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Ramakrishna Kutir, Almora

TURIYANANDA DIVYASMRITI

Many personal belongings of Swami Turiyananda had long been cherished at the Almora Ashrama, evoking sacred memories of the pious days Hari Maharaj spent here. After his passing, Ram Maharaj lovingly preserved his room—along with his bed and all the objects he had used—which now form an integral part of the main temple.

A couple of years ago, additional artefacts were discovered, including a rare photo album from 1937-38 and a few clothing items of Swami Subodhananda.


Over time, however, several of these precious articles had deteriorated and required urgent conservation. Thanks to the efforts of the Delhi-based organization INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage), the first step was taken in 2024 when a meditation mat (āsana) once used by Hari Maharaj was carefully restored. Impressed by the team’s expertise and sensitivity, the Ashrama entrusted them with the conservation of other fragile articles.


The Director of INTACH, along with his team, visited the Ashrama to examine the relics. During this inspection, the idea arose: why not create a small museum to preserve these articles which shall also allow devotees and monks to view the sacred artefacts of Swamis Turiyananda and Subodhananda, and feel their holy presence?


A section of the hall beneath the temple was selected for the museum. The INTACH team set up a temporary conservation laboratory in Almora in March 2025, and within two months the museum was completed. Most of the preserved articles belonged to Swami Turiyananda, though a few—old and rare—may be from a slightly later period.


A bookletcontaining both spiritual and historical significance of these articles along with detailed descriptions and photographs has been published to help visitors understand these items, many of which are no longer in production or everyday use.

The museum, named “Turiyananda Divyasmriti,” was inaugurated on Wednesday, 19 May 2025, by Revered Swami Divyanandaji Maharaj, Vice-President of the Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math.
Download the Booklet here

Swami Subodhananda's Relics

Swami Subodhananda, a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and brother disciple of Swami Turiyananda, visited Almora at least twice—in 1899 and 1905.


Swami Parabrahmananda (Abhay Maharaj), his disciple, served at Ramakrishna Kutir in the 1940s under Br. Ram Maharaj. He later left the Ramakrishna Order and founded Ramakrishna Dham in Almora in 1947, which later expanded to Haldwani.


The relics of Swami Subodhananda (clothing, asana, shoes etc.), once preserved by Abhay Maharaj and subsequently entrusted to a devotee after his passing, were finally handed over to Ramakrishna Kutir in 2002. They are now displayed here with reverence.

Rare collection of Photos

This collection brings to life the spiritual giants and early monks who shaped Ramakrishna Kutir. It showcases rare moments with Br. Ram Maharaj, Padmabhushan Dr. Boshi Sen, future (15th) President of the Ramakrishna Order Swami Atmasthananda, Swami Jagadananda, and the many monks who gathered in Almora each summer for śāstra-adhyayan....


Highlights include a photograph of the now-vanished Turiyananda Smriti Kutir—the only building constructed by Swami Turiyananda himself and a bird’s-eye view of the Ashrama from the 1950s.


Also featured are early scenes of monastic life: Br. Ram Maharaj with Swami Atulananda (the Dutch Swami), the first permanent residents like Sitapati Maharaj and Kanai Maharaj, and scholars such as Swami Jagadishwarananda (practicing hatha-yoga)- the compiler of the Bengali biography of Swami Turiyananda.