Swami Vivekananda, also known as Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, and author who lived from 12 January 1863 to 4 July 1902. He was a close follower of Ramakrishna, an Indian mystic who lived in the 19th century. He is credited with raising interfaith awareness and bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the late 19th century, influenced by Western esotericism. He was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian darsanas (teachings, practises) of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the late 19th century. Vivekananda awoke early on the day of his death, July 4, 1902, and went to the Belur Math monastery to meditate for three hours. He taught Shukla-Yajur-Veda, Sanskrit grammar, and yoga philosophy to students, later discussing a proposed Vedic college at the Ramakrishna Math with colleagues.