If you are looking for a spiritual and serene destination in Kanpur, then you should not miss the ISKCON Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. The temple is a part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which is a global movement that promotes the teachings and practices of Vaishnavism, a branch of Hinduism that worships Krishna as the supreme personality of Godhead.
The ISKCON Temple Kanpur is one of the most beautiful and well-maintained temples in the city, and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Here, you can experience the blissful atmosphere of devotion, chant the holy names of Krishna, participate in the daily rituals and festivals, and relish the delicious prasadam (sanctified food) offered to the deities. Whether you are a follower of Krishna or not, you will surely feel the positive vibes and peace of mind at this temple.
History and Architecture of ISKCON Temple Kanpur
The ISKCON Temple Kanpur was established in 2009 by the efforts of the local devotees and the guidance of the senior ISKCON leaders. The temple is located in the heart of the city, on the main road of Bithoor, which is a historical and religious place associated with Lord Rama and his sons Luv and Kush.
The temple complex covers an area of about 2 acres, and consists of a main temple hall, a guest house, a restaurant, a gift shop, a library, and a garden. The temple hall is the main attraction of the complex, where the magnificent idols of Radha-Krishna, Gaura-Nitai, and Jagannath-Baladeva-Subhadra are installed on a marble altar. The temple hall is adorned with beautiful paintings, sculptures, chandeliers, and curtains, and has a spacious seating area for the visitors.
The temple hall also has a large LED screen that displays the live darshan (viewing) of the deities from other ISKCON temples around the world. The temple architecture is a blend of traditional and modern styles, and reflects the glory and grace of the Lord.
Festivals and Celebrations at ISKCON Temple Kanpur
One of the best ways to experience the joy and devotion at the ISKCON Temple Kanpur is to visit it during the festivals and celebrations that are held throughout the year. The temple celebrates all the major festivals related to Lord Krishna and his incarnations, such as Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Ram Navami, Narsingh Chaturdashi, Gaura Purnima, and Ratha Yatra. During these festivals, the temple is decorated with flowers, lights, and banners, and the deities are dressed in colorful and ornate outfits. The temple also organizes various cultural and spiritual programs, such as kirtans (musical chanting), bhajans (devotional songs), dances, dramas, lectures, and quizzes, that showcase the pastimes and teachings of Lord Krishna. The highlight of the festivals is the abhishek (bathing) ceremony, where the deities are bathed with milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and other auspicious substances, and the maha aarti (grand worship), where the deities are offered lamps, incense, flowers, and fruits. The temple also distributes free prasadam to all the visitors, which is prepared with love and devotion by the temple cooks.
Facilities and Services at ISKCON Temple Kanpur
The ISKCON Temple Kanpur offers various facilities and services to the visitors, to make their visit comfortable and memorable. Some of the facilities and services are:
Timings and Entry Fee: The temple is open from 4:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm every day. The entry to the temple is free of cost, and anyone can visit the temple regardless of their caste, creed, or religion.
Accommodation and Dining: The temple has a guest house, where the visitors can stay for a nominal charge. The guest house has 20 rooms, with attached bathrooms, air conditioners, and televisions. The guest house also has a conference hall, a dining hall, and a kitchen. The temple also has a restaurant, called Govinda’s, where the visitors can enjoy vegetarian and sattvic (pure) food at reasonable prices. The restaurant serves Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines, and also has a bakery and a juice bar.
Other Facilities and Services: The temple also has a gift shop, where the visitors can buy books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, posters, paintings, idols, clothes, jewelry, and other items related to Lord Krishna and ISKCON. The temple also has a library, where the visitors can read and borrow books on spirituality, philosophy, and culture. The temple also offers various courses and workshops on Bhagavad Gita, Bhakti Yoga, Vedic Astrology, Ayurveda, and other topics, for the benefit of the visitors. The temple also organizes outreach programs, such as food distribution, medical camps, cow protection, environmental awareness, and social service, for the welfare of the society.
How to Reach ISKCON Temple Kanpur
The ISKCON Temple Kanpur is easily accessible by various modes of transport from different parts of the city and the country. Some of the ways to reach the temple are:
By Road:
The temple is located on the main road of Bithoor, which is about 15 km from the city center. The temple is well-connected by buses, taxis, autos, and rickshaws from the city. The nearest bus stand is the Jhakarkati Bus Stand, which is about 12 km from the temple. The fare for an auto or a rickshaw from the bus stand to the temple is around Rs. 100 to Rs. 150. The temple also has a parking facility for the visitors who come by their own vehicles.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is the Kalyanpur Railway Station, which is about 5 km from the temple. The temple is also close to the Kanpur Central Railway Station, which is about 14 km from the temple. The fare for an auto from the railway station to the temple is around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100. The temple also provides a free pick-up and drop service for the visitors who book their accommodation in advance.
By Air:
The nearest airport is the Kanpur Airport, which is about 25 km from the temple. The temple is also reachable from the Lucknow Airport, which is about 90 km from the temple. The fare for a taxi from the airport to the temple is around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000. The temple also arranges a cab service for the visitors who request it in advance.
