Swami Vivekananda Age, Height, Family, Career, Net Worth, Lifestyle & Facts

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Birth name: Narendranath Datta

Other name: Swami Vividishanand

Nickname(s): Narendra, Naren

Profession(s): Hindu monk, Philosopher, Author, Religious teacher

Famous for: • Being the Chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhamsa • Propagating about Hinduism in the West • Being the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission

Date of Birth: 12 January 1863 (Monday)

Birthplace: 3 Gourmohan Mukherjee Street, Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India (now West Bengal, India)

Age (at the time of death): 39 Years

Zodiac sign: Capricorn

Nationality: British Indian

Hometown: Calcutta

Religion: Hinduism

Caste: Kayastha

Food Habit: Non-vegetarian [1] The Times of India

Beverage: Tea

Age: 39 Years

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EDUCATION

School: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar’s Metropolitan Institution, Calcutta (1871)

College/University: • Presidency University, Calcutta • General Assembly’s Institution (now known as Scottish Church College), Calcutta

Educational Qualification: Bachelor of Arts (1884)

PHYSICAL STATISTICS

Height (approx.): 5′ 10″ (178 cm)

Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Hair Colour: Black

FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Marital Status (at the time of death): Unmarried

Wife/Spouse: N/A

Children: None

Parents: Father – Vishwanath Datta (1835-1884) (attorney at the Calcutta High Court) Mother – Bhubaneswari Devi (1841-1913) (homemaker)

Siblings: Brother(s) – 2 • Bhupendranath Datta (1880-1961) (revolutionary, sociologist, anthropologist) • Mahendranath Datta (1869-1956) (scholar, philanthropist, author) Sister(s) – 4 • Haramohini (Haramani) Devi (1858-1880) • Swarnamayi Devi (1860-1932) • Kiranbala Dutta (1865-1883) • Yogendrabala Dutta (1867-1880)

OTHER INFORMATION

Legacy: • Union government initiated the Swami Vivekananda Values Education Project at a cost of Rs. 1 billion (2010) • West Bengal Police Training College renamed the Swami Vivekananda State Police Academy (2011) • Chhattisgarh Technical University renamed as Chhattisgarh Swami Vivekanand Technical University • Raipur International Airport renamed as Swami Vivekananda Airport (2012) • Postage stamps issued by the Indian Postal Service on various occasions • Rs. 5 coin issued by the Union government on Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary

Date of Death: 4 July 1902

Place of Death: Belur Math, Bengal Presidency, British India

Death Cause: Blood vessel rupture in the brain

Hobbies: Reading, Travelling

Food: Kachori Sabzi, Fried Potato

Dessert: Ice Cream

Poem: Kali The Mother

INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Swami Vivekananda, a pivotal figure in the revival of Hinduism and the promotion of Indian philosophy to the West, was born in Calcutta at 3 Gourmohan Mukherjee Street, a site now honored as the Ramakrishna Mission Swami Vivekananda’s Ancestral House and Cultural Centre. From a young age, he exhibited a profound inclination toward spirituality, which can be traced back to his grandfather, Durgacharan Datta, a Persian scholar who embraced monastic life at the age of 25. By the age of seven, Vivekananda had already memorized the Sanskrit grammar book Mugdhabodh, showcasing his remarkable intellectual capacity. His early education took place at Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar’s Metropolitan Institution, where he continued to nurture his academic pursuits until his family moved to Raipur in 1877. Upon returning to Calcutta in 1879, he faced academic challenges, obtaining only 46 percent in his intermediate arts studies, particularly struggling with English grammar.

In 1881, Vivekananda enrolled at the prestigious Presidency College, where he immersed himself in a variety of subjects, including literature, religion, and philosophy. However, his tenure was cut short due to health issues, prompting him to leave rather than risk repeating a year. Nevertheless, he excelled in the Fine Arts Exam and continued his education at the General Assembly’s Institution, where he delved into Western philosophy, influenced by thinkers like David Hume and Immanuel Kant. This period marked the beginning of his spiritual journey, and he also developed a passion for Indian classical music, receiving training in Dhrupad and mastering various musical instruments. His sharp memory and dedication to learning were evident as he astonishingly read multiple books from the library within a day, correctly answering the librarian’s questions to prove his claims. In 1880, he joined Keshab Chandra Sen’s religious movement, which further shaped his spiritual inclinations.

Vivekananda’s life took a significant turn in 1881 when he was introduced to the spiritual teachings of Ramakrishna by his English lecturer, Reverend William Hastie. Their first meeting in November 1881 at a religious festival sparked a connection that would profoundly influence Vivekananda’s path. Though he initially rejected Ramakrishna’s teachings, he was drawn to his charisma, prompting frequent visits to Dakshineswar. By 1884, following his father’s death, Vivekananda faced financial hardships and sought employment but struggled to find stability. During this tumultuous time, he sought spiritual answers, ultimately finding solace in Ramakrishna’s affirmation of divine experience. After a transformative period, he and the other disciples took vows to live a life akin to their spiritual master, with Vivekananda adopting the name that would become synonymous with his legacy.

In 1888, Vivekananda embarked on a remarkable journey as a wandering monk, traveling across India and living on alms while absorbing the diverse cultures and philosophies of the land. His travels and profound meditative experiences culminated in his historic arrival in Chicago on July 30, 1893, to represent Hinduism at the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Following initial challenges with admission, he made a lasting impression with his powerful address, commencing with the poignant words, “Sisters and brothers of America!” This moment catapulted him into the global spotlight, earning him widespread acclaim and invitations to lecture throughout the United States. His ideas resonated deeply, fostering dialogues on spirituality and social reform that would influence many prominent leaders back in India. Despite battling various health issues throughout his life, including diabetes and asthma, Vivekananda’s enduring spirit and dedication to his mission never waned.

In 1897, he founded the Ramakrishna Mission, advocating for social service and spiritual education, and established various monasteries, including the Advaita Ashrama in Mayavati. His literary contributions, including major works such as “Karma Yoga” and “Raja Yoga,” further disseminated his teachings. Celebrated annually as National Youth Day on January 12, and honored through various cinematic portrayals, Swami Vivekananda’s legacy continues to inspire generations, reflecting his enduring impact on both Indian society and the global spiritual landscape. His life’s journey, marked by intellectual rigor, spiritual exploration, and an unwavering commitment to social equality, remains a guiding light for those seeking to understand the teachings of Vedanta and the essence of human brotherhood.

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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.