A place of great spiritual significance

Welcome to the ISKCON Temple, a must-see attraction for tourists seeking spiritual experience. As one of the city's most revered sites, this temple welcomes over one million devotees each year - offering visitors from all backgrounds an enriching and meaningful visit. Steeped in history and dedicated to spreading Lord Krishna's teachings, its offerings provide visitors with an unforgettable experience that transcends religion.

First ever ISKCON Temple in India

Established by Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada on Albert Road in August 1970, the ISKCON Temple stands as India's inaugural centre of ISKCON. Dedication services began for the temple in May 1971, marking prayers and devotional practices at its doors. Locals responded enthusiastically when its inaugural Rath Yatra began on July 12, 1972 - something no other ISKCON temple could match!

Know more about its founder

A trip to ISKCON temple provides visitors with an opportunity to witness Srila Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON. His personal room can still be seen next to the temple hall and contains his belongings such as typewriters, dictating machines, Srimad Bhagavatam books, and photos of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati; such items provide insight into his life and legacy while forging deeper ties to his teachings.

Where devotees seek spiritual solace

At ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple (or Sri Sri Radha Govind Mandir), devotees can find spiritual solace. Unlike religious institutions that restrict membership by faith or denominational boundaries, this temple welcomes all who wish to learn more about Lord Krishna and His teachings.

Timings

Opening time - 04:30 AM – 01:00 PM and 04:00 PM – 08:30 PM

Spreading Lord Krishna's teachings

In 1966, when A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada established ISKCON in New York it marked a landmark event in spreading his teachings globally. ISKCON became an international movement rooted in Bhagavat Purana and Bhagavad Gita. Today it continues to provide guidance for individuals to live a life of devotion while finding solace despite modern life's chaos.

Celebrated festivals for unforgettable joy

Participating in ISKCON Temple celebrations is an enjoyable way to experience its rich culture and spirituality. Here are a few notable festivals you should plan to experience on your visit:

Janmashtami: Celebrated with great pomp and energy, Janmashtami commemorates Lord Krishna's appearance in Vrindavan approximately 5,000 years ago. Festivities kick off early with Mangal Aarti prayer followed by worshipers flocking to temples throughout the day to receive darshan (sacred viewing), with melodious Kirtan/Bhajan singing filling the air, along with offering of 108 food items specially prepared for Him; exquisite idols wearing vibrant clothing and jewellery make their impression felt upon all who witness them.

Ramnavami: On this auspicious day, devotees commemorate the appearance of Lord Rama, King of Ayodhya. Idols of Lord Krishna and Balram are dressed up like Lord Rama and Lakshmana with bows and arrows while Goddess Radha wears Sita garb to represent her counterparts - while the epic Ramayana tale is recounted to allow believers to discover its timeless wisdom contained within its verses.

Radhashtami: This joyful festival celebrates Goddess Radha, Lord Krishna's greatest devotee and Queen of Vrindavan. Devotees offer prayers, flowers and garlands in her honour in hopes of receiving her blessings and serving both her and Lord Krishna through devotional practices.

Chandan Yatra: India's summer heat brings Chandan Yatra - a celebration where temple deities are coated with sandalwood paste for 21 days to protect them from overheating. On its final day, these deities are then taken on procession to their respective ponds where they are placed into boats to create an impressive sight.

Jhulan Yatra: Also known as the swing festival, Jhulan Yatra recreates Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha's leisurely and romantic moments during their monsoon stay in Vrindavan during the monsoon season. Spanning five days during Shravan month in the Hindu calendar year, devotees can experience divine love between these deities through beautifully decorated swings featuring their idols on them - providing devotees a taste of how much Radha and Krishna love one another!

Kartik Masa (or Damodar Masa in Hindi) is an auspicious month in the Hindu calendar that runs between October and November. Devotees participate in various devotional activities during this month, such as chanting mantras, lighting ghee lamps, offering flowers, fruits and sweets as offerings, worshipping Tulasi Plant and performing acts of charity; it is believed these acts of devotion will please Lord Krishna immensely.

Geeta Jayanti: Geeta Jayanti commemorates the day when Lord Krishna first revealed the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, as it forms the cornerstone of Krishna Consciousness. Held every year on 11th day of Margashirsha or Shukla Ekadashi of Hindu month Geeta Jayanti serves as an ongoing reminder of Lord Krishna's timeless guidance from this sacred scripture.

Explore ISKCON Kolkata

Beyond offering spiritual services, ISKCON Kolkata also provides guided tours that allow visitors to discover more of its rich spiritual history.

Start on a spiritual adventure to Mayapur, an idyllic destination located on Antardweep Island approximately 130 kilometres from Mumbai's city centre. Mayapur holds immense significance as the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu - founder of the Hare Krishna movement - who established ISKCON Mayapur campus with its splendid architectural structures that welcome you to discover its divine essence.

Discover Srila Prabhupada through ISKCON Kolkata Tour. This guided tour takes visitors to key places associated with his life, providing greater understanding. Visit Kolkata Dham, his place of birth under a Jackfruit tree; Motilal Seal School where he studied; and Scottish Church College (SCC), his educational establishment of choice.

As soon as you step through the doors of ISKCON Temple, prepare yourself for an extraordinary spiritual experience that transcends religious barriers and provides solace for seekers from all backgrounds. Experience its divine atmosphere, participate in exciting festivals, and discover Lord Krishna's teachings - which will empower you to lead a harmonious and fulfilling life!