Kolkata, Mar 13 (IANS): Lakhs of devotees of famed mystic Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa thronged the 'Belur Math' in West Bengal Wednesday on the occasion of the 177th birth anniversary of the sage.

Belur Match (hermitage) in Howrah district is the global headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. Ramakrishna's message of peace and devotion was spread across the world by his disciple Swami Vivekananda.

Followers of the monk from various parts of the country and abroad gathered at the 'math' premises at 4.30 a.m. in the morning to witness the 'mangalarti' or holy fire worship amid customary Vedic chants.

Kamarpukur, the saint's birthplace in Hooghly district, about 100 km from Kolkata, hosted thousands of devotees as they queued up to pay their respects to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa.

Sarod recitals, dance, music, readings and discourses spiritually refreshed and rejuvenated the masses at the temple at Belur Math.

The celebrations were streamed live via Belur Math's web portal to a wider audience.

The Dakshineswar Kali temple, where Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa was a priest, drew hundreds of followers.

According to the English calendar, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa was born Feb 18, 1836. He is one of the most revered mystics of India.

However, his birthday is celebrated according to the Hindu almanac.