Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and experience some peace and tranquility? If yes, then you should visit the ISKCON temple Mumbai, a beautiful and serene temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his devotees.
Located in the posh area of Juhu, the ISKCON temple Mumbai is not just a place of worship, but a spiritual oasis that offers a variety of experiences and opportunities for anyone who visits it. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the ISKCON temple Mumbai, such as its timings, its things to see, its festivals, and its courses. Whether you are a spiritual seeker, a cultural enthusiast, or a curious traveler, you will find something to suit your interest and taste at the ISKCON temple Mumbai.
Timings
The ISKCON temple Mumbai is open every day from 4:30 am to 9:00 pm. The temple follows a daily schedule of different ceremonies and activities that you can witness and participate in.
The best time to visit the temple is during the morning or evening arati, when the temple is filled with the sound of bells, drums, and chants. You can also join the japa meditation or the Bhagavad Gita class to learn more about the teachings and practices of Krishna consciousness. Some tips and suggestions for the visitors are:
- Dress modestly and respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees.
- Remove your shoes and socks before entering the temple premises.
- Do not carry any leather items, such as belts, wallets, or bags, inside the temple.
- Do not take any photographs or videos inside the temple without permission.
- Do not disturb or interrupt the devotees or the priests during the ceremonies or the activities.
- Do not eat or drink anything inside the temple, except the prasadam (sanctified food) offered by the temple.
Things to See
The ISKCON temple Mumbai is a stunning example of modern Indian architecture, with a white marble exterior, a three-storeyed structure, and a 40-meter high spire. The temple has many attractions and features within its premises, such as:
The idols of the deities:
The main attraction of the temple is the beautiful and ornate idols of the deities, such as Radha Rasabihari, Sita Rama Laxman Hanuman, and Gaura Nitai. The idols are dressed in colorful and exquisite outfits and adorned with jewels and flowers. You can offer your prayers and respects to the deities and receive their blessings.
The restaurant:
The temple has a vegetarian restaurant called Govinda’s, which serves delicious and healthy food prepared with love and devotion. You can enjoy a variety of cuisines, such as Indian, Chinese, Italian, and Mexican, at reasonable prices. The restaurant also has a bakery and a juice bar, where you can relish some fresh and tasty treats.
The library:
The temple has a well-stocked library, where you can find books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, and other materials related to Krishna consciousness and Vedic culture. You can browse, read, or buy the books, or listen to the lectures and music of the founder of ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada.
The guesthouse:
The temple has a guesthouse, where you can stay for a few days or weeks, depending on the availability and the rules. The guesthouse has clean and comfortable rooms, with attached bathrooms and basic amenities. You can also avail the services of the temple, such as the restaurant, the laundry, and the internet.
The bakery:
The temple has a bakery, where you can buy some fresh and mouth-watering cakes, cookies, pastries, and breads. The bakery uses organic and natural ingredients, and follows the principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and sattva (purity). You can also order customized cakes for special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or festivals.
Each attraction has its own unique and special aspects, such as:
- The idols of the deities are changed every day, according to the season, the festival, or the mood of the devotees. You can see different themes and styles of dressing, such as traditional, western, or fusion.
- The restaurant has a live kitchen, where you can watch the chefs prepare your food in front of you. You can also request for special dishes or modifications, according to your preference or dietary restrictions.
- The library has a rare collection of books, some of which are out of print or unavailable elsewhere. You can also find books in different languages, such as Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, and Tamil.
- The guesthouse has a friendly and helpful staff, who can assist you with your queries and needs. You can also interact with the other guests, who are from different parts of the world and have different backgrounds and experiences.
- The bakery has a creative and innovative team, who can make cakes and cookies in different shapes, sizes, and flavors. You can also find some vegan and gluten-free options, if you are looking for them.
Festivals and Events
The ISKCON temple Mumbai celebrates various festivals and events throughout the year, with great enthusiasm and joy. Some of the major festivals and events are:
Janmashtami: Janmashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna, which falls in the month of August or September. The temple celebrates this festival with grandeur and devotion, with a 10-day program of kirtans, bhajans, dramas, dances, and lectures. The highlight of the festival is the midnight arati, when the devotees welcome the Lord with flowers, fruits, and sweets.
Radhastami: Radhastami is the birthday of Radha, the consort of Lord Krishna, which falls in the month of September or October. The temple celebrates this festival with elegance and grace, with a special darshan of Radha Rasabihari, who are dressed in golden outfits and adorned with jewels and roses. The devotees offer their love and gratitude to Radha, who is the source of all devotion and service.
Ramnavami: Ramnavami is the birthday of Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, which falls in the month of March or April. The temple celebrates this festival with dignity and honor, with a special darshan of Sita Rama Laxman Hanuman, who are dressed in royal outfits and decorated with garlands and crowns. The devotees offer their prayers and respects to Rama, who is the epitome of righteousness and virtue.
