6 Renowned ISKCON Temples in India – Janmashtami Special

Today 30th August, Janmashtami is being celebrated all over India. The day is considered to be the birthday of Lord Krishna, the beloved God in Hindu mythology. On this auspicious day, I would like to acquaint my readers with the Renowned ISKCON Temples in India.

International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON is a world-famous global organization. The society was established in 1966 in New York City, USA. The members of ISKCON are the disciples of Lord Krishna. They follow the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition and monotheistic culture in Hinduism. All throughout the year, the ISKCON temples experience a huge influx of tourists and devotees. Let us go for a virtual tour into the ISKCON temples in India, selectively chosen for their popularity and divine experience.

ISKCON Temple at Mayapur, west bengal

It is one of the biggest ISKCON temples in India. Named as Sri Mayapura Chandrodaya Temple, it is the main headquarter of the society. Started in the year 1972, the plan is to transform the temple into the world's largest. During Janmashtami and other celebrations dedicated to Lord Krishna, thousands of devotees and tourists arrive at the temple to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of the Lord. The Lord is adorned with bright-colored attire and gorgeous ornaments. Special dishes and sweets are prepared and offered to the Lord. In the evening special “Aarti” is performed, a Hindu ritual for worshipping the Lord. The atmosphere inside the temple is divinely intoxicating, casting a spell among the devotees. The temple is officially referred to as the Sri Sri Radha Govind Mandir, with beautiful idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha.

ISKCON Temple at Bengaluru, Karnataka

It is the biggest ISKCON temple in India. The temple was inaugurated in the year 1997 by Madhu Pandit Dasa. It's a splendid place where divine songs and recitals are held offering dedication to the holy Lord. The beauty of the temple is its neoclassical style of architecture. The stone carvings on the temple enhance further the beauty of the temple. Several spiritual programs and study sessions are organized by the temple authorities. Besides midday meals are provided to underprivileged children in joint collaboration with government schools. Artistic archways, a beautiful garden, and sparkling fountains adorn the temple premises. Janmashtami, Rath Yatra, and other festivals are held at the temple in a grand manner.

ISKCON Temple at Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Known also as Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, the temple at Vrindavan is one of the most beautiful ISKCON temples in India. A visit to the temple is a must inclusion while planning for an itinerary for Vrindavan or even Uttar Pradesh. The morning and evening Aarti is heavenly and divine. Swami Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON, is phenomenal for the establishment of the temple. Idols of Lord Krishna, his brother Lord Balaram, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and other spiritual gurus and coaches. Various pictures of Lord Krishna adorn the walls of the temple. The temple has a huge space inside and is divided into various sections. There is also a guesthouse near the temple where the devotees and tourists can stay.

ISKCON Temple at Delhi

The temple was established in 1998 by Achyut Kanvinde. Also known as the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple, it is one of the divine and beautiful ISKCON temples in India. The location of the temple is fascinating being present in close proximity to the Hare Krishna Hills. The carvings, decorations, and stonework inside the temple are fabulous. Devotional events, lectures, and preaching of Vedic literature are hosted frequently at the temple. Janmashtami and other spiritual ceremonies are held inside the temple with thousands of devotees and tourists visiting to offer their prayers to the Lord. The temple also has a museum where shows are held portraying stories from the great Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.

ISKCON Temple at Chennai, Tamil Nadu

ISKCON Temple at Chennai is one of the most beautiful ISKCON temples in India. The temple is the biggest in the state of Tamil Nadu, among the other Lord Krishna temples. Spread across an area of 1.5 acres of land, the temple was inaugurated in 2012. The deities worshipped in the temple are Lord Krishna, Satyabhama and Rukmini. Life stories of the Lord is preached by spiritual leaders of the temple. The temple significantly promotes the art and craft of the southern part of India. The unique feature of the temple is the illustrious artistic entrance which depicts the universe. It has 5 floors. The main hall is present at the first floor over an area of 7000 square feet. Several cultural and religious events are held at it's auditorium.

ISKCON Temple at Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh

The entire temple is designed and constructed to represent a horse-drawn chariot. Truly one of the most charming ISKCON temples in India. The moment you reach the temple, you will be spellbound by the statues of the 4 huge horses at the entrance. At night the grandeur of the temple further magnifies with the illuminating lights across the temple. Janmashtami is celebrated at the temple with elaborate arrangements. Devotees and tourists arrive at the temple in huge numbers to offer their prayers to the Holy Lord. The temple was inaugurated in 2008, preaching the spiritual life of Lord Krishna.

There are 850 ISKCON temples in India. In the next edition, I would be focusing on ISKCON temples in the world. So stay tuned!!