ISKCON Temple Bhubaneswar

Introduction to ISKCON Temple, Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, the state capital of Odisha, is famous for Hindu temples. The city showcases its rich culture, heritage, and antiquity. Among the temples here, the ISKCON temple is the most famous one. It lies in the city's center, Nayapalli. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims everyday. The ISKCON Temple, Bhubaneswar, is also a part of the worldwide ISKCON temples. Radha Parthasarathi Mandir and Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir are its other names.

Legend of ISKCON Temple, Bhubaneswar

His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada legally constituted ISKCON, the "International Society for Krishna Consciousness," in 1966 in New York. He is the founder- (spiritual master) of ISKCON. The headquarters of ISKCON is in Mayapur, West Bengal. It has a special significance because West Bengal is the birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a religious reformer and divine incarnate. With his instructions and personal examples, the glories of the holy names of Krishna are spreading. Devotees can find ISKCON temples in almost every major city on every continent. The members are from all races and backgrounds. So, it is an international society.

ISKCON Temple, Bhubaneswar, is the first temple established by ISKCON out of 108 temples built worldwide. Over the years, this temple has grown into a grand project attracting lakhs of visitors yearly.

The Architecture of ISKCON Temple, Bhubaneswar

The ISKCON Temple, Bhubaneswar, has an awe-inspiring structure that draws pilgrims from all over the world. Sri Nityananda Prabhu inaugurated it in 1991.

The temple complex consists of many buildings; each serves different purposes. The main building inspires awe. Pristine marble stones add to the beauty of the temple. Many intricate carvings in the main building depict various scenes from Hindu mythology. The Kalinga style of architecture can be seen here. It resembles a half-opened flowering lotus.

The temple encloses Jagati, Ardha Mandapa, Mahamandapa, Garbha griha (house of the main deity), Shikhara (Vimana), Amalaka (disc-like structure at the top of the temple), and Kalasha (topmost point of the temple). The premises resonate with calmness and peace. The staircase leading towards the temple's entrance is wide enough to support a hassle-free experience for the devotees. Right in front of these stairs is a small fenced garden.

This remarkable temple is mainly devoted to Krishna and Balaram. Devotees can worship the idols of Sri Radha Gopinatha and Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu in the Padma Mandir (Lotus Temple) on the temple's campus.

There are three other temples: Sri Krishna-Balaram, Sri Jagannath, Sri Balaram, Sri Gaur Nitai, and Subhadhra Devi. Pilgrims can also see Srila (Swami) Prabhupada's 'Bhajan Kutir' and Sri Gaur Govinda Swami's 'Samadhi Mandira' and 'Smriti Mandira' in the temple.

The 'Brahmachari' ashram in the temple complex can accommodate 150 Brahmacharis. The same ashram complex has an office, a 'Prasadam Hall' for 300 devotees, a conference hall with a capacity of 150 devotees, a library, and four rooms for 'Sanyasis.' The campus has three kitchens: one kitchen where food is cooked for the deities, one for the devotees, and another for the restaurant 'Govinda's Prasadam.'

The temple was built with a motto to promote spiritual knowledge and increase the number of followers. For the same reason, the temple has two centers in the city. It is based on India's primary scriptures, the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.

Under the ISKCON movement, the temple manages Bhajans, Poojas, and Kirtans throughout the week. ISKCON also promotes Sankirtana, or the collective reciting of Krishna's holy name.

Festivals in ISKCON Temple, Bhubaneswar

The ISKCON Temple, Bhubaneswar, celebrates Krishna Janmashtami and Radhashtami grandly. During these festivals, the temple becomes crowded with pilgrims. It comes alive with colorful decorations, devotional songs, and Bhajans.

Rath Yatra is another colorful festival celebrated at the temple. On this day, the deities stroll the city in a decorated chariot, pulled by thousands of devotees.

Holi, Hare Krishna Utsav, Gaura Purnima, Diwali, Govardhan Pooja, Narasimha Chaturdasi, Chandana Yatra, and Ram Navami are the other celebrations in the temple.

Benefits of Worshipping at ISKCON Temple, Bhubaneswar

Worshipping at the ISKCON temple frees humans from rebirth. The deity removes our sins and purifies devotees.