Copy Link
Founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966, the ISKCON Temples are a name to reckon with. Going beyond the stereotypical role of temples as places of worship, an ISKCON mandir, no matter where it is, is an instrument of culture, tradition, and experiences. Not only they have communal events, initiatives, but also some of the most beautiful temple complexes. All of the major cities in the country have their ISKCON temple, and many international ones do to.
Here are 6 ISKCON Temples you must visit once
1. Sri Mayapura Chandrodaya Temple, Mayapur, West Bengal
This ISKCON temple in India is a massive temple complex that is still under construction but is already considered one of the, if not the most important ISKCON mandir in the world. It's also known as the Vedic Planetarium due to its educational exhibits and immersive experiences showcasing Vedic culture and history. Once completed this ISKCON temple will be the largest religious monument in the world.
The main altar of this ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple has a life-size Radha Madhav, surrounded by Ashta-sakhis. Madhava (Krishna) stands in a flute-playing posture, and Radha stands on his left.
Where: Chandrodaya Mandir, ISKCON, Mayapur, West Bengal 741313
2. Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
ISKCON Vrindavan, also called Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, is one of the major ISKCON temples in the world. It is a Gaudiya Vaishnava temple located in the city of Vrindavan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. The most interesting part about this ISKCON temple is that it is not just a Radha Krishna ISKCON Temple but also features the brothers Krishna and Balarama together. On the right altar is Radha Krishna as Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar with the gopis Lalita and Vishakha. On the left altar are Chaitanya Mahaprabhu with Nityananda, and ISKCON founder A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and his guru Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati.
Where: Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Raman Reiti, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
3. Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, New Delhi
Located in the heart of the capital, this ISKCON temple is known for its vibrant cultural programs and educational activities. Inaugurated by the former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, this ISKCON temple is one of the first Radha Krishna ISKCON temples in the country.
Designed to mimic the feeling of being in Vrindavan, this ISKCON temple was conceived after a lot of legal hurdles, and years later it has transformed itself into a centre for learning, and cultivation and preservation of arts, often giving performers from all over the world to showcase their skills at the stage of the ISKCON mandir.
Where: Hare Krishna Hills, East of Kailash, Sant Nagar, South Delhi- 110065
4. Radha Krishna Mandir, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
This is the largest Radha Krishna ISKCON Temple in Tamil Nadu and a popular pilgrimage site. This ISKCON mandir complex also houses a Vedic cultural centre and an educational institution. The deities worshipped in this ISKCON mandir include those of Radha Krishna, Lalita, Vishaka, Jagannath, Baladev, Subhadra, and Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga. These deities in the ISKCON Temple, Chennai have been sourced from Jaipur and Orissa. Designed under the guidance of Sri Bhanu Swami, this Radha Krishna ISKCON Temple has imbibed various attributes from Vedic scripture and is inspired by the Pallava and Kalinga architecture.
5.Sri Gaura Radha Gukulananda Temple, Salem, Tamil Nadu
This ISKCON temple, which is still in construction, is known for its unique architectural design that features traditional South Indian temple styles. It'll also be home to a large Gopal Goshala and an organic farm. This ISKCON mandir will also be home to a gurukul, and one of the alters features Balagopala, while others feature Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, and Sri Sri Radha Gokulanand. Touted to the be one of the biggest Radha Krishna ISKCON temples in the country, this will surely be the one to watch.
Where: Hare Krishna Land, Vellakalpatti, Karuppur, Salem, Tamil Nadu 636012
6. Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir, Siliguri, West Bengal
This ISKCON temple is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Shri Shri Radha Madhava Sundar ISKCON Temple at Siliguri is one of the largest religious places dedicated to Lord Krishna. There are many Beautiful idols of Lord Narasimha, and Advaita Acharya placed in the temple. Apart from that, the gardens and the pond of this ISKCON mandir also have idols that will take your breath away. This ISKCON Temple in India also runs a children’s education program, that lets the younger generation learn better about the cultural nuances.
Where: Iskcon Rd, Ward 40, Gitalpara, Siliguri, West Bengal 734006
Photo: Shutterstock