I have 2 wishes whenever I step into Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur; to explore the colorful valley of Little India and to stand right in front of the Vivekananda statue located at Jalan Tun Sambanthan. I remember reading about Vivekananda School in history book during schooling therefore the name Vivekananda has always fascinated me.
On this particular evening in June, I decided to have 1 1/4 of my wishes realized. Armed with a 50mm lens (which is a bad choice actually), I finally stepped in front of Vivekananda Ashrama. I guess passerby must have think I’m a nutcase. Why is this lady taking photos of an old building? Ahh just ignore them. π
Vivekenanda ashrama/ashram. Built in 1904.
That’s 107 years old.
Ashrama, familiarly spelled ashram in English, has come to denote a place of refuge, especially one removed from urban life, where spiritual and yogic disciplines are pursued.~source Britannica
I’m guessing this is Mr. Vivekananda himself. Statue-wise of course.
He was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and the founder of Ramakrishna Mission. He is considered a key figure in the introduction of Hindu philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga in Western World mainly in America and Europe and is also credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the end of the 19th century. ~source Wiki
Above the Vivekenanda ashrama name is an emblem for the Ramakrishna Mission.
The building seem deserted. However I noticed the plants and garden are well kept.
Unfortunately Vivekenanda ashrama was separated by grilled fence, gated and locked.
Would be nice if the ashrama is open for tourist not just for Hinduism but also for its stunning architecture and historical value.
Address:
Vivekenanda Ashrama
220, Jalan Tun Sambanthan,
Brickfields 50470,
Kuala Lumpur.
After my short and surreal encounter with Vivekenanda ashrama, I walked on to realized my other 1/4 wish.
To be continued…
20 Comments
hmm how come i have no recollection of reading about him or the school from sejarah? hmmmmm we did? brickfields is so complicated now ever since they reformatted the routes
Yes we did. But I couldn’t remember whether it’s in secondary or primary school. I thought the routes are still okay. Just a little mix up at first.
I use to stay at Brickfields for 25 years during my younger days. My dad was with the government, so we stayed at the government quarters.
My house was one of those opposite this ashrama. Still remember the apam balik being sold in front of this place by a Malay uncle on a bicycle.
What a coincidence it was my hubby was also from Brickfields, suppose most Indians those days and still today are from this place.
That place you stayed is now KL Sentral right?
Was the ashrama deserted at that time too?
There’s a row of double-story houses near (beside) this ashrama. Are they for government servants?
Never heard of this place. I’m interested to see the inside, too. Love old buildings.
Our govt only knows how to demolish old buildings. Sigh
Oh! So this is the article that attracts lots of readers from StumbleUpon? Hmm, interesting I have heard of this name Vivekananda but never thought much about it. So this is the building – very nice! Yes, they should open it up for tourists and Malaysians!!
Yeah this is the one… just for that 1 hour after I hit publish.
Tell me you heard this name from history book. Or else I will think that I’m dreaming since Xin couldn’t remember it.
passed by brickfields a few times.. didnt notice this building tho..
nice shots btw π
Do try to look for it when you pass Brickfields next time. It’s near Sin Kee Restaurant. Thanks!
I think they wanna make sure the place is not touched by others. You know…some tourist are vandals mah? :p
Yeah good point.
I went there last month and the gate was wide open. I do not remember what I have read in my History (I failed the subject) but what interest me is the buidling and the statue. I entered into the compound and took a few photographs. I saw a worker watering the plant and he ignored me. I guess many people have eventually walk in and took photographs.
Hi there, oh wow you’re so lucky. Wish I have the opportunity next time. π
I’ve been to Brickfields quite a number of times, but never really noticed this building. Will keep an eye out on my next visit there.
Hey hope you’ll be able to see it next time.
I spoke with house keeping in-charge today. He told me that morning 8am Ashram is open. Entrace is from back side.
Hi K, Thank you so much for the info. Did you went inside and have a look?
I was there last june 27, 2013. The gate was opened so I was able to go near the statue. I had no idea that such place exists. I and my mom were just passing by when I saw the place. The statue caught my attention so I went inside the opened gates. The place looks abandoned. I didn’t stay long because as I looked at the statue I had a creepy feeling that it looked real life. ^_^
Hi Olsie, yeah the place does look abandoned. Ohh spooky! π