Vivekananda House
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A must visit place in Chennai for spiritual seekers. It is a heritage building, very well maintained by Sri Ramakrishna Math. The museum depicting the life of Swami Vivekananda is very well designed. It was originally known as Castle Kernan or Ice House. The museum also had a depiction of how ice was stored in this building when it was used for ice storage purpose. Entry tickets are priced at Rs. 20 each, you can also view a short 3D film based on Swami Vivekananda's Speech at the World Parliament of Religions along with an augmented reality show. There is also a book stall close to the museum. It is located on Marina Beach road, with a dedicated public transport bus stop close by. You can get a good view of Marina beach from the higher floor of Vivekananda House. Just mentioning a brief history of this building as per Wikipedia. In February 1897, Swami Vivekananda returned to Calcutta from the West. At Madras, on the request of his disciples to begin a permanent center, Swamiji had said, "I shall send you one who is more orthodox than the most orthodox Brahmins of South India and who is at the same time incomparable in performing worship, scriptural knowledge, and meditation on God." He meant Swami Ramakrishnananda, who was sent in March 1897. The Ice House, which is now called Vivekanandar Illam, used to be called Castle Kernan. It is a three-story building on the Triplicane beach that used to belong to a wealthy lawyer named Sri Biligiri Iyengar. It was there that Swami Vivekananda stayed on his return from the West, when he was given a historic reception by the citizens of Madras. Sri Iyengar, who was a good devotee, now placed the ground floor at the Swami's disposal. Swami Ramakrishnananda moved to the Ice House and started his activities. He built a shrine for Sri Ramakrishna and worshiped there on a regular basis. While at the Ice House, Swami Ramakrishnananda started an orphanage for the destitute children, which has now grown into a large institution called Ramakrishna Mission Students Home, Mylapore. The Ice House served as the first monastery of the Ramakrishna Movement in South India for a period of 9 years.
Prashant Balakrishnan
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Vivekananda House (known as Vivekanandar Illam in Tamil), an important landmark in Chennai is associated with the Sri Ramakrishna Math since 1897 when Swami Vivekananda stayed here for nine days after his triumphant return from the West. Later, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai was founded and functioned at this place during its ten years from 1897 to 1906. Now, this historic place houses a technological smart museum called “Experience Vivekananda” on Indian Culture, Swami Vivekananda’s Life and his message using latest trends like Virtual and Augmented Reality, modern 3D/4D effects and advanced Son et Lumiere elements. Currently, Vivekananda House is maintained by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai and it’s a source of inspiration to thousands of Indian and International visitors who visit it every year. A realistic 3D Model of Swami Vivekananda with real skin shaders has been created and improvised based only on his photographs in the absence of any video reference of Vivekananda. To create smoother animation for the 3D movie, Motion capture has been performed with an actor playing Vivekananda’s role. Parliament of Religions 3D Movie The movie is currently screened at the 3D Theater every 30 minutes in Vivekananda House, Chennai. This short 3D Movie is about Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech “Sisters and Brothers of America” delivered at Parliament of Religions in Chicago on September 11th 1893. The movie portrays Swami Vivekananda’s trip to the west, his visit to 1893 World’s Columbian Expo and his Chicago address at Parliament of Religions (Art Institute) in 1893. The entire Chicago Expo has been re-created based on 1893 Chicago Archive Maps and a virtual setup of the Parliament of Religions stage with an audience of 7000 members has been built. The Empress of India ship that Vivekananda undertook during his journey to the West has also been re-created. Timings 10.00 am – 12:30 pm 2 pm –5 pm (On Sundays upto 7:30 pm) Closed on Mondays
wasim akram
00
The Ice House owes its name to an ice trade that once flourished between British India and merchants in America, owing to a lack of refrigeration facilities in India. Fredrick Tudor, a Boston-based entrepreneur — known as the ‘Ice King’ — saw potential in shipping large blocks of ice wrapped in sawdust, so as to prevent it from melting, from the frozen lakes of New England. These were loaded on to empty ships to cater to officials of the East India Company, particularly in the humid presidency towns of Madras, Bombay and Calcutta. The ships that brought ice to Madras — as Chennai was known then — carried back goods such as jute, saltpetre, indigo and animal hide to New England. While the British officials preferred their drinks cold in the unrelenting heat, wealthy Indians could also have access to cold beverages in their homes, clubs and restaurants. Enterprising Tudor was not only involved in shipping the ice but also designed and built insulated buildings across India that could store the ice blocks once they reached the ports. Unfortunately, the Ice House in Chennai is the only one that survived. Functional until about the late 1870s, it still stands tall today. Tudor built the Ice House in 1842, on land that was bought with funds raised by the Anglo-Indian community and leased to him. An underground ramp led up to the beach and a mechanical pulley was used to haul the blocks. With huge arched windows, motifs of sunbursts on the facade, and stately Grecian columns, it quickly became a landmark. By the end of the 19th century, the ice-trade monopoly became redundant as artificial refrigeration facilities began mushrooming in India.
