Activities of Dakshineswar Ramkrishna Sangha Adyapeath: -
Dakshineswar Ramkrishna Sangha Adyapeath is dedicated to serving the needy and alleviating human suffering both in its immediate area and throughout the state of West Bengal. Current activities include as follows.
Daily Worship (Puja):
Daily pujas are performed in the traditional manner. The images are lovingly bathed and dressed, then offered flowers, sandal paste, incense, and food. The types and quantities of food offerings were dictated to Annada Thakur by Sri Ramakrishna in dreams, and these instructions are still strictly followed today. Because the temple itself is rather small inside, the food offerings are made in the nearby Bhog Ghar, a separate building in full view of the temple altar. The food thus blessed by having been offered is then distributed as prasad to all visitors.
Nara Narayan Seva (Feeding of the Poor):
Feeding the poor in the name of God is one of the principal activities of the Sangha. Food is distributed to approximately 300 to 500 people daily, irrespective of caste, colour, and creed.
Sadhak Ashram and Sadkika Ashram:
Two separate ashrams, one for men and one for women. Together they house about 220 adults who wish to dedicate their lives to spirituality and service.
Adyapeath Balak Ashram (boys' orphanage) and Dakshineswar Balika Ashram (girls' orphanage):
Houses, feeds, and educates approximately 700 destitute and orphaned children from throughout West Bengal.
Banaprastha Ashram (Retirement Home):
Two separate ashrams for retiring elderly men and women along with modern medical facilities with resident doctor. Currently there are more than 150 in each ashram.
Adyapeath Matri Ashram (Widows' Home):
Houses approximately 85 widows without family to support them who wish to lead a religious life.
Charitable Dispensary:
An outpatient clinic has been set up with ultra-modern diagnostic pathological facilities, dental and eye treatment, and medicines, all free of cost to the patients. A mobile air conditioned dispensary and two ambulance services are also provided round the clock for the poor.
Monikuntala Balika Vidyalaya:
Dedicated to the memory of Monikuntala Devi, wife of Sri Sri Annada Thakur and mother of the Sangha, this school offers free education to approximately 650 girls up to class X (Standard tenth grade).
Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya:
It is one of the largest sanskrit schools in West Bengal, offering free basic Sanskrit teaching to more than 300 students.
Distribution of Clothing:
Poor people, irrespective of caste, colour, or creed, are given clothes free of charge on various occasions throughout the year.
Aid in Natural Calamities:
The Sangha comes to the aid of needy people in natural disasters such as famine, flod, and earthquake.
Atithi Seva (Feeding of Guests):
Sri Annada Thakur said, "A hungry guest should never be refused." Accordingly, every Atithi (guest) is served with food (Prasadam). Each day, 1000 to 2500 such devotees are served.
Hospital Project:
A project has begun to build a well-equipped 100-bed hospital for patients with contagious and infectious diseases. The estimated cost is over five crore rupees ($1.4 million US). The foundation was laid by the Chief Minister of West Bengal. They are collecting donations at home and abroad to full fill this commitment.
Bangladesh Project:
The temple and hospital were inaugurated in March, 1998, in the Chittagong district of Bangladesh. The temple serves the spiritual needs of Hindus in this mainly Muslim area, but its charitable outreach, including the hospital, are for the poor of all faiths.
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