Are you looking for a place to experience peace, bliss, and devotion in the bustling city of Bangalore? If yes, then you should not miss visiting the ISKCON temple Bangalore, one of the largest and most beautiful temples in India. This temple is dedicated to Sri Radha Krishna, the supreme personality of Godhead, and is a hub of spiritual and cultural activities.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the ISKCON temple Bangalore, such as its timings, entry fee, images, programs, events, and places to visit nearby. Whether you are a devotee, a tourist, or a curious seeker, you will find something to enrich your soul and mind at this temple.
Timings and Entry Fee
The ISKCON temple Bangalore is open every day from 4:15 am to 5:00 am, 7:15 am to 12:50 pm, and 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The temple follows a strict schedule of aratis, kirtans, pravachans, and prasadam distribution, which you can check on their official website. The entry to the temple is free for everyone, but you can also opt for a special darshan ticket for Rs. 150 per person, which allows you to skip the queue and get a closer view of the deities.
You can also donate for various sevas and causes that the temple supports, such as annadanam, goshala, book distribution, temple maintenance, etc. The temple accepts donations in cash, cheque, online, or through QR code.
The ISKCON temple Bangalore is a marvel of architecture and art, with its magnificent rajagopuram, gold-plated dwajasthambam, marble flooring, intricate carvings, and colorful paintings. The temple has six shrines, each dedicated to a different form of Lord Krishna, such as Sri Radha Krishnachandra, Sri Krishna Balarama, Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Prahlada Narasimha, Sri Srinivasa Govinda, and Sri Hanuman. The temple also has a Vedic museum, a multi-vision cinema theatre, a cultural complex, and a garden.
Programs and Events
The ISKCON temple Bangalore is not just a place of worship, but also a place of learning and service. The temple organizes and hosts various programs and events throughout the year, such as:
Bhakti Vriksha: A weekly program that teaches the basics of Krishna consciousness and bhakti yoga to the interested people. The program consists of kirtan, japa, discussion, quiz, and prasadam. The program is held at various locations in the city and is open to all.
Festivals: The temple celebrates all the major festivals related to Lord Krishna, such as Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Gaura Purnima, Rama Navami, Narasimha Jayanti, Govardhan Puja, Gita Jayanti, etc. The festivals are marked by grand decorations, special aratis, cultural programs, abhishekas, fireworks, and feasts. The festivals attract thousands of devotees and visitors from all over the world.
Youth Forum: A program that aims to inspire and empower the youth to lead a balanced, purposeful, and happy life based on the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON. The program offers mentoring, counseling, career guidance, personality development, leadership training, social service, and spiritual education to the youth. The program is conducted at various colleges and institutions in the city and is open to all.
Hare Krishna Hill Marathon: A unique event that challenges the participants to run or walk up and down the Hare Krishna Hill, where the temple is located, for 108 times. The event is held every year on the last Sunday of December and is open to all. The event is meant to test the physical, mental, and spiritual endurance of the participants and to raise funds for the temple’s activities.
How to Reach
If you are planning to visit the ISKCON temple Bangalore from other parts of India, you have several options to choose from. You can either take a flight, a train, a bus, or a car to reach the city. The nearest airport to the temple is Kempegowda International Airport, which is about 33 km away.
The closest railway station to the temple is Yesvantpur Junction, which is about 4.3 km away. You can also find many buses that ply to the temple from different parts of the city, such as Majestic, City Market, and Shivajinagar.
Alternatively, you can also drive your own car or hire a cab to reach the temple. The temple is located on Hare Krishna Hill in North Bangalore and is well connected by road. You can also use the metro service and get down at Mahalakshmi or Sandal Soap Factory stations, which are just 10 minutes walk from the temple.
Places to Visit Near ISKCON Temple
The ISKCON temple Bangalore is surrounded by some of the most popular and interesting places to visit in the city, such as:
Orion Mall:
A shopping mall that offers a variety of brands, outlets, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, games, and entertainment options. The mall is located just opposite the temple and is a great place to spend some time with your family and friends.
World Trade Center:
A commercial complex that houses some of the leading corporate offices, business centers, hotels, and convention halls in the city. The complex is located just next to the mall and is a landmark of the city’s skyline.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden:
A botanical garden that boasts of a rich collection of flora, fauna, lakes, fountains, statues, and monuments. The garden is located about 10 km from the temple and is a perfect place to enjoy some nature, history, and culture.
Bangalore Palace:
A palace that showcases the royal and colonial heritage of the city. The palace is located about 12 km from the temple and is a splendid example of Tudor-style architecture, with its wooden carvings, paintings, furniture, and gardens.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about the ISKCON temple Bangalore. This temple is a spiritual oasis in the city, where you can experience the love, joy, and glory of Lord Krishna and His devotees. Whether you want to pray, learn, serve, or celebrate, you will find something to suit your mood and taste at this temple.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to the ISKCON temple Bangalore today and get ready to be mesmerized by its beauty and charm. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family and let them know about this amazing place. Hare Krishna!