Surenthar K Swamy
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It's one of the best modern museums in Chennai First there are two halls for the paintings first one depicting the subtle little little details about the vedas, sages, Upanishads etc Next hall is about the religion like hindusim, Buddhism, paintings about scriptures like ramayana and Mahabharata, Gita 💜. On the second floor you have paintings about Tamil nade poets, scholars, architechure, Indians greatest and first scientists, astrologers and doctors etc Then there will be a arise and awake show that shows the conversation from a katha Upanishad happened between nachiketa and lord Yama about the life after death. It's a really good show with some special effects. It's both knowledgeable and fun at the same time. Next you have another hall depicting Swami Vivekananda childhood, about his guru Rama Krishna paramahamsa etc. The main highlight of the museum is the VR show ...oh God it's really good. There is this proper VR setup with headsets and you even get splashed with water according to the story. It's about swamy Vivekananda breaking into tears seeing the miseries of India. He swims accross the Indian Ocean and meditates. This show is followed by a 3D show, this is the continuation of the previous VR show that shows swamy's speech in America. Then you have a AR screening where you can ask the questions and get answers (pre defined questions). Then there is a meditation room, you can sit there and meditate as much as you as it's so peaceful and calming. That's the whole tour guide for swamy Vivekananda's illam😁 The best part is you get to experience all this for just 50/- Yes the ticket price is just 50/- and it's hell worth of that price.
Vidya Lakshmi
00
Vivekananda House, also known as Ice House, is a landmark building located opposite to the Marina Beach in Chennai, India. The building has a rich history, having served as the residence of several prominent personalities, including Swami Vivekananda. Today, the house has been converted into a museum and cultural center, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to learn about the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda. One of the main attractions of Vivekananda House is its extensive collection of books from Ramakrishna Math, a monastic order founded by Swami Vivekananda. These books cover a wide range of topics, including philosophy, religion, spirituality, and literature. Visitors can easily browse through the books and purchase their favorites, making it a popular destination for book lovers. Apart from its impressive collection of books, Vivekananda House is also known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. The building features a blend of traditional Indian and colonial styles, with spacious verandas and high ceilings that provide ample natural light and ventilation. The surrounding gardens and courtyards add to the peaceful ambiance, making it an ideal place for meditation and reflection. In conclusion, Vivekananda House is a unique cultural center that celebrates the legacy of Swami Vivekananda and serves as a hub for literary minds. Its extensive collection of books from Ramakrishna Math and beautiful surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in spirituality and literature.
Dr. Ankush Mahajan
00
This place very beautifully glorifies the history associated with Swami Vivekanand, his mentor Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa and related people who modified and omitted the heinous rituals of ancient India. There are many scriptures demonstrating events of history primarily of Swami Vivekanand. There is a theater inside, where Swami Ji's most popular speech in Chicago's is displayed in animation. It will surely fill your heart with warmth and enlightenment as it did to the legends in Chicago hall. There is an surreal Virtual Reality -3D show with special effects will blow your mind where you will see his life by becoming a part of it, through your eyes. I was amazed to see such a blend of advanced technology and ancient knowledge to sustain the knowledge given by great philosopher- Swami Vivekanand. Vivekanand himself stayed here for few days, before leaving for his meditation. There is a bookstore as well. The staff member at the bookstore was very courteous and asked us about our native place. He treated us very nicely. Other staff members were good too. The ticket price is only 50 rs per head. Location wise, it's just opposite the world famous, Marina beach. If you are in Chennai, you must visit this place even if you are not much into History, still this place won't disappoint. You will leave this place with utmost enlightenment and glee in your heart. .
Sweta Raj
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Address
VIVEKANANDA HOUSE, Kamaraj Salai, Marina Beach Road, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005, India
Map
Phone
+91 44 2844 6188
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Website
vivekanandahouse.org
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Reviews
Overview
4.5
(4.1K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
attractions: Marina Beach, Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple Tiruvallikeni, Marina Beach, Kannagi Statue, Chennai beach, Marina Beach Photo Spot, World's Second Longest Beach - Marina Beach point, Theerthapaleeswarar Temple, The Museum of Possibilities, restaurants: Tovo Mylapore, Domino's Pizza | Chinmaya Nagar Stage 1, Chennai, Merina beach Bengali fish fry, Titanic Fast Food, KHAJA BHAI TIFFIN CENTER, Hotel Sri Viveka, Hotel Bismi, Mak N Bajji Shop, CK's Bakery Triplicane, Aradhana veg restaurant
