ISKCON Temples in India List: History, Architecture, Location

ISKCON is a Hindu religious organization with temples established across India as well as abroad. The full form of ISKCON is The International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Also called the Hare Krishna or Hari Krishna movement, the organization follows the line of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a monotheistic tradition within the Hindu culture. The beautiful ISKCON Temples in India spread across the county serve as great attractions for devotees and travellers who want some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Want to know more about the ISKCON movement? This blog has everything you should know about the organization, including its history, architecture, core beliefs, 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

History: ISKCON

Iskon was founded by Abhaya Caranaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami (born Abhay Charan De) in New York City, USA, in the year 1966. He is considered the spiritual guru of the organization. ISKCON was founded to encourage the practice of Bhakti Yoga or Krishna Consciousness. The members of ISKCON dedicate their words and deeds towards pleasing Lord Krishna, whom they consider to be the Supreme One. ISKCON full form is The International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

ISKCON: Today

In the last 53 years, the organization has opened hundreds of temples, centres, and rural communities across the world. ISKCON has also established over a hundred vegetarian restaurants, several local meeting groups, and some community projects including free food distribution programs (Food for Life Project) and eco-villages, to mention a few. They also founded a scientific research branch in 1976, named Bhaktivedanta Institute (BI), which encourages the study of the origin of life and nature by making use of Vedic insights.

Major ISKCON Temples in India

ISKCON has a huge following of devotees in India. Several cities and towns have elaborately designed temples where Lord Krishna is worshipp and glorified. Here is a list of the major ISKCON temples in India:

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6 Popular Temples in India

ISKCON Trust has 150+ temples and centres in India. Here are 6 popular ISKCON temples in India are:

1. Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, New Delhi
2. Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir of the Vedic Planetarium, Mayapur
3. Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Vrindavan
4. Radha Krishna Mandir, Chennai
5. Sri Gaura Radha Gokulananda Temple, Salem
6. Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir, Siliguri

Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

The Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir is a prominent temple located in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India. Constructed in 1975, the temple is dedicat to Lord Krishna and his brother Balaram. It is also known as the ISKCON Vrindavan temple, as it is manag by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

The temple complex is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Krishna and attracts visitors from around the world. The main deities worshipped in the temple are Lord Krishna and Balaram, and their beautifully adorned idols are the focal point of the temple’s sanctum.

The architecture of the Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir is distinctive, featuring a blend of traditional Indian temple design and modern elements. The temple premises also include a guesthouse, a museum, and a bakery that serves vegetarian food in adherence to the principles of the ISKCON movement.

Devotees and tourists often participate in the temple’s activities, including daily rituals, bhajans (devotional songs), and lectures on spiritual topics. The serene surroundings of Vrindavan, coupled with the spiritual atmosphere of the temple, make it a serene and sacred place for those seeking spiritual solace and connection with Lord Krishna.

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

Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, New Delhi

The Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, commonly known as the ISKCON Delhi temple, is a well-known Hindu temple located in New Delhi, India. Managed by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha.

Built in 1998, the temple’s architecture is inspired by traditional Vedic design, and its central deities are Lord Krishna and Radha Parthasarathi. The main shrine houses beautifully adorned idols of the divine couple, attracting devotees and visitors from different parts of the world.

The temple complex includes other facilities such as a multimedia museum, a Vedic cultural center, and a vegetarian restaurant that adheres to the principles of the ISKCON movement. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a hub for spiritual and cultural activities, hosting events, festivals, and educational programs.

Devotees often participate in the temple’s daily rituals, congregational chanting (sankirtan), and spiritual discourses. The serene ambiance of the temple provides a peaceful retreat for those seeking spiritual solace in the bustling city of New Delhi. The Radha Parthasarathi Mandir stands as a significant landmark and cultural center, promoting the teachings of Lord Krishna and the practice of devotional service.

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

Radha Krishna Mandir, Chennai

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

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

Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir of the Vedic Planetarium, West Bengal

The ISKCON Temple of the Vedic Planetarium at Mayapur is set to be completed in 2024. The temple complex is spread at 425,000 square feet and the height of the temple is 340 feet. The major investor is Alfred B. Ford, the great-grandson of Henry Ford and the cost to build the temple is approx. $75 million. The complex has a planetarium showcasing exhibitions about the Vedic arts, sciences, 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

 Sri Gaura Radha Gukulananda Temple, Salem, Tamil Nadu

Sri Gaura Radha Gukulananda Temple of Vedic Knowledge and Culture. Built on 4.5 acres of land, the temple is one of the Radha Krishna temples in Tamil Nadu. It was formally inaugurat in October 2019.

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

Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir, Siliguri, West Bengal

Sri Sri Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir is locat at Siliguri, West Bengal and is known as Gupta Nabadweep Dham. The entire temple complex is alluring and draws a large number of devotees from all over the state as well as different parts of the country.

