Narendranath Datta (Swami Vivekananda)
- Born:
- January 12, 1863, Calcutta, British India
- Died:
- July 4, 1902, Belur Math, Bengal Presidency, British India
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Hindu Monk, Philosopher, Author, Religious Teacher
Early Life and Education
- Born into an aristocratic Bengali Kayastha family.
- Early education included formal schooling and tutelage from his mother.
- Studied law at the Metropolitan Institution and Presidency College, Calcutta.
- Known for his sharp intellect and wide-ranging studies in philosophy, history, and literature.
Career and Major Achievements
- Became a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa in 1882.
- Traveled extensively throughout India as a parivrajaka (wandering monk).
- Represented Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893, gaining international recognition.
- Founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 to propagate Vedanta and provide social service.
- Established Vedanta Societies in the United States and Europe.
- Played a key role in the revival of Hinduism in India and promoting interfaith understanding.
Notable Works
- Raja Yoga
- Karma Yoga
- Bhakti Yoga
- Jnana Yoga
- Lectures from Colombo to Almora
Legacy and Impact
Swami Vivekananda, known by his pre-monastic name Narendranath Datta, profoundly impacted both India and the West. He is revered for introducing Hindu philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and for his contributions to the revival of Hinduism in India. This short biography of Swami Vivekananda India highlights his significant role in bridging Eastern and Western thought.