ISKCON Temple

Overview

The ISKCON Temple in Delhi was built in the year 1998. Located on the Hari Krishna Hill in the East of Kailash Area, it happens to be one of the most lavish temples in the capital.

About The Temple

The ISKCON temple, also popular as Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, is devoted to the worship of Lord Krishna and Radharani. The temple houses the idols of Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi, Sita Rama Laxman Hanuman and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. The temple is located in the East Kailash region of the capital on the hilltop of Hare Krishna Hills. The temple has been an outcome of the popular 'Hare Krishna' movement. It was constructed in 1993 by Achyut Kanvinde and inaugurated in the year of 1998 by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister of India on the occasion of Sri Ram Navami. The temple is a significant structure, with 90-foot-high 'shikharas'. The walls of the temple have been decorated with the works of artists from Russia. The paintings portray different scenes from the lives of deities like Lord Krishan and Radha, and Lord Ram and Sita. The lessons from religious epics of the Hindu religion are demonstrated to attract more visitors to the holy place. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) follows strict line of worship in the Vaishnava tradition, in order to provide a dedicated service to the Lord at the temple. Twenty four priests are assigned the task of carrying out essential prayers and services. The deities are dressed twice a day. The daily routine includes six aartis offered to the deities, namely Mangala Aarti, Darshan Aarti, Raj Bhog Aarti, Usthapana Aarti, Sandhya Aarti, and Shyana Aarti. The devotees are offered 'bhoga ka prasad' after the prayers to the deities are completed. The temple echoes with the sounds of the devotees enchanting the Maha Mantra:

Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

An entry to the Iskcon Delhi is a quiet escape from the bustles of the city. You can find here solace, serenity, satisfaction and can meet yourself on a higher dimension. Sitting amongst Lord Krishna and his devotees with Hare Krishna Hare Rama chants going around, is indeed an experience of a lifetime. But for those who are seeking more, there is so much to learn and see, than what meets the eye and soul. Spend a few minutes in the sanctum sanctorum, beholding the divine marble effigies of Krishna, playing the idiosyncratic flute, beside Radha. Try to visit the Iskcon temple on Sunday afternoons, and you will be overwhelmed to be a part of the kirtan, aarti, pravachan and prasadam, that continue till evening. If interesting legends of mythology and their scientific relevance fascinate you, then remember to visit the ISKCON museum, ensconced on two floors of the temple building. Pinned to a common goal to present Indian history in an interactive manner, the temple authority has taken initiatives to organise a light and sight show garnished with life-like figures of Hindu mythology that makes a huge impact on the audience. Portraying the best of science and religion, the exhibition is a must see for every visitor. Stroll in the ground floor and one can see beautiful motifs that bring the forlorn preaching of Bhagwat Gita, back to life. As one climbs higher, the whole backdrop changes to that of Ramayana and Mahabharata stories.

Festivals

The temple celebrates the festivals of Gaura Purnima, Rama Navami, Sri Krishna Janmastami, Radhastami, and Govardhan Puja with great fervour in the presence of devotees from different parts of the country and abroad.

Arti/Pooja/seva

Morning Prayer time: 4.30 am, 7.15 am, 7.45 am
Evening Prayer time: 12.30 pm, 7.00 pm, 7.45 pm

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the temple is at the time of Aarti when the melodious chants and euphonious rhythm of the drums captivate your senses bringing you closer to God.

Temple Address

Hare Krishna Hill,
Sant Nagar, East of Kailash,
New Delhi