About Us

The Vedanta Society Of Providence is a branch of the world-wide twin organization Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. This twin organization was founded by Swami Vivekananda, the most illustrious disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. It has currently 12 branches and a few sub centers in USA.

 

This center is located in the heart of the city of Providence and in the neighborhood of Brown University.

 

Regular activities at this Center:

Daily prayers & meditation in the morning and evening in the Chapel Weekly service on Sunday afternoon (5:00 PM) Weekly classes on Tuesdays and Fridays (7:30 PM) Birth-Anniversary celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda and Sri Krishna Celebrations of Durga Puja, Thanksgiving day, Christmas and New Year Quarterly Spiritual Retreats. A small library of religious and philosophical books open to members A Vedanta Book Store: Books/ CDs/ DVDs available for sale. See here the list of titles.

 

 

History:

This center was started on September 9, 1928 by Swami Akhilananda. He was a disciple of Swami Brahmananda, a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and the first President of the Ramakrishna Math. He came to USA in 1927, first to Boston. Then with the idea of spreading the universal message of Vedanta in the other areas of United States, he decided to start a center in Providence. He found a fertile ground here for these great ideas to take root.

 

Initial funds and help were mainly provided by Miss Helen Rubel (Bhakti) and Mrs. Anna Worcester (Annapurna). Services and lectures were first held in the Biltmore Hotel in Providence. The first lecture was delivered on the subject: Psychology of Religion. Soon the number of followers increased over a hundred and in early December, the Vedanta Society had its own quarters at 241 Weybosset Street.

Afterwards a more suitable location was found at 224 Angell Street and the Society moved there in 1930. Swami Akhilananda was a scholarly monk with exceptional insight into the workings of human mind. He attracted and inspired many people. Mr. Italo Pellini and Mrs. Charlotte Pellini (Sarala) were among them who dedicated their lives in the service of the Vedanta Society.

Swami Akhilananda used to give regular classes at the Brown University and other educational institutions. He also started a center in Boston in 1941. Swami Sarvagatananda was sent to assist him in 1954. After Swami Akhilananda passed away in 1962, he became the minister in-charge of the society and continued until his retirement in June 2001.

 

In the late nineties, the building at 221 Angell street was added and in 2000 the old building at 224 was exchanged for the present location at 227 Angell Street. It is more spacious and has better parking facilities too.

 

Swami Yogatmananda is the minister in-charge since July 2001.

 

The resident and visiting Swamis grant interviews for spiritual instructions. All appointments must be made in advance.