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

ISKCON Centres Worldwide

ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, has a global presence with centers in over 150 countries worldwide. Across different continents, there are 135 ISKCON centers in Europe, 80 in Asia, 10 in Australia, 68 in North America, 60 in South America, and 69 in Africa.

Architecture of ISKCON Temples

The architecture of ISKCON temples, both in India and abroad, often reflects a blend of neo-Vedic and traditional styles. Notably, the temple in Spanish Fork, United States, mirrors a 15th-century Indian palace with intricate arches, verandas, and columns. In West Virginia, the temple, often dubbed the Taj of America, boasts a magnificent gold dome. Many ISKCON temples in India also embrace classic architectural designs.

Core Beliefs of ISKCON

The core beliefs of ISKCON align with the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, a religious movement rooted in India since the late 15th century. Within the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition, ISKCON represents the largest branch. Bhaktivedanta Swami, the founder-guru, introduced this tradition to the Western world, disseminating its teachings through translations and writings on Hindu scriptures like the Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavad Gita, and Chaitanya Charitamrita, now considered ISKCON’s scriptures, available in numerous languages.

ISKCON theology venerates Lord Krishna as the ultimate deity and the source of all divine avatars. Radha is recogniz as Krishna’s divine consort and the embodiment of divine love.

Preaching plays a significant role in the ISKCON movement. Adherents propagate awareness about Lord Krishna through the singing of Hari Krishna songs and mantras in public spaces and the distribution of books authored by the founder-guru. These activities, known as Sankirtan within the organization, form a crucial element of ISKCON’s outreach efforts.

Festivals to Observe in ISKCON Temples

1. Janmashtami

Janmashtami is one of the biggest events of the year at Iskcon. It is the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. Celebrations include performances of music, dance, and drama. On this day, recitations of verses from the holy books, Bhagavata Purana and Bhagavad Gita, are also organised and some people observe fast throughout the day.

2. Rath Yatra Festival

The Rath Yatra festival is the main event in Puri, India. During this festival, the Deities of Jagannath (Lord of the universe), Baladev (Krishna’s brother), and Subhadra (Krishna’s sister) are taken out on three giant (Rath) chariots specially construct for the parade.

According to the scriptures, the deities during the Yatra represent the childhood of Lord Krishna and his playful pastimes. When devotees pull the ropes of the cart, it symbolizes the pulling of the Lord into our hearts. In the late 1960s, Swami Prabhupada or Srila Prabhupada inaugurated this event in North America. The festival is now celebrat in every major city around the world, including New York, Sydney, London, Paris, and Durban. In Los Angeles, more than 50,000 people take part in the Rath Yatra, pulling three giant 40-foot-tall chariots.

3. Diwali

Diwali, or the Festival of Lights marks the return of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Krishna, to his kingdom of Ayodhya, after his defeat of the evil king Ravana. Rama was welcom by all the citizens who lit lamps illuminating the sky for his joyous return. It also marks a day during Lord Krishna’s advent when He dispatched the demoniac Narakasura.

Diwali thus signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival also symbolizes a time for spiritual renewal by lighting a lamp within our hearts for spiritual enlightenment and by welcoming the Lord into our lives. The festival is often celebrat with elaborate firework displays, lighting Diwali lamps and feasting.

4. Holi

Holi is the festival of colours and is celebrat with zeal. It is also connect with a special pastime of Lord Krishna where he and his devotees playfully sprayed each other with coloured water. Holi draws tens of thousands to ISKCON temples for a day of music, dance, feasting, and throwing of colours.

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Lesser-known Facts about ISKCON Temples

• The ISKCON temple in Bangalore is tout to be the largest ISKCON complex in the world. It features a gold-plated flag post that is 56 feet high.
• The ISKCON temple in Delhi is known for its Bhagavad Gita Animatronics, Mahabharata Light and Sound Show, and Ramayana Art Gallery.
• The ISKCON temple in Delhi also houses the Astounding Bhagavad Gita, which is arguably the largest religious book ever print. The book weighs over 800 kilograms.
• George Harrison, one of the members of the Beatles, was a follower of the Krishna Consciousness. He is believ to have provided financial support to the ISKCON temple in the UK.
• Abhaya Caranaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami, the founder of ISKCON, was a family man running a small pharmaceutical business before he renounced worldly pleasures and took the religious path.

The ISKCON temples serve as major tourist places in most cities across India. Whether you follow the religious beliefs propagated by the organization or not, you can always walk into these elaborate temples and immerse yourself in the spiritual vibe, architectural grandeur, and serenity of the place. So next time you are in any of these cities, don’t forget to include the ISKCON temple in your itinerary.