India, as a country, is known for its culture and rich heritage. ISKCON is a big part of the Sanatana dharma and has its reach in every corner of the world.
Iskcon teachings revolve around the history of India and what our Vedas teach us about life and its significance.
The ISKCON uses life-like models and multimedia to explain our ancient and medieval texts to everyone who visits the temple, such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and Bhagvat Gita.
Why is Iskcon Temple in Delhi famous?
Even though the world and society have changed and progressed, ISKCON Delhi has always stood its ground and mandated itself as a center of ancient knowledge and learning.
ISKCON is a global organization spreading its influence all over the world. You must visit the ISKCON temple, as it’s a hub for exploring the rich Hindu culture and religion. It always tries to instill interest and appreciation in the youth, so they too learn to appreciate the Vedic scriptures and much more.
The phenomenal Bhagavad Gita, considered the most significant religious text ever printed, is kept in the ISKCON temple in Delhi.
The weight of the book exceeds 800 kg. There are gift shops and a library where you can buy books, chanting beads, CDs, and more.
The temple’s museum is where visitors can see the epic sagas of Ramayana and Mahabharata, enriched by paintings and interactive media. An open-air theater at the temple welcomes international artists to perform episodes from Hindu sagas.
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Address, Timings, Aarti Schedule, and Ticket Price
Address: Sant Nagar, East of Kailash, New Delhi, Delhi 110065
Timings: The ISKCON temple is open all seven days of the week. The timings for the temple are 04:30 AM–01:00 PM and 04:00 PM–01:00 AM.
Aarti Schedule: Aarti Schedule: The schedule for Aarti varies as the temple starts its duties during the early morning hours. Mangala aarti starts at 4:30 am, and then other aarti and japanese sessions follow until 9:00 PM in the night.
Ticket Price: There is no entry fee to visit the ISKCON temple, but if there is a festival or event, then the temple does charge a nominal fee. It can vary from 50 to 100 rupees.
History of the ISKCON Temple in Delhi
ISKCON is a significant part of our country’s culture and religion. The history of the ISKCON temple is interesting and intriguing when properly understood.
The construction of the ISKCON Delhi was started by Achyut Kanvinde in 1993 and later officially inaugurated by the then PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Ram Navami was chosen as the day for its initiation, as it’s the birthday of Lord Rama (a Vishnu Avatar). It was considered a befitting day for the opening of the ISKCON temple.
ISKCON is known for its religious and spiritual devotees called Gaudiya Vashnavs. People from all over the country come to the temple to participate in cultural and religious activities during the various Hindu festivals celebrated there.
Iskcon welcomes everyone through its doors; it doesn’t matter what your faith is. Many buildings on the premises of the ISKCON temple consist of paintings and idols of Radha Rani and Lord Krishna.
As you enter the temple, you’ll be greeted by a fascinating museum showcasing unique artifacts. There is also a charming gift shop and delectable restaurants to eat pure vegetarian dishes.
ISKCON has a library where you’ll find books on Krishna consciousness and many other books on religion. You can also see depictions of the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the verses from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
The architectural style in which the ISKCON temple is built is contemporary, and the artistic glory is evident from its design and expenditure. The height of the temple reaches ninety feet, with the interior being exquisite and adorned with the deities of Radha-Krishna and Sita-Ram. Aside from Radha-Krishna, you can see several other perfectly sculpted statues of gods in the temple.
Those who visit the temple will feel peaceful and calm as they enter the ambiance of the main hall. Visitors will hear the chanting of the maha-mantra Hare Rama Hare Krishna by the devotees of Krishna consciousness. You can’t help but be bewitched by the beauty of the temple.
The Best Time to Visit the ISKCON Temple in Delhi
The ISKCON temple can be visited anytime or any day of the week; it is open all seven days. But if you want to come by the temple in its best moments, you should visit during the festivals. The two most celebrated festivals in ISKCON are Janmashtami and Rath Yatra.
Janmashtami: the birthday of Lord Krishna, is celebrated with thousands of devotees visiting the temple and offering food, flowers, and money.
Rath Yatra: also known as the chariot festival, is another big event celebrated at ISKCON.
It is recommended to visit the temple in the mornings when the weather is cool and there are fewer people. Stopping by on the weekdays is also a good consideration as it won’t be as crowded and you can easily pay your respects to Krishna. It is better to avoid peak hours or days of festivals, as the temple can get overcrowded and it isn’t easy to offer prayers. Remember to dress modestly, as ISKCON is a place of worship and spirituality. You should respect the rules and regulations.
How to reach the ISKCON Temple in Delhi
You can reach the temple by metro or car, although the metro will be more convenient as you can avoid the traffic. There are a few metro stations near the ISKCON Delhi temple.
- Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station
- Govind Puri Metro Station
- Kailash Colony Metro Station
- Ashram Metro Station
Metro Line to reach ISKCON Delhi
Violet Metro Line
From Nehru Place station, take the Violet line towards Escorts Mujesar, and the ride takes
10 to 15 minutes. You can either take an autorickshaw or walk across Kailash Colony Flyover Road. Iskcon Temple is about 1.5 km away from Kailash Colony Metro Station.
Take the violet line from Govind Puri station towards Kashmere Gate. The metro ride takes 20 minutes. Kalkaji Mandir is the starting point, and from there you can take an auto or rickshaw to Kailash Colony to ISKCON Temple.
Magenta Metro Line
Take the Magenta line from Kalkiji Mandir metro towards Janakpuri West; the ride will take 15 minutes, and from there, you can take an auto or rickshaw to reach the ISKCON temple through the flyover in Nehru Place.
Pink or violet Metro Line
If you’re taking the pink line, the starting point will be from the Ashram station, then the switch lines for Majlis Park and Nehru Place. You will have to change for the violet line, which will take you towards Escorts Mujesar station. You will reach Kailash Colony within 20 minutes, and then the rest of the journey can be completed by taking an auto to the ISKCON temple.
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