism, attracted the attention of a large number of citizens that included most distinguished and notable men of Mysore like the Maharaja Chamaraja Wodeyar and the then Dewan of Mysore State Sir Sheshadri Iyer. Swami Vivekananda in the initial days of his stay resided in the Niranjana Matha, on the Narayana Sastri Road that was centred around an ancient Shiva temple and located adjacent to the Dewans house, called popularly the Seshadri Bhavan . He was later invited to stay for some time with the maharaja himself at the palace and the two became very intimate. The maharaja receiving a lot of benefit from the Swami in spiritual terms. The Maharaja of Mysore, Chamaraja Wodeyar was instrumental in several ways for Swami Vivekananda proceeding to Chicago for participating in the World's Parliament of Religions in 1893. The deep personal friendship between Swami Vivekananda, the Maharaja and Dewan Seshadri Iyer continued even after Swami Vivekananda left for Chicago.
H. H Chamaraja Wodeyar, Maharaja of Mysore.
The deep personal friendship between Swami Vivekananda, the Maharaja and Dewan Seshadri Iyer continued even after Swami Vivekananda left for Chicago. Swamiji continued to write to both these personalities even from America. It is significant to mention that some of these letters are deeply insightful and prophetic about India and its condition particularly about Sociological and economic factors and Swami Vivekananda foresees that Mysore will be in time one of the great centres of importance. . In a letter written to the Maharaja from Chicago, Swamiji writes, “…..…The one thing that is at the root of all evils in India is the condition of the poor. The poor in the West are devils; compared to them ours are angels, and it is therefore so much the easier to raise our poor. The only service to be done for our lower classes is to give them education, to develop their lost individuality. Give them ideas – that is the only help they require, and then the rest must follow as the effect. Ours is to put the chemicals together, the crystallization comes in the law of nature. My noble Prince, this life is short, the vanities of the world are transient, but they alone live who live for others, the rest are more dead than alive.”
The Maharaja and the Dewan regarded Swamiji as ‘the man born for the redemption of India’ and as one in who was incarnate, the nation’s spirit. In his letter from USA to Alasinga Perumal on 31st August 1894, Swamiji predicts that “……..Mysore will be in time a great stronghold”.
Diwan Sheshadri Iyer
Niranjana Matha and its renovation : Setting up “Swami Vivekananda memorial Cultural youth Centre”
Before renovation
A sacred site, initially Swami Vivekananda resided at the Niranjana Matha, cantered around an ancient Shiva temple located adjacent to Dewan Sheshadri Iyer’s residence, the Seshadri Bhavan, over the time began to deteriorate due to lack of attention. Recognizing the significance of this site, local leading citizens and public figures mobilized efforts to restore and preserve this sacred place. In 2005, decisive action was taken, and by 2007, a clear consensus emerged among public-spirited individuals to establish a fitting memorial at the site, recognizing its historical and spiritual significance.
The result of these efforts was the proposal to create the Swami Vivekananda Centre of Culture at the renovated Niranjana Matha complex. This center was envisioned as a hub for the practical implementation of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on cultural and spiritual rejuvenation, focusing on the ideals of unity, harmony of religions, faith in oneself, and service to humanity.
In 2008, the Swami Vivekananda Memorial Cultural Centre trust was formed, with a clear mandate to preserve the memory of Swami Vivekananda’s visit and disseminate his message. The trust’s goals included restoring the old Niranjana Matha and Shiva temple, building a new memorial structure, and creating a center that offers educational, cultural, and spiritual programs aligned with Swami Vivekananda’s vision for India’s regeneration.
The Viveka Smaraka project represents the culmination of these collective efforts, embodying the spirit and teachings of Swami Vivekananda. It is not only a memorial to a historic event but also a living center dedicated to nurturing the youth of India, inspired by the ideals of self-confidence, service, and spiritual awakening.
After the renovation
The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Sri B S Yediyurappa visited Ramakrishna Vidyashala Mysore in 2008. , the members of the newly formed trust submitted a memorandum on the above lines. After considering the said memorandum and after discussions, the Chief Minister was gracious to approve in principle the prayer made by the trustees and spontaneously announced an immediate grant of Rs 5 crores to the said project and said in regard to other matters the Government would suitably consider the matter soon. The said grant was also included in the relevant State Budget of the Government, but due to procedural reasons the transfer of Land and related permission in the Name of the Trust could not materialize.
The 150th Birth anniversary of swami Vivekananda fell on 12th January 2013. In a related development, during the planning for the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the Ramakrishna Math and Mission at Belur Math initiated national-level celebrations. The Government of India, led by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, supported these efforts with a significant financial grant. In line with these celebrations, the Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama in Mysuru proposed a series of programs to the Karnataka government, emphasizing heritage memorials, model villages, and the wide dissemination of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings. The detailed proposal was submitted in February 2011, aiming to foster child, youth, and women welfare, as well as character and personality development inspired by Swami Vivekananda.
Government Decision to hand over the land for construction of Swami Vivekananda Cultural; memorial Youth centre, Mysore to Ramakrishna Math and Mission Belur math.
During various deliberations, discussions and presentations before the Government related to setting up Swami Vivekananda Cultural; memorial Youth centre, Mysore, namely Project no 12 approved by the State level committee in January 2012, the government examined the proposal of entrusting to the Trust formed for this purpose as mentioned earlier, the responsibility of constructing and maintaining the Memorial cultural youth centre. This responsibility sought for had included taking over from the government land for construction of the memorial, receipt of funds under a specific Memorandum of Understanding that included devolution and dispersal of funds, auditing and supervision and conducting various programs in accordance with its aims and objectives by taking appropriate advice and guidance from Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysore and also other NGOs who were dedicated to the Life and messages of Swami Vivekananda. However it emerged that Government rules and provisions were not in favour of handing over the land to a Private Trust.
Later Developments:
A meeting led by the Minister for Environment and Forests, Karnataka, discussed the need to vacate the BRC building for the construction of the Cultural Centre. Issues regarding the relocation and demolition of structures were addressed, with instructions given to expedite the process.
October 13, 2011: Another meeting focused on obtaining funds for the project and steps required to get the allocated amount from the Karnataka government.
A High-Level Committee, chaired by the Minister for Law, Urban Development, and Parliamentary Affairs, approved 12 proposals, including the Viveka Smaraka project. An implementation committee was formed, chaired by the Secretary of Public Works, Karnataka, to oversee the project.
As part of the 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Swami Vivekananda, the renovated Niranjana Math, where Swami Vivekananda stayed in 1892, was inaugurated. The event included a procession and a laser show highlighting Swami Vivekananda’s connection to Mysore.
The Karnataka Government issued an order to transfer the NTM school building and surrounding land to the Ramakrishna Math & Mission for the construction of the Viveka Smaraka. The property was formally handed over to the Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysore on March 15, 2013.
Despite the formal handover, the NTMS property was not vacated, delaying the construction. Legal challenges and private objections followed, leading to a writ petition filed by the Ramakrishna Math. The High Court of Karnataka uphold the Govt. of Karnataka decision.
In February 2022, the District authorities officially handed over the premises to the Ashrama, allowing them to begin construction. NTM School shifted to its original place and received approval from Mysore City Corporation for the construction plans. The foundation stone function held on 6th July 2022 attended by Sutturu Mahaswami and District administrate.
The project received funding approvals from the Government of India, with Rs 5 crores, though there have been delays in allocation and utilization due to ongoing challenges.
The construction work of this project started in December 2022 and 75% of construction work is completed as of August 2024.