When the train bringing Swamiji steamed into Egmore Railway Station in Madras, on the morning of February 6, 1897, there was thundering applause. The enthusiasm shown was unprecedented in the history of Madras. An account of the Swami’s entrance into the city can be conveniently given in the words of one of the leading papers: 

Due to previous information widely disseminated that Swami Vivekananda would arrive at Madras this morning by the South Indian Railway, the Hindus of Madras, of all ages and of all ranks, including young children in primary schools, grown-up students in colleges, merchants, pleaders and judges, people of all Shades and varieties, and in some instances, even women, turned up to welcome the Swami on his return from his successful mission in the West. The railway station at Egmore, being the first place of landing in Madras, had been well fitted up by the Reception Committee who had organized the splendid reception in his honor. Admission to the platform was regulated by tickets rendered necessary by the limited space in the interior of the station; the whole platform was full. In this gathering all the familiar figures in Madras public life could be seen. The train steamed in at about 7.30 A.M., and as soon as it came to a standstill in front of the south platform, the crowds cheered lustily and clapped their hands, while a native band struck up a lively air.  

The members of the Reception Committee received the Swami on alighting. The Swami was accompanied by his Gurubhais [brother-monks], the Swamis Niranjanananda and Shivananda, and by his European disciple Mr. J. J. Goodwin. On being conducted to the dais, he was met by Captain and Mrs. J. H. Sevier, who had arrived on the previous day with Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Harrison, Buddhists from Colombo and admirers of the Swami. The procession then wended its way along the platform, towards the entrance, amidst deafening cheers and clapping of hands, the band leading. At the portico, introductions were made. Swamiji was garlanded as the band struck up a beautiful tune. After conversing with those present for a few minutes, he entered a carriage that was waiting, accompanied by the Hon. Mr. Justice Subrahmanya Iyer and his Gurubhais, and drove off to Castle Kernan, the residence of Mr. Biligiri Iyengar, Attorney, where Swamiji was to reside during his stay in Madras.  

The Egmore Station was decorated with flags, Palm leaves and foliage plants, and red baize was spread on the platform. The ‘Way Out’ gate had a triumphal arch with the words, ‘Welcome to the Swami Vivekananda’. Passing out of the compound, the crowds surged still denser and denser, and at every move, the carriage had to halt repeatedly to enable the people to make offerings to the Swamiji. In most instances the offerings were in the Hindu style, the presentation of fruits and cocoanuts, something in the nature of an offering to a god in a temple. There was a perpetual shower of flowers at every point on the route and under the ‘Welcome’ arches which spanned the whole route of the procession from the station to the Ice-House, along the Napier Park, via Chindadripet, thence turning on the Mount Road opposite the Government House, wending thence along the Wallaja Road, the Chepauk and finally across the Pycrofts Road to the South Beach. During the progress of the procession along the route described, the receptions accorded to the Swami at the several places of halt were no less than royal ovations. The decorations and the inscriptions on the arches were expressive of the profoundest respect and esteem and the universal rejoicing of the local Hindu Community and also of their appreciation of his services to Hinduism. The Swami halted opposite the City Stables in an open pandal and there received addresses with the usual formalities of garlanding.  

It was a moving experience when a venerable-looking old lady pushed her way to his carriage through the dense crowds. She was keen to see Swamiji as she thought he was an incarnation of [Thirujnana] Sambandhar [the celebrated, young nayanar saint of Tamil Shaiva tradition]. 

In Chindadripet and elsewhere, camphor offerings were made to him, and at the place where he is encamped, the ladies of the household received him with Arati, or the ceremony of waving lights, incense, and flowers as before an image of God. The procession had necessarily to be slow, very slow indeed, on account of the halts made to receive the offerings, and so Swamiji did not arrive at Castle Kernan until half past nine, his carriage being in the meanwhile dragged by the students who unharnessed the horses at the turn to the Beach and pulled it with great enthusiasm.  

On arrival at the Castle Kernan, Mr. Krishnamachariar, the High Court Vakil, read a Sanskrit address on behalf of the Madras Vidvanmanoranjini Sabha. This was followed by an address in Kannada. At the close of this ceremony, Mr. Justice Subrahmanya Iyer asked the gathering to disperse in order to let the Swami rest after the fatigue of his journey, which was done. Swamiji was accommodated in one of the magnificent chambers in the upper storey of the Castle Kernan.  

Never since its earliest days had Madras witnessed such an enthusiastic reception accorded to anyone, European or Indian. Of all the official receptions that were ever held in Madras, none could equal the one given to Swami Vivekananda. Such an ovation was not witnessed in Madras within the memory of the oldest man.  

The biographical account of Swami Nischyananda, who saw Swamiji in the train which was halted by the devoted villagers, says:  

He [Raoji, later Swami Nischyananda] was a soldier, and was not the type of person to be deterred by obstacles. In order to meet him again he at once decided to proceed to Chennai. Since he did not have enough money with him, he had to travel on foot. It was already growing dark, and he quickened his steps. As he was walking along the seashore, he noticed the houses of the fishermen adorned with rows of lamps, as if they were celebrating some festival. On asking the reason for the illumination, he received the reply: ‘What, don’t you know? The Jagadguru [World Teacher] has arrived.’ Raoji was astonished to find that even the illiterate fishermen were aware of Swamiji’s triumphal return from the West and were celebrating the occasion, considering him their own representative. 

Raoji, however, continued his march and reached a place near Madras and spent the night there. The next day he resumed his journey before dawn, and around 7 a.m. arrived at Castle Kernan. Already there was a huge crowd waiting to see Swamiji, and Raoji joined them. He waited for five hours before his turn

Came, and then, on coming before Swamiji, he was overwhelmed with joy. With eyes brimming with tears and throat choked with emotion he offered his salutation and quietly sat at his feet. One by one all the visitors came and went, but Raoji sat there motionless. At last Swamiji looked at him and enquired who he was, his purpose in coming there, and whether he had taken food, etc. Raoji answered all these questions. Swamiji then arranged for his meal. After taking food and rest, Raoji approached Swamiji and expressed his desire to accompany him and become a monk. But Swamiji dissuaded him, saying: ‘No, not now. See me later in Kolkata.’ Raoji had to return home with a heavy heart. However, before returning he was able to listen to the brilliant lectures delivered by Swamiji in Madras.