List of ISKCON Temples in India: Background, Style, and Location

ISKCON Temples

ISKCON is a Hindu religious organization with temples across India and abroad. The full name of International Society for Krishna Consciousness is ISKCON. The group, also known as the Hare Krishna or Hari Krishna movement, follows the monotheistic Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition found in Hinduism.

Devotees and tourists looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city can find great attraction in the stunning ISKCON temples located throughout the region. Do you have any questions about the ISKCON movement? Everything you need to know about the organization is covered in this blog, including information on its history, architecture, central tenets, and a list of major ISKCON temples in India.

ISKCON Temples Information:

• Name of Foundation: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness
• Also Known as: Hare Krishna Movement
• Location: Worldwide
• Type: Religious Organization
• Founder: C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
• Year of Establishment: 13^th July 1966 in New York City, USA
• Headquarters: Mayapur, West Bengal
• Affiliations: Gaudiya Vaishnavism
• Largest ISKCON Complex: ISKCON Bangalore
• Architecture of ISKCON Temples: Neo-Vedic and Classical Indian with a touch of modern elements
• ISKCON Temple Timings: 4:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

ISKCON: History

In 1966, Abhay Charan Ravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami (born Abhay Charan Dey) founded ISKCON in New York City, USA. He is considered the spiritual leader of the organization. ISKCON was founded to promote Krishna consciousness, often known as Bhakti Yoga. Since they consider Lord Krishna to be omnipotent, ISKCON followers dedicate their words and deeds to his happiness. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is known by its full name, ISKCON.

ISKCON: Today

The organization has opened hundreds of temples, centers, and rural villages around the world over the past 53 years. In addition, ISKCON has established over a hundred vegetarian eateries, several neighborhood gathering places, and some community initiatives, such as eco-villages and free food distribution programs (Food for Life Project). Additionally, in 1976, he founded the Bhaktivedanta Institute (BI), a branch of science that uses Vedic principles to promote the study of the nature and origins of life.

Major ISKCON Temples in India

India is home to a sizable devotee population for ISKCON. There are intricately constructed temples in many cities and towns where people worship and exalt Lord Krishna. The principal ISKCON temples in India are listed as follows:

6 Popular Temples in India

150+ temples and centres are part of the ISKCON Trust in India. The following six ISKCON temples are well-known in India:

Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, New Delhi
Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir of the Vedic Planetarium, Mayapur
Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Vrindavan
Radha Krishna Mandir, Chennai
Sri Gaura Radha Gokulananda Temple, Salem
Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir, Siliguri

1. Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Shri Krishna Balaram Temple is located in the Vrindavan region of Uttar Pradesh, close to other holy places including Mathura Palace, Govardhan Hill, and Gokul village. The Vrindavan Higher Education Institute is also connected to this pilgrimage site.

• Nearest Railway Station: Mathura Junction
• Nearest Bus Stand: Vrindavan Bus Station
• Nearest Airport: Kheria Airport

2. Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, New Delhi

The Glory of India Vedic Cultural Center is located in the Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathy Temple temple in Delhi. The world’s largest printed religious text, the “Amazing Bhagavad Gita,” is found there.

• Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station
• Nearest Bus Station: Kashmere Gate Station
• Nearest Airport: IGI Airport

3. Radha Krishna Mandir, Chennai

The largest Radha Krishna temple in Tamil Nadu, the Chennai temple was built on 1.5 acres of land and was dedicated in 2012.

• Nearest Railway Station: Chennai Central Station
• Nearest Bus Station: Chennai Bus Station
• Nearest Airport: Madras International Airport

4. Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir of the Vedic Planetarium, West Bengal

The ISKCON temple of Vedic planetarium in Mayapur is expected to be ready by 2024. The temple complex is spread over 425,000 square feet, the height of the temple is 340 feet. Henry Ford’s great-grandson, Alfred B. Ford is the main financier, and construction of the temple is expected to cost approximately $75 million. The complex has a planetarium which exhibits the Vedic art, science and culture of Srimad Bhagavatam.

