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The ISKCON temple in Delhi is one of the 40 temples belonging to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Located in the East Kailash region of Delhi on the hilltop of Hare Krishna Hills, the shrine is an outcome of the popular ‘Hare Krishna’ movement. It is also popular as Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir and devoted to the worship of Lord Krishna and Radharani. This magnificent temple houses the Idols of Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi, Sita, Raam, Laxman, Hanuman and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. Built by the devotees of the Hare Rama Hare Krishna cult to propagate the message of Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the ISKCON temple in Delhi is one of the largest temple complexes in India. The temple complex houses several large rooms and halls, each fulfilling a different purpose. The ISCKCON movement follows a strict line of worship in the Vaishnava tradition and not less than twenty four priests perform the religious rituals in the temple. This popular pilgrimage center cuts across religious lines and attracts devotees from all over the world.
Construction of the ISKCON Temple in Delhi started in 1993 by Achyut Kanvinde and it was formally inaugurated by then Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The day chosen for the initiation was a highly auspicious one, being the occasion of the birthday of Lord Rama (Ram Navami), an Avatar of Lord Vishnu.
The ISKCON temple is of great religious and spiritual interest to devotees who come from far and wide to take part in the various cultural activities of this great Institution. People of all faiths are welcome to this magnificent shrine, irrespective of caste or creed. The temple houses several buildings in its premises and apart from an imposing main hall, the temple complex also houses a museum which conducts spectacular multimedia shows to explain the Significance of the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the verses from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
The temple also has an impressive library of its own with a vast collection of spiritual books.
Govinda’s restaurant in the temple premises serves only pure vegetarian food which makes for a divine dining experience. The dishes served are prepared without garlic and onion in the Sattvik tradition.
The ISKCON in Delhi is built in the contemporary architectural style and pays tribute to the builders for the design and outlay of the structure. The artistic splendor of the temple is evident starting with the spires soaring into the sky to a height of 90 feet. The interiors are beautifully decorated with the works of several Russian artists depicting real life instances of deities like Radha-Krishna and Sita-Ram. The expansive central hall houses attractively sculpted idols of Radha-Krishna and several other deities. The ambience is exhilarating and a feeling of peace and calm pervades the entire temple complex. The chanting of the Maha Mantra ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ rents the air and everyone present is taken in by the charm the temple exudes.
Sri Krishna Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great fervor and devotees converge on the temple from all parts of the world to witness and participate in the proceedings.
Other occasions like Guru Poornima, Rama Navami, Radhashtami and Goverdhan Puja are also major festivals celebrated in the temple with great fanfare. The deities are dressed twice a day and six Aartis are performed every day, with Bhoga Ka Prasad being distributed to all those present after completion of prayers. The aura prevailing while the Aarti is being performed is so soothing to the individual that it instantly calms the mind and transports one to another level altogether.
Praying at the ISKCON temple is said to free one from the cycle of birth and death. It is also believed that the accumulated sins of the lifetime are washed away and one becomes purified. Even the worst sinner is absolved of sins with the blessings of the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna.
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The temple is open on all seven days of the week between 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with an interregnum in the afternoon between 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The ISKCON temple located in the Capital city of India, New Delhi is easily accessible by several modes of transport.
By Air: The Delhi Airport is located approximately 17 kms away.
By Train: The Railway Station is approximately 13 kms away.
By Bus: There are regular buses plying from Delhi city to the neighboring cities, towns and villages.
By Metro: The nearest Metro Station to the ISKCON temple in Delhi is located in Nehru Place.
Local Transport: The ISKCON Temple is easily accessible by buses, taxis, three wheelers and Metro Rail.