Belur Math-Headquarter of Ramakrishna Math & Mission

The Math and the Mission are the two key organisations that direct the work of the socio-religious Ramakrishna movement influenced by 19th-century saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and founded by his chief disciple Vivekananda. Also referred to as the Ramakrishna Order, the Math is the movement's monastic organisation. Founded by Sri Ramakrishna in 1886, the Math primarily focuses on spiritual training and the propagation of the movement's teachings. The Mission, founded by Vivekananda in 1897 is a humanitarian organisation which carries out medical, relief and educational programs. Both the organisations have headquarters at the Belur Math. The Mission acquired a legal status when it was registered in 1909 under Act XXI of 1860. Its management is vested in a Governing Body. Though the Mission with its branches is a distinct legal entity, it is closely related to the Math. The elected trustees of the Math also serve as Mission's Governing Body. Vedanta Societies comprise the American and Europian arm of the Movement and work more in purely spiritual field rather than social welfare.