Govardhan Puja: Govardhan Puja is the festival of worshiping the Govardhan hill, which was lifted by Lord Krishna to protect his devotees from the wrath of Indra, the king of gods. The festival falls in the month of October or November, a day after Diwali. The temple celebrates this festival with creativity and fun, with a huge replica of the Govardhan hill, made of various food items, such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and sweets. The devotees offer their food and donations to the hill, and then circumambulate it, singing and dancing.
Each festival and event has its own cultural and spiritual aspects, such as:
Janmashtami is the most auspicious and joyful festival for the devotees of Krishna, who consider him as their friend, lover, master, or child. The festival commemorates the appearance of Krishna on earth, and his pastimes and teachings that inspire and enlighten the souls.
Radhastami is the most sacred and blissful festival for the devotees of Radha, who consider her as their mother, sister, friend, or guide. The festival celebrates the appearance of Radha on earth, and her love and devotion that attract and please Krishna.
Ramnavami is the most noble and glorious festival for the devotees of Rama, who consider him as their hero, leader, king, or father. The festival honors the appearance of Rama on earth, and his adventures and values that exemplify and uphold the dharma.
Govardhan Puja is the most festive and playful festival for the devotees of Govardhan, who consider it as their shelter, provider, protector, or benefactor. The festival acknowledges the mercy and power of Govardhan, and its role in the life and culture of the Vrindavan residents.
Courses and Programs
The ISKCON temple Mumbai offers various courses and programs for the interested and curious visitors, who want to learn more about Krishna consciousness and Vedic culture. Some of the courses and programs are:
Bhakti Shastri course:
This is a six-month course, where you can study the four essential scriptures of ISKCON, namely, Bhagavad Gita, Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction, and Sri Isopanisad. You can learn the meaning, the context, and the application of these texts, and enhance your understanding and appreciation of Krishna consciousness. The course is conducted by qualified and experienced teachers, who guide and mentor you throughout the course. The course is open to anyone who has completed the Bhagavad Gita course or has some basic knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita.
Bhagavad Gita course:
This is a three-month course, where you can study the Bhagavad Gita, the most widely read and revered scripture of ISKCON. You can learn the essence, the summary, and the relevance of the Bhagavad Gita, and discover the timeless wisdom and practical solutions that it offers for the modern problems and challenges. The course is conducted by dynamic and interactive teachers, who inspire and motivate you throughout the course. The course is open to anyone who has an interest and curiosity in the Bhagavad Gita.
Yoga course:
This is a one-month course, where you can learn the basics of yoga, the ancient science of harmonizing the body, mind, and soul. You can learn the different types of yoga, such as hatha yoga, ashtanga yoga, and bhakti yoga, and practice the various postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques. The course is conducted by certified and experienced instructors, who train and support you throughout the course. The course is open to anyone who wants to improve their physical, mental, and spiritual health and well-being.
Meditation course:
This is a one-week course, where you can learn the art and science of meditation, the process of calming and focusing the mind on a positive and spiritual object. You can learn the different methods of meditation, such as mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, and transcendental meditation, and experience the benefits of meditation, such as peace, joy, and clarity. The course is conducted by expert and friendly facilitators, who guide and assist you throughout the course. The course is open to anyone who wants to reduce their stress, anxiety, and negativity, and increase their happiness, positivity, and awareness.
Each course and program has its own benefits and outcomes, such as:
Bhakti Shastri course: By completing this course, you can gain a deeper and broader knowledge and insight into the philosophy and culture of Krishna consciousness. You can also develop your skills and confidence in reading, studying, and teaching the scriptures. You can also earn a certificate and a title of Bhakti Shastri, which is recognized and respected by ISKCON and other institutions.
Bhagavad Gita course: By completing this course, you can gain a clearer and simpler understanding and appreciation of the Bhagavad Gita. You can also apply the teachings and principles of the Bhagavad Gita in your daily life and work. You can also earn a certificate and a badge of Bhagavad Gita, which is a symbol of your commitment and dedication to the Bhagavad Gita.
Yoga course: By completing this course, you can improve your physical, mental, and spiritual health and well-being. You can also learn and practice yoga as a lifestyle and a discipline, not just as an exercise or a hobby. You can also earn a certificate and a membership of Yoga, which is a proof of your proficiency and passion for yoga.
Meditation course: By completing this course, you can reduce your stress, anxiety, and negativity, and increase your happiness, positivity, and awareness. You can also learn and practice meditation as a habit and a tool, not just as an activity or a relaxation. You can also earn a certificate and a token of Meditation, which is a reminder of your progress and potential in meditation.
The ISKCON temple Mumbai is a spiritual oasis in the city of dreams, where you can find peace, joy, and love. Whether you want to worship, eat, read, stay, or learn, you will find something to suit your interest and taste at the ISKCON temple Mumbai. The temple is not just a place of worship, but a place of experience and opportunity, where you can connect with yourself, with others, and with God.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit the ISKCON temple Mumbai today, and discover the beauty and bliss of Krishna consciousness. You can contact the temple at +91-22-26206860, or visit their website at www.iskconmumbai.com, or book your visit online at www.iskconmumbai.com/online-booking.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article, and we hope to see you soon at the ISKCON temple Mumbai. Hare Krishna!
