Ramakrishna Mission’s Chief Swami Smaranananda Maharaj Passes Away dies at 95

Kolkata: The 16th president of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Smaranananda, passed away due to old-age ailments at the age of 95.

He passed away on Monday night following long treatment for age-related ailments.

The Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, headquartered at Belur in the Howrah district of West Bengal, in a statement, said Swami Smaranananda’s cremation will take place at Belur Math on Wednesday night.

“The gates of Belur Math will remain open all through the night of the 26th and through the 27th till the last rites are completed,” it added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his tribute to the departed Swami, said on X, “He left an indelible mark on countless hearts and minds. His compassion and wisdom will continue to inspire generations.”

“I had a very close relation with him over the years. I recall my visit to Belur Math in 2020 when I had interacted with him. A few weeks ago in Kolkata, I had also visited the hospital and enquired about his health. My thoughts are with the countless devotees of the Belur Math. Om Shanti,” Prime Minister Modi added.

Swami Smaranananda took over as the 16th president of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission in July 2016 after the demise of his predecessor Swami Atmasthananda.

Born in 1929 at Andami village of Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district, Swami Smaranananda joined the Ramakrishna Order in 1952.