Are you looking for a spiritual and serene destination in Kanpur? Then you should definitely visit the JK Temple. This temple is one of the most beautiful and popular attractions in the city, and it offers a unique blend of ancient and modern architecture, culture, and spirituality. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the JK Temple Kanpur, such as its location, history, timings, entry fee, festivals, and more. Read on to discover why this temple is a must-visit place for anyone who loves art, culture, and religion.
Location
The JK Temple is located at Sarvodaya Nagar, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is about 7 km from the city center, and it can be easily reached by various modes of transport. The temple is situated in a peaceful and green area, surrounded by gardens and trees. Some of the nearby landmarks are the JK Park, the JK Auditorium, and the JK Hospital. You can see the map of the temple below:
History
The JK Temple was built in 1979 by the JK Trust, which is a charitable organization founded by the JK Group, one of the leading industrial conglomerates in India. The temple was designed by the famous architect Chandrakant Sompura, who also designed the Somnath Temple and the Akshardham Temple.
The temple was inaugurated by the then President of India, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy, on 15th August 1980. The temple is dedicated to five Hindu deities: Lord Shri Radhakrishna, Lord Shri Lakshminarayan, Lord Shri Ardhanarishwar, Lord Shri Parvati, and Lord Shri Hanuman. The temple is considered to be a symbol of harmony, unity, and diversity, as it showcases the different aspects of Hinduism in one place.
Architecture
The JK Temple is a masterpiece of modern architecture, with a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles. The temple has a rectangular shape, with a central hall called the mandapa, where the idols of the five deities are installed. The mandapa is surrounded by four cellars, where the devotees can sit and meditate. The temple is made of white marble, which gives it a radiant and elegant look. The temple has five domes, each representing one of the deities. The domes are adorned with intricate carvings and paintings, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple also has 60 pillars, each with a different design and motif. The temple is illuminated by natural and artificial lights, creating a mesmerizing effect.
Timings
The JK Temple is open every day from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The temple also performs aarti, which is a ritual of worship and devotion, at different times of the day. The aarti timings are as follows:
Entry fee
The JK Temple does not charge any entry fee for the visitors. The temple is open to all, irrespective of their faith, background, or nationality. The temple welcomes everyone with love and respect, and encourages them to experience the divine presence and bliss.
Facilities
The JK Temple provides various facilities for the convenience and comfort of the visitors. Some of the facilities are:
Food:
The temple has a canteen, where you can buy snacks, beverages, and prasad, which is the sacred food offered to the deities. The canteen serves vegetarian food only, and it is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Locker:
The temple has a locker facility, where you can store your belongings, such as bags, shoes, mobiles, etc. The locker facility is free of cost, and it is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Washroom:
The temple has clean and hygienic washrooms, where you can freshen up and use the toilet. The washrooms are separate for men and women, and they are open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Parking:
The temple has a spacious and secure parking area, where you can park your vehicles, such as cars, bikes, buses, etc. The parking facility is free of cost, and it is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Rules and regulations
The JK Temple expects the visitors to follow some rules and regulations, in order to maintain the sanctity and decorum of the temple. Some of the rules and regulations are:
Dress code: The visitors are advised to wear decent and modest clothes, covering their shoulders and knees. The visitors are also requested to remove their shoes, socks, and belts before entering the temple premises.
Photography: The visitors are allowed to take photos and videos of the temple, but they are not allowed to use flash or tripod. The visitors are also requested to respect the privacy and sentiments of the other devotees, and not to disturb them while taking photos or videos.
Mobile: The visitors are requested to switch off or silence their mobile phones, while inside the temple. The visitors are also requested to avoid making or receiving calls, or using any other electronic devices, while inside the temple.
Donation: The visitors are welcome to make donations to the temple, but they are not obliged to do so. The temple accepts donations in cash or kind, and they are used for the maintenance and development of the temple. The temple also issues receipts for the donations, and they are exempted from income tax.
