ISKCON- An Introduction

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is an international amalgamation that aims to encourage the happiness and peace of society by endowing with the science of Krishna awareness in accord with Vedic sacred writs and Bhagavad-Gita. Iskcon temples are devoted to Lord Krishna and constructed by Hare Rama Hare Krishna cult believers.

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is the initiator of Hare-Rama-Hare-Krishna movement. The Iskcon society raised this movement to other parts of world too. There are about 40 Iskcon temples in India and all the temples are unique in their own way. All these shrines were framed by Hare Rama Hare Krishna devotees and followers.

Iskcon Temples in India

Isckon Temple- Delhi :
Built in- 1998
Location- Sant Nagar, East of Kailash, New Delhi
Timings- 4:30 am to 12:00pm & 4:00 pm to9:00 pm (Open on all days)
Delhi Iskcon temple is a fascinating structure that was built by followers and devotees of Lord Krishna. The colossal shrine looks majestic with its outer appearance. The major shrine is a huge hall where the three temples are situated under three spires. These shrines are devoted to Radha-Krishna. The statues are highly decked with jewelry and rich clothes and are worth visiting as well. A ‘parikrama’ compound is also settled at the back side of shrines. Paintings made by Russian painters that illustrate the frolic scenes from the life history of Radha-Krishna are also displayed.

Prayer hall is an added attraction as one can see mesmerizing statues of Radha-Krishna. The temple also comprises of a museum and also conducts multimedia shows at usual intervals. One can easily reach temple by taking auto rickshaws, local buses or by hiring taxi services.

Iskcon Temple- Vrindavan

Built in- 1975
Location- Raman Reti in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Time to visit- Morning: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm, Afternoon: 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm
ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan is also popular as Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir. The grand shrine stands on the banks of river Yamuna. The magnificent temple is an excellent example of contemporary style of architecture. While stepping inside the shrine, one can see the Samadhi of A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Krishna-Balrama is the main deity of the temple that can lure any individual from the main entryway of the shrine. The temple also houses exceptionally striking statues of Radha-Shyamsundar and Gaura-Nitai.

The enormous temple complex is divided into many parts where religious activities are carried 24/7. The heavenly aura and pious ecstasy attract devotees from every corner of the world.

Iskcon Temple- Bangalore

Built in- 1997
Location- On west of Chord road, Bangalore
Importance- Iskcon’s largest temple complex across the world
The fascinating and colossal shrine is sprawled over an area of 7 acres. The temple is constructed in neo-classical style of architecture. The main shrine is embellished with ornamental arches and illuminated water jets. It also houses captivating idols of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. The ceiling of the hall is decorated with wonderful paintings made by Russian painters. Lush green gardens in the temple appear gripping to visitors.

The temple also has an open amphitheatre where numerous concerts and festivals are celebrated. The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated with full gusto and zeal.

Iskcon Temple- West Bengal

Location- Mayapur, West Bengal
Dedicated to- Radha Madhava
Time to visit- 7:30 am – 1:00pm, 4:00pm – 8:30 pm
International Society for Krishna Consciousness set up first temple in Mayapur. It is built under the revered direction of Lord Mahaprabhu. The shrine is devoted to Lord Radha Krishna and the statue of Radha-Krishna with eight gopis enclosing is enormously appealing and entrancing.

The structure of whole shrine is wonderful and the atmosphere is zesty with the divine mantras of Hare Rama Hare Krishna. The deities of shrine are quite large and the major shrine is a small set of Radha-krishna idols. All the idols are richly jazzed up with jewelry and clothes. Devotees can also paintings made by Russian painters inside the main complex of temple. Iskcon temple in Mayapur is one of the most visited sacred places in the city.

Iskcon Temple- Mumbai

Built in- 1978
Location- Juhu, Mumbai
Darshan timings- 4:30 AM – 5:00 AM, 7:15 AM – 1:00PM, 4:15 PM – 9:00 PM

ISKCON temple of Mumbai is also named as Sri Radha Rasabihari and devoted to Lord Krishna. The imposing place of worship is made up with marble and spread over an area of 4 acres. A stunning marble structure, the shrine’s top portion is cast in pure gold.

The architectural brilliance of this place of worship is worth-seeing. The interior and exterior walls are beautified with sculptures and murals. Every evening, the atmosphere of the temple becomes mesmerizing and consecrated due to prayers and Bhajans. The authorities of the temple also conduct numerous social, cultural, learning programmes to augment Vedic knowledge amongst young generation.

All the ISKCON temples are definitely divine and sanctified places to be in. If you wish to seek peace and elevate your soul, then a visit to these holy places is must for everyone.

 

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