Iskcon Mandir, Bangalore, Karnataka, IN

Deities: Radha-Krishna
Location: On West of Chord Road, Bangalore
Built in: 1997
Also known as: Sri Sri Radha Krishna Chandra Temple
Attraction: Neo-classical style of architecture
Significance: Iskcon's largest temple complex across the World
Best time to visit: October to February

ISKCON, an abbreviation for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, popularly called Hare Krishna after the mantra that they chant, is a worldwide religious organization founded by Prabhupada in 1966 in New York and is based on the Gaudiya Vaishnavism sect of Hinduism inspired by Chaitanya's life and teachings in the 16th century. The organization has the stated aim to foster bhakti (devotion) towards Krishna that it considers a personal God and the supreme Godhead.

The colossal shrine sprawls on seven-acres of 'Hare Krishna Hill’ Just like all other Iskcon temples, Bangalore Iskcon temple is also dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is situated to the west of the Chord Road, on a seven-acre hillock. The Iskcon temple of Bangalore was built to commemorate the birth centenary of the founder of ISKCON, Sri Prabhupada. It is built in the Neo-Classical style, which combines the conventional elements of temple architecture with modern high-tech amenities.

One enters the beautifully decorated Rajagopuram through patterned arches and brilliantly illuminated artificial waterfalls. There are four 'Gopurams' inside the temple, each of them connected to the other by a striking glazed-glass canopy. This entire complex forms the 'Hari Naam Kirtan', a 10,000 square feet hall adorned with magnificent ceiling-paintings.This temple was established in Bangalore in 1997. The temple spans across the length of 4-5 football grounds and is quite the sight to see. Massive pillars, very flamboyant idol for worship, laser shows and living quarters, class rooms, yoga centers, dance studