ISKCON Temples in India

ISKCON stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness and it was founded in New York in the year 1966. The other name for ISKCON is Hare Krishna Movement and follows a practice of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. It is a monotheism sect within Hinduism which has Lord Krishna and his consort Radha as the only deities. Both are worshipped together. ISKCON has many temples in India as well as abroad and due to the magnificent architecture these temples are soulful tourist places visited by millions of people every year. 

 General Information

Founder: C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (Abhay Charan De).

Year and Place of Foundation: 13th July, 1966 in New Youk City, USA.

Known as: Hare Krishna Movement. 

Objective: Increase the practice of Bhakti Yoga or Krishna Consciousness. Lord Krishna is seen as the Ultimate God and the source of all Avatars. Radha is regarded as the Divine Love.

Method: Preaching and singing of Hare Krishna Songs in public places and distributing their religious texts.

Celebrations: Janmashtami (Birthday of Krishna), Holi and Diwali.

Location: India and Abroad.

Headquarters: Mayapur, West Bengal

1st ISKCON Temple: Vrindavan Krishna-Balrama Temple.

Largest Temple: ISKCON Bangalore.

Architectural Style: New-Vedic and Indian Traditional with inclusion of modern elements.

Present Status: This religious organization has opened many temples in major cities of Indian and the world having vegetarian kitchens providing free food distribution and local meeting groups to help in increasing general consciousness. It has a huge following around the world.

Major Temples of ISKCON

1) ISKCON Mayapur, West Bengal – The Sri Mayapura Chandrodaya Temple is the headquarters of ISCKON Foundation and was laid in 1972. This complex is one of the largest in India and is fully decorated on Janmashtami, Holi and Diwali celebrations. Thousands of devotees visit every day.

2) ISKCON, Vrindavan – Also known as Krishna-Balrama Temple it is the 1st ISKCON Temple in India built in 1975. Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated here like no other place. Vrindavan is a part of Krishna Janambhoomi (birth place).

3) ISKCON, Bangalore: Sri Radha Krishna Temple is the largest ISKCON temple in the world. On Krishna Janmashtami the entire complex is painted and decorated with lights and all Hindu Bhaktas flock here for this celebration.

4) ISKCON Temple, Delhi – Beautifully made of red stand-stone it is called Radha Radhikaraman Krishna Balrama Temple this temple has an art gallery and digital shows on the life off Lord Krishna. A very interesting place deserving your visit.

5) ISKCON, Hyderabad – This Radha Madanmohan Temple is the headquarters of ISKCON in Sothern India and conducts many cultural programs.

6) ISKCON, Mumbai – Famous for its light and floral decoration on Janmashtami celebration this Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari Temple is a soulful place if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. 

7) ISKCON, Noida – This towering red sand-stone building is known as Sri Radha Govind Mandir and is very popular as a tourist attraction.

8) ISKCON, Pune – The temple of Radha Vrindavanchandra is made in white stone and looks adorable when decorated with lights on Diwali and Janmashtami. Do visit.

9) ISKCON, Ahmadabad – This shrine is known as Sri Sri Radha Govind Dham and is beautified with exceptional floral decorations and conducts cultural activities during Janmashtami.

10) ISKCON, Jaipur – A beautiful temple made with white marble has a majestic Krishna statue and its architecture radiates royal charm. Popularly known as Giridhari Dauji Temple.

Plan a trip to one of these beautiful temples during the month of August to witness a spectacular celebration of Janmashtami.