Sri Ramakrishna Universal Temple

Historic Overview

In 1893, Swami Vivekananda, a young realized Soul, electrified America with the pearls of wisdom from the universal message of Vedantic teaching when he addressed the Parliament of Religions being held at the Art Institute in Chicago.

For the first time, the age-old wisdom of self-realization embodied in the Vedantic philosophy of ancient India was presented to America in a bold and stark revelation. Over the 109 years since that momentous day, the Ramakrishna Order of India has established numerous centers across the globe to disperse the immortal seeds of Vedantic thought for all the souls receptive to its message. The full impact of the message can be realized by those dedicated seekers who are inspired by an inner compelling force to radically transform their lives.

The Ramakrishna Order Of India has 10 centers in North America, and several other satellite monasteries and retreat campuses. Among all these centers, the Vedanta Society in Chicago holds a very special and significant place - being the launching pad of Vedanta in America and the rest of the world.

History Of Vivekananda Vedanta Society, Chicago

From very humble beginnings at 120 East Delaware Place where the Vedanta Society of Chicago was founded in 1930, the Society moved to 506 Deming Place and then to 44 East Elm in 1954.

With the assistance of a staunch devotee, Chester Carlson, the founder of Xerox, the Society moved to the present location at 5423 South Hyde Park Blvd in 1967.

Ganges, an expansive Monastery and Retreat for blissful meditation was also established in nearby Michigan in 1971.

After 35 years of operations from the Hyde Park location, in order to accommodate the expanding activities and outreach programs to spread the message of the ancient Vedas in Chicagoland and the neighboring regions of the Midwest, the Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago will be moving to 15516 W. 147th Street, Homer Glen, IL.

We request you to generously contribute towards this project. All donations are tax deductible. checks should be made out to the "Vivekananda Vedanta Society".
Please mention "Temple Fund" on the memo line.

Checks may be mailed to:
Vivekananda Vedanta Society
5423 S. Hyde Park Blvd
Chicago, IL 60615