Last Updated on July 5, 2024 by Tariq
ISKCON has a sizable devotee base in India.
Many cities and towns have ornately built temples where Lord Krishna is revered and exalted.
The ISKCON temples are popular tourist destinations in the majority of Indian cities.
You can always enter these elaborate temples and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere, architectural magnificence, and tranquillity of the site, whether or not you adhere to the religious views promoted by the organization.
One such temple is the ISKCON temple in Bangalore, which boasts a 56-foot-tall, gold-plated flag post and is known as the largest ISKCON complex in the world.
ISKCON Temple Bangalore: An Overview
The ISKCON temple, situated in Bangalore, is a nonprofit association dedicated to spreading Krishna Consciousness via the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
History
The Karnataka Societies Registration Act of 1960 was used to register the society in 1978 and became operative in 1987.
The same year, the society’s leaders applied to the Bangalore Development Authority for land to build the temple.
On August 3, 1988, the ISKCON temple authorities were given a seven-acre mound with a massive rock in the center.
Because the land was unsuitable for development, a temporary temple premise was established there.
To solve this problem, Sri Jagat Chandra Dasa, an architect, collaborated with Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, a civil engineer who also served as president of the ISKCON Bangalore Society.
Together, they conceptualized stunning architecture for the temple.
Six hundred highly talented craftsmen labored nonstop for seven years to complete the ISKCON temple, which had been under construction since it started in full swing in 1990.
Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, the former president of India, inaugurated the ISKCON temple and cultural complex on May 31, 1997.
Architecture
The temple, built in the neoclassical style, combines traditional architecture with high-tech facilities.
The building of this magnificent shrine was designed by passionate devotees such as Madhu Pandit Dasa (President and Project Director) and Jagat Chandra Dasa, who blended traditional South Indian and contemporary architectural styles.
The intricate temple complex is separated into various divisions.
The magnificent temple architecture is worth witnessing since the celestial majesty cannot be expressed in words.
The lush green gardens on campus captivate the viewer.
The temple complex also includes an open amphitheater for festivals and concerts.
The main festival observed here is ‘Janmashtami,’ celebrated with great zeal and dedication.
The gold-plated flag post, which stands 17 meters tall, and the gilded Kalash Shikharas, which are 8.5 meters tall, are the temple’s most notable features.
The ISKCON temple is lavishly embellished with magnificent stone carvings.
Richly adorned arches and illuminated water jets lead to the lavishly decorated Rajagopuram (main shrine).
The beautiful Sri Sri Radha-Krishna idols can be found in the main shrine.
There are four more shrines in the temple in addition to the main one, each of which is dedicated to Sri Sri Krishna Balarama, Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Prahlada Narasimha, and Sri Srinivasa Govinda.
The three shrines, including the main one, are encircled by a massive hall of 10,000 square feet. The ceiling of the hall is decorated with beautiful artwork by Russian artists.
Festivals at ISKCON Temple Bangalore
Several festivals are celebrated with passion and joy on the ISKCON temple grounds.
The year begins with the festival of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Ratha Yatra, in which Lord Krishna and Balarama arrive in gorgeously adorned chariots to bless their worshippers.
ISKCON Bangalore hosts several festivals throughout the year, including Janmashtami, Rama Navami, Brahmotsavam, Ratha yatra, and Vaikuntha Ekadashi.
Activities at ISKCON Temple Bangalore
The temple administration organizes a variety of activities aimed at various demographics.
Cultural education workshops are held for children in grades V through IX to instill spirituality and Krishna Consciousness in them, while youth events are held for young adults along the same lines.
Similarly, Krishnashraya and Life Sublime are spiritual activities held in various venues, including homes, to help individuals connect with Krishna, the Supreme Lord.
Further protecting and giving improvement in living situations to cows, Lord Krishna’s favorite animal, is one of the significant aims of ISKCON.
ISKCON Temple is well-known for its engagement activities engaging passionate devotees of Lord Krishna.
Lectures and prayer services are also held regularly.
Furthermore, the ISKCON temple community participates in many activities to rediscover spirituality on an individual level and develop a spirit of harmony in the community.
ISKCON Temple Bangalore: Tips for Visiting
- The use of cigarettes, tobacco, and other intoxicants is strictly prohibited within the holy premises
- No photography is permitted inside the temple
- Take off your shoes before entering the premises
- Because it is a religious site, it is recommended to wear traditional attire
- Respect the local customs observed in the temple
ISKCON Temple in Bangalore: Image Gallery
(Source: ISKCON Temple Official Website)
ISKCON Temple in Bangalore: Timing
The timings of the ISKCON temple in Bangalore are as follows:
Monday to Friday,
- From 4:15 and 5:15 in the morning and 7:15 and 1:15 in the afternoon
- Then from 4:15 and 8:00 in the evening
Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays,
- From 7:15 AM to 8:30 PM
ISKCON Temple in Bangalore: Entry Fee
There is no entrance fee for guests at the ISKCON temple in Bangalore.
However, one can contribute to the temple’s maintenance by donating.
ISKCON Temple in Bangalore: Address
The address of the temple is:
ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Temple Hare Krishna Hill,
Chord Road, Rajajinagar,
Bengaluru – 560010, Karnataka, India.
Phone: 080 – 23471956
Email: connect@iskconbangalore.org
Website: https://www.iskconbangalore.org
How to Reach ISKCON Temple in Bangalore
The principal bus station, from which various city buses to this destination depart, is around 6-7 kilometers from the temple complex.
The walk to the temple from the Mahalakshmi layout metro station takes about five minutes.
The temple is approximately 33 kilometers from Bangalore International Airport and barely 2 kilometers from Yeshwantpur Railway Station.
FAQs
How many ISKCON temples are in Bangalore?
There are two ISKCON temples in Bangalore; one of them, the Sri Radha Krishna Temple, is located at Hare Krishna Hill in Rajaji Nagar.
What is the entry fee for ISKCON temple Bangalore?
No entry fee is charged to the devotees visiting the ISKCON Temple Bangalore.
How far is the ISKCON temple from Bangalore?
ISKCON Temple is about 10 KMs from MG Road, 6 KMs from the Majestic bus stand, and 33 KMs from the Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru.
What is the best time to visit ISKCON Temple Bangalore?
The Sri Krishna Balarama Ratha Yatra marking the beginning of the festival season, is the best time to visit the ISKCON Temple in Bangalore. Several other celebrations follow, including Ram Navami and Brahmostsav in April, Sri Nityananda Trayodashi in February, and Sri Gauri Purnima in March, among others.