Festivals
The JK Temple celebrates the festival of Janmashtami, which is the birthday of Lord Shri Krishna, with great fervor and enthusiasm. The festival falls on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada, which usually corresponds to August or September. The temple is decorated with flowers, lights, and flags, and the idols of the deities are adorned with new clothes and ornaments.
The temple also organizes various cultural and religious programs, such as bhajans, kirtans, dances, dramas, etc., to entertain and enlighten the devotees. The temple also offers free food and prasad to the devotees, and distributes gifts and sweets to the children. The highlight of the festival is the midnight aarti, which is performed at 12:00 am, when Lord Shri Krishna was born.
The devotees sing and chant the praises of the Lord, and offer him flowers, fruits, and milk. The temple also displays a musical fountain and laser light show, which depicts the life and teachings of Lord Shri Krishna. The festival attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country, and it is a sight to behold.
Musical fountain and laser light show
The JK Temple has a musical fountain and laser light show, which is a spectacular and unique attraction of the temple. The show is held every evening, from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, except on Mondays. The show features a combination of water, sound, and light, creating a mesmerizing and magical effect. The show also narrates the stories and messages of the deities, using colorful images and animations. The show is a delight for the eyes and ears, and it is a must-watch for anyone who visits the temple. The show charges a nominal fee of Rs. 10 per person, and it can accommodate up to 500 people at a time.
Tourist places nearby
The JK Temple is not only a spiritual destination, but also a gateway to explore the other tourist places nearby. Some of the tourist places nearby are:
Moti Jheel:
Moti Jheel is a beautiful lake and park, located about 3 km from the temple. It is a popular picnic spot, where you can enjoy boating, birdwatching, and relaxing. The lake also has a musical fountain and a light show, which is held every evening.
Kanpur Zoological Park:
Kanpur Zoological Park is a wildlife sanctuary, located about 5 km from the temple. It is home to various animals and birds, such as tigers, lions, leopards, bears, deer, monkeys, peacocks, parrots, etc. It also has a reptile house, an aquarium, and a nocturnal house. The park is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except on Mondays.
Bankey Bihari Temple:
Bankey Bihari Temple is another famous temple, located about 6 km from the temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna, and it is one of the oldest temples in Kanpur. The temple is known for its beautiful idols, paintings, and decorations. The temple is open from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Hotels
If you are planning to stay overnight in Kanpur, you can choose from the top hotels near the temple, with their ratings, prices, and distances. Some of the hotels are:
Hotel Royal Cliff:
Hotel Royal Cliff is a 4-star hotel, located about 2 km from the temple. It offers luxurious rooms, with amenities such as air conditioning Wi-Fi, TV, fridge, etc. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a gym, a spa, and a conference hall. The hotel charges Rs. 4000 per night, and it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Hotel Mandakini Plaza:
Hotel Mandakini Plaza is a 3-star hotel, located about 3 km from the temple. It offers comfortable rooms, with amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, etc. It also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a banquet hall. The hotel charges Rs. 2000 per night, and it has a rating of 4 out of 5.
Hotel Gagan Plaza:
Hotel Gagan Plaza is a 2-star hotel, located about 4 km from the temple. It offers basic rooms, with amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, etc. It also has a restaurant, a lounge, and a terrace. The hotel charges Rs. 1000 per night, and it has a rating of 3.5 out of 5.
The JK Temple Kanpur is a modern marvel of spirituality and architecture, and it is a must-visit place for anyone who visits Kanpur. The temple offers a serene and sublime experience, where you can admire the beauty and grace of the deities, enjoy the musical fountain and laser light show, celebrate the festival of Janmashtami, and explore the other tourist places nearby. The temple is also a great place to learn about the history, culture, and diversity of Hinduism, and to feel the divine presence and bliss.
The temple is open to all, and it does not charge any entry fee. The temple also provides various facilities, such as food, locker, washroom, parking, etc. The temple is easily accessible by different modes of transport, and it is close to many hotels. The temple is open every day, from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The temple is a perfect destination for anyone who loves art, culture, and religion, and it is a place that you will never forget.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article, and we hope you will visit the JK Temple Kanpur soon.
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