• Nearest Railway Station: Kolkata Railway Station
• Nearest Bus Station: Kolkata Bus Station
• Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Kolkata International Airport

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5. Sri Gaura Radha Gukulananda Temple, Salem, Tamil Nadu

Vedic Knowledge and Culture Temple of Shri Gaura Radha Gukulananda. One of the Radha Krishna temples of Tamil Nadu, it is situated on 4.5 acres of land. It was formally inaugurated in October 2019.

• Nearest Railway Station: Salem Junction
• Nearest Bus Station: Salem Bus Station
• Nearest Airport: Salem Airport and Madras International Airport

6. Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir, Siliguri, West Bengal

Sri Sri Radha Madhav Sundar Temple, known as Gupta Navadweep Dham, is located in Siliguri, West Bengal. Many devotees from across the state and country are attracted to the temple complex due to its overall charm.

• Nearest Railway Station: Siliguri Junction
• Nearest Bus Station: Siliguri Bus Station
• Nearest Airport: Bagdogra International Airport

ISKCON Centres Worldwide

ISKCON is active in more than 150 countries around the world. ISKCON centers are home to 135 locations in Europe, 80 locations in Asia, 10 locations in Australia, 68 locations in North America, 60 locations in South America, and 69 locations in Africa.

Architecture of ISKCON Temples

Many ISKCON temples domestically and internationally exhibit elements of traditional and neo-Vedic architecture. For example, the temple at Spanish Fork, United States, was built with ornate arches, verandahs, and pillars, resembling a fifteenth-century Indian palace. Because of its magnificent gold dome, the West Virginia Temple has been dubbed the Crown of America. Classical architectural styles are also used in the architecture of many ISKCON temples in India.

Core Beliefs of ISKCON

The Vaishnava religious movement known as the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, popular in India since the late 15th century, is followed by followers of ISKCON. The largest branch of Gaudiya Vaishnavism is made up of ISKCON followers. Through his writings and translations of Hindu sacred texts, including Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavad Gita and Chaitanya Charitamrita, Bhaktivedanta Swami brought this heritage to the West. These books, which are available in several languages, are currently recognized as ISKCON scriptures.

According to ISKCON theology, Lord Krishna is the supreme God and the progenitor of all omnipotent incarnations. Radha is revered as the embodiment of heavenly love and the female counterpart of Krishna.

A major component of the ISKCON movement is preaching. Followers of this organization primarily use publications published by the founder-guru and the public singing of Hari Krishna songs and mantras to increase awareness of Lord Krishna. Within the organization, these activities are called sankirtana.

Festivals to Observe in ISKCON Temples

1. Janmashtami

Janmashtami is one of the biggest annual events of ISKCON. It honors the occasion of the birth of Lord Krishna. Dramatic, dance and musical acts are part of the festival. On this day, shloka recitations from the holy scriptures Bhagavad Purana and Bhagavad Gita are arranged, and some people observe a day-long fast.

2. Rath Yatra Festival

In Puri, India, the primary event is the Rath Yatra festival. During this event, the deities of the Lord of the Universe, Jagannath, Krishna’s brother Baladeva, and Krishna’s sister Subhadra are carried in three huge chariots built specifically for the parade.

It is said in the scriptures that the deity of Yatra symbolizes the early years of Lord Krishna and his carefree activities. The symbol of pulling God into our hearts is the pulling of the ropes of the cart by the devotees. Swami Prabhupada, also known as Srila Prabhupada, introduced this tradition to North America in the late 1960s. Today, the event is celebrated in all major cities i the world, including Durban, New York, Sydney, London and Paris. More than fifty thousand people participate in the Rath Yatra in Los Angeles, pulling three huge chariots forty feet high.

3. Diwali

After defeating the evil king Ravana, Lord Rama-a.k.a. Krishna returns to his kingdom Ayodhya on Diwali, also known as the festival of lights. Everyone rejoiced at the joyous return of Ram and lit lamps to welcome him. It also commemorates the day when Lord Krishna drove away the demon Narakasura upon his arrival.

Thus, Diwali represents the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. By inviting God into our lives and lighting the torch of spiritual knowledge in our hearts, this festival also represents a time of spiritual rebirth. Lighting Diwali lamps, feasting, and spectacular fireworks displays are common ways people celebrate the occasion.

4. Holi

Holi, the festival of colors, is widely celebrated. It is also associated with a special pastime of Lord Krishna, in which he and his followers playfully poured colored water on each other. On the day of Holi, thousands of people come to ISKCON temples to enjoy colors, singing, dancing, and feasting.

Regulative Principles of ISKCON

During initiation, ISKCON followers take an oath to follow four fundamental rules:

Eating only vegetarian food, which includes milk products but excludes eggs, meat and fish.
Prohibition of use of all intoxicants including tea, coffee, tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
Ban on gaming and related activities.
Restrictions on using sexual vitality through relationships and sexual activities outside marriage.

Spreading the Consciousness: Preachings of ISKCON

ISKCON followers publicly chant the Hare Krishna mantra and donate and sell books in an effort to promote Krishna consciousness. ISKCON representatives approach individuals or groups of people in public places and motivate them to join enthusiastically.
According to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, it is not necessary to be reborn in a Hindu religious family to engage in the practice.

Kirtan and Music Influence

Kirtan is quite popular in the ISKCON movement. Kirtan festivals are celebrated every year around the world. Famous kirtan artists are Mayapuris, Gaura Vani and Jahnvi Harrison, all of whom have recorded albums. Besides temples, other venues for kirtan sessions include “bhakti clubs,” mantra lounges, and yoga and health programs.

Many famous songs, such as the 1970 hit “My Sweet Lord” by George Harrison of the former Beatles band, contain the Hare Krishna mantra. The Beatles’ 1967 song “I Am the Walrus” and John Lennon’s song “Give Peace a Chance” both contain the words “Hare Krishna.”. Harrison co-wrote the line from Ringo Starr’s 1971 smash song “It Don’t Come Easy,” which is also sung by the backing vocalists. However, in the published version, the words were slightly less jumbled.

The Succession of Teachings

ISKCON’s founder, Prabhupada, maintained the traditional parampara (disciple succession) system. In this way the lessons are passed down from generation to generation, from guru to disciple.

Vegetarianism

ISKCON’s founder, Prabhupada, maintained the traditional parampara (disciple succession) system. In this way the lessons are passed down from generation to generation, from guru to disciple.

Demographics

ISKCON has followers or members throughout the world. It says that it has one million or more members. India is the country with the largest number of members, followed by the United States, Britain, and European countries. With 15,000 followers, Great Britain has the second-largest number of ISKCON followers worldwide.

ISKCON Temples Near Me

location,There are approximately 800 ISKCON temples and centers around the world. ISKCON is currently present in all major places in 150 countries. If you are looking for the nearest temple or center to your location then just type “ISKCON temple near me..”.

Lesser-known Facts about ISKCON Temples

• -The largest ISKCON facility in the world is reportedly the Bangalore ISKCON temple. Its 5-foot- high gold-plated flagpole is one of its attractions.
  
  Ramayana Art Gallery, Mahabharata Light and Sound Show, and Bhagavad Gita Animatronics are the main attractions of ISKCON Temple in Delhi.
  
  Possibly the largest religious text ever printed, the astonishing Bhagavad Gita is housed in the ISKCON temple in Delhi. The weight of the book is more than 800 kg.
  
  George Harrison, one of the members of the Beatles, practiced Krishna consciousness. He is believed to have given financial support to the ISKCON temple in the UK.

ISKCON temples are popular tourist destinations in most Indian cities. It does not matter whether you subscribe to the religious doctrine of the organization; you can still enter these ornate temples and enjoy the peace, grandeur, and spiritual atmosphere. So next time you are in one of these cities, remember to include a visit to the ISKCON temple in your itinerary.

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