Tips and Suggestions for Visiting ISKCON Temple Kanpur
To make your visit to the ISKCON Temple Kanpur more enjoyable and fruitful, here are some tips and suggestions that you should keep in mind:
Dress code:
The temple follows a strict dress code for the visitors, and expects them to wear modest and decent clothes. The visitors should avoid wearing shorts, skirts, jeans, t-shirts, or any other revealing or tight-fitting clothes. The visitors should also cover their heads with a scarf or a cap, and remove their shoes before entering the temple hall.
Photography policy:
The temple allows photography and videography inside the temple complex, but not inside the temple hall. The visitors should respect the sanctity of the temple and the privacy of the devotees, and avoid taking pictures or videos of the deities or the rituals. The visitors should also refrain from using flash or loud noises while taking pictures or videos.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit the temple is during the morning or evening hours, when the temple is less crowded and more peaceful. The visitors can also witness the mangala aarti (morning worship) at 4:30 am, or the sandhya aarti (evening worship) at 7:00 pm, which are the most auspicious and beautiful times to see the deities. The visitors can also visit the temple during the festivals and celebrations, which are held throughout the year, and experience the festive mood and spirit of the temple.
Nearby attractions
The temple is located in the vicinity of many other attractions and places of interest, that the visitors can explore after visiting the temple. Some of the nearby attractions are:
Bithoor:
Bithoor is a historical and religious place, where Lord Rama spent some time with his wife Sita and his sons Luv and Kush. Bithoor is also the birthplace of the famous freedom fighter Nana Sahib, who fought against the British in the 1857 revolt. Bithoor has many temples, ghats, and monuments, that reflect the rich heritage and culture of the place.
Allen Forest Zoo:
Allen Forest Zoo is one of the largest and oldest zoos in India, and is home to a variety of animals, birds, and reptiles. The zoo is spread over an area of 190 acres, and has a natural forest, a lake, an aquarium, and a botanical garden. The zoo is a popular destination for families, children, and nature lovers, who can enjoy the wildlife and the scenic beauty of the place.
Moti Jheel:
Moti Jheel is a beautiful lake and park, that is located in the center of the city. The lake is surrounded by gardens, fountains, and statues, and offers a relaxing and refreshing environment for the visitors. The lake also has boating facilities, and a children’s play area. The lake is a perfect place to enjoy a picnic, a boat ride, or a leisurely walk.
Moti Jheel Park:
Moti Jheel Park is a large and well-maintained park, that is adjacent to the lake. The park has a musical fountain, a toy train, a skating rink, and a mini golf course. The park is a fun and recreational spot for people of all ages, who can indulge in various activities and games.
Kanpur Memorial Church:
Kanpur Memorial Church is a historical and architectural landmark, that was built by the British in 1875. The church is also known as the All Souls’ Cathedral, and is dedicated to the British soldiers who died in the 1857 revolt. The church has a Gothic style of architecture, and has a red brick exterior, a clock tower, and stained glass windows. The church also has a memorial garden, where the graves and statues of the martyrs are located.
Kanpur Museum:
Kanpur Museum is a museum that showcases the history and culture of Kanpur and its surroundings. The museum has various galleries, such as the Freedom Struggle Gallery, the Archaeology Gallery, the Natural History Gallery, and the Art Gallery. The museum displays various artifacts, paintings, sculptures, coins, weapons, and documents, that depict the historical and cultural aspects of the region. The museum is a must-visit for history buffs and art lovers, who can learn more about the past and present of Kanpur.
Green Park Stadium:
Green Park Stadium is a cricket stadium that is located in the Civil Lines area of Kanpur. The stadium is one of the oldest and largest cricket stadiums in India, and has hosted many international and domestic matches. The stadium has a seating capacity of 60,000 spectators, and has a lush green outfield, a modern pavilion, and a digital scoreboard. The stadium is a popular venue for cricket fans, who can enjoy the thrill and excitement of watching live cricket matches.
Nana Rao Park:
Nana Rao Park is a public park that is situated in the Mall Road area of Kanpur. The park is named after Nana Rao Peshwa, who was one of the leaders of the 1857 revolt. The park has a statue of Nana Rao, and a memorial pillar that commemorates the martyrs of the revolt. The park also has a fountain, a pond, a playground, and a jogging track. The park is a peaceful and relaxing place, where the visitors can enjoy the greenery and the fresh air.
The ISKCON Temple Kanpur is a divine abode of Lord Krishna, where you can experience the bliss and beauty of his presence. The temple is a spiritual and cultural hub, where you can learn more about the philosophy and practices of Vaishnavism, and participate in the various festivals and celebrations that are held throughout the year.
The temple is also a tourist attraction, where you can admire the architecture and art of the temple, and enjoy the facilities and services that are offered by the temple. The temple is also a convenient and comfortable destination, where you can easily reach by various modes of transport, and stay at the guest house or the nearby hotels.
The temple is also a gateway to explore the other attractions and places of interest in Kanpur, which are rich in history and heritage. The ISKCON Temple Kanpur is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the love and grace of Lord Krishna, and the joy and peace of mind that he bestows.
