History of ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Delhi, also known as as the Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi More
History of ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Delhi, also known as as the Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir or Hare Rama Hare Krishna temple, stands as a renowned Vaishnav temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radharani in the form of Radha Parthasarathi.
Built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), this temple was designed as an embodiment of the architectural heritage of India, blending modern aesthetics with traditional charm. ISKCON started humbly as a Hare Krishna Movement with kirtans and book distributions by a 69-year-old devotee, Srila Prabhupada. The ISKCON Delhi temple was inaugurated in 1998.
ISKCON’s Presence in Delhi NCR
This temple is a spiritual landmark in the capital built on the Hare Krishna Hills in East of Kailash, South Delhi. ISKCON has also built temples in Chattarpur, Punjabi Bagh, Mahipalpur and Noida in the Delhi/ NCR region. Each temple radiates a unique spiritual aura, allowing devotees to connect with the divine in their preferred vicinity.
Ongoing Activities at ISKCON
The temple hosts daily rituals like:
* Mangala Arati from 4:30 am
* Japa (Mantra) Meditation from 5:15 am
* Darshan Arati from 7:15 am
* Guru Puja from 7:30 am
* Srimad Bhagavatam Discourse from 8:00 am
* Raj Bhog Arati from 12:30 pm
* Usthapana Arati from 4:15 pm
* Sandhya Arati from 7:00 pm
* Bhagavad Gita Discourse from 8:00 pm
* Sayana Arati from 8:30 pm
* And the closure of Temple Hall at 9:00 pm
Additionally, the temple offers enriching sessions on Vedic philosophy and conducts spiritual discourses by renowned speakers, inspiring individuals on their spiritual journey.
Apart from these regular events, it has various amenities such as the EXPO auditorium, marriage hall, as well as Gift shops and libraries of devotional music CDs and books.
Govinda’s, a family restaurant
Govinda’s restaurant is an initiative by ISKCON. This is one of the prominent names of Sri Krishna, which means “he who gives pleasure to the senses”. Prasad, or the remnants of the foodstuffs offered to Lord Krishna, is served at Govinda’s. The menu is strictly vegetarian and meticulously prepared.
The Govinda’s Restaurant is one of more than 150 ISKCON Restaurants worldwide that promote pure vegetarianism by serving delicious Prasad — a convenient and much-appreciated dining facility within the temple premises.
Apart from the mouthwatering food ISKCON also offers some delicious snacks and bakery items at their sweet & snack shop.
How to reach ISKCON New Delhi
ISKCON East Of Kailash is easily accessible, located on the busy Raja Dhirsain Marg. Those travelling by the Metro can alight at the Nehru Place Metro Station or Kailash Colony Metro Station and take a cab, autorickshaw or e-rickshaw to the temple. Alternatively, taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available for direct access to the temple premises.
If you plan to drive to the temple, the expansive parking area near the temple makes it convenient to park your vehicle. The spacious temple complex is flanked by the low Hare Krishna hills and a long stretch of green belt, that leads up to the busy business district of Nehru Place.
The best time to visit ISKCON
The best time to visit the ISKCON Temple in New Delhi is during the auspicious festival of Janmashtami, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Janmashtami typically falls in the month of August or September, according to the Hindu calendar. During this time, the temple comes alive with vibrant decorations, devotional music, and spiritual fervour, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience.
Apart from Janmashtami, devotees and visitors visit the temple throughout the year, to soak in the a serene and uplifting atmosphere for spiritual contemplation and worship.
Whether you are a devotee seeking solace, a spiritual enthusiast yearning for enlightenment, or a curious soul eager to explore the grandeur of Indian culture, the ISKCON Temples offer serene ambience, divine rituals, and awe-inspiring architecture — a world of solace away from the mundane and stressed life.
(All pictures are by Rahul Dang)
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