Top 11 Famous ISKCON Temples in India to Visit
ISKCON is a Hindu religious organisation that has temples all over India and overseas. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is the full name of ISKCON. Also dubbed the Hare Krishna or Hari Krishna movement, the group follows the line of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a monotheistic religion within the Hindu culture.
List of ISKCON Temples in India
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11 Best ISKCON Temples to Visit in India
Explore the 11 famous ISKCON temples in India, each with its unique charm and significance:
1. Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir | Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness, or ISKCON, was founded by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to promote devotion to Lord Krishna and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
- Best Time to Visit: February to April.
- Temple Timings: 4:10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: The nearest city is Vrindavan, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Vrindavan Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Vrindavan bus station.
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2. Radha Parthasarathi Mandir | Sant Nagar, New Delhi
Known by most as the ISKCON Delhi temple, Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir is a well-known Vaishnav temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and goddess Radha in the form of Radha Parthasarathi. The Temple opened its doors on April 5, 1998.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April.
- Temple Timings: 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: Sant Nagar Rd, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: IGI Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Kashmera Gate Bus Station.
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3. Radha Krishna Mandir | Chennai, Tamil Nadu
The world, or bhu-mandala, is depicted on the marble floor at the temple's entrance. The cosmology of the ancient Vedic Puranas portrays the universe as a collection of spherical islands encircling a central pillar known as Mount Meru.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Temple Timings: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: Near East Cost Rd, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Chennai Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Madras International Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Chennai Bus Station.
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4. Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir| Kolkata, West Bengal
By 2024, the ISKCON Temple is expected to be finished. The temple complex spans 425,000 square feet, with a height of 340 feet at the temple. The temple's construction cost was about, and Alfred B. Ford, Henry Ford's great-grandson, is the main investor.
- Best Time to Visit: November to January.
- Temple Timings: 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: Mayapur City, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Kolkata Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Kolkata International Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Kolkata Bus Station.
5. Sri Gaura Radha Gukulananda Temple | Salem, Tamil Nadu
Vedic Knowledge and Culture Temple of Sri Gaura Radha Gukulananda. One of Tamil Nadu's Radha Krishna temples is on 4.5 acres of land. In October 2019, it was formally inaugurated.
- Best Time to Visit: March to November.
- Temple Timings: 4:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.- Every day.
- How to Reach: The nearest town is Karuppur, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Salem Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Salem and Madras International Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Salem bus stand.
6. Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir | Siliguri, West Bengal
Sri Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir is situated in West Bengal's Siliguri and is called Dhamma Nabadweep Gupta. Because of its allure, many devotees from across the state and the nation are drawn to the temple complex.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Temple Timings: 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: The nearest city is Siliguri, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Siliguri Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Bagdogra Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Siliguri bus station.
7. Shri Radha Krishna Chandra Temple | Rajajinagar, Bengaluru
ISKCON Temple is a cultural complex that houses the dedicated deities of Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra, Sri Sri Krishna Balarama, Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Srinivasa Govinda, and Sri Prahlada Narasimha. It is also a religious shrine.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Temple Timings: 4:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.- Every day.
- How to Reach: The nearest town is Rajajinagar, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Bengaluru City Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Bengaluru International Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Kempegowda bus stand.
8. Radha Madan Mohana Temple | Hyderabad, Telangana
Lord Krishna is the primary deity of the Iskcon Hyderabad temple. Additionally, idols of Sri Jagannatha Baladeva-Subhadra, Sri Radha Madana-Mohana, and Sri Gaura-Nitai are visible. Every day, the temple conducts Pujas and Aartis.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Temple Timings: 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: Near Old Kattal Mandi, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Rampally City Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Abids bus stand.
9. Hare Krishna Temple | Ahmedabad, Gujarat
The chanting of Hare Rama Hare Krishna is always audible within the Hare Krishna Mandir. Many devotional talks and lectures are planned for the benefit of followers, particularly those with a spiritual bent in mind.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Temple Timings: 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: Near West City of Vadodara, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Dwarka Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: GSRTC bus stand.
10. ISKCON Temple | Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Constructed by the ISKCON in 1991, this temple is a substitute for Puri's Lord Jagannath Temple, which is only accessible to Indians. It is said that Lord Jagannath himself can reside in this temple.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Temple Timings: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: Near IRC Village, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Bhubaneswar Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: Biju Patnaik Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Master Canteen bus stand.
11. Shri Shri Radha Damodar Mandir | Surat, Gujarat
Visitors might be captivated and spiritually recharged by the temple's simple yet striking architectural style, the exquisite idols of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama, the aarti, the bhajans, and the serene, tidy surroundings.
- Best Time to Visit: November to April.
- Temple Timings: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. - Every day.
- How to Reach: Near Jahangir Purai, accessible by road.
- Nearby Railway Station: Surat Railway Station.
- Nearby Airport: SuratInternational Airport.
- Nearby Bus Station: Surat bus stand.
ISKCON temples in India are renowned for their architectural beauty, spiritual ambience, and cultural significance. They serve as hubs of devotion, attracting millions of visitors annually. With their ornate deities, serene surroundings, and vibrant festivities, these temples offer devotees and tourists an enriching experience steeped in Vaishnavite tradition.
FAQs about ISKCON Temples in India
What are the features of ISKCON temples?
ISKCON temples are known for their exquisite architecture, intricate deity worship, devotional singing (kirtan), spiritual discourses, and cultural festivals celebrating Vaishnavite traditions.
What activities take place in ISKCON temples?
ISKCON temples host various activities, including daily worship ceremonies, spiritual lectures, seminars, yoga and meditation sessions, cultural programs, and community service initiatives.
Can anyone visit ISKCON temples?
Yes, ISKCON temples are open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Visitors are welcome to participate in temple activities, attend spiritual discourses, and experience the serene atmosphere of devotion.
What is the purpose of an ISKCON temple?
With over 800 temples spread over India, ISKCON has the highest temple density globally. An ISKCON temple's objectives are to promote Krishna consciousness, educate people about spirituality, and unite individuals in their relationship with Krishna.
What do ISKCON temples offer?
Regular talks and lectures are provided by ISKCON temples to assist followers in comprehending the Bhagavad Gita's teachings.
What other amenities do ISKCON temples offer?
In addition, there are numerous tourist and pilgrimage hotels, twelve state-recognized educational institutions, and twenty-five affiliated and non-affiliated eateries in ISKCON temples.
What are some of the largest ISKCON temples in India?
One of the biggest Krishna-Hindu temples in the world is the Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra Temple in Bangalore.
Are there any classes on Bhagavad-gita at ISKCON Temple Banglore?
We hold weekly retreats that are based on the Bhagavad Gita. Our lecture hall is open for you to attend classes on Srimad Bhagavatam every morning at 8:15 a.m.
What is ISKCON?
ISKCON, also known as the Hare Krishna movement, is a spiritual organization founded in 1966 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Its core philosophy revolves around the worship of Lord Krishna.
How can I join ISKCON and how much money does it cost?
You can find the closest ISKCON Temple and visit the devotees there for additional guidance. Participating in the temple's activities is completely free.
Will I be forced to be a Monk if I join ISKCON?
No, ISKCON comprises 99% householders or grihasta and just 1% monks or Bhramachari. ISKCON motivates us to lead a happy and God-conscious life despite any Ashram we want to live in.
What are the main attractions at ISKCON Temple Delhi?
Among the many attractions to visitors to ISKCON Temple Delhi are the stunning statues of Radha Parthasarathi, Sita Rama Laksman Hanuman, and Gaura Nitai. The temple also has an amazing complex with a multi-screen movie theatre, a museum, and a Vedic exhibition. The daily kirtans and Aarti rites are open to both tourists and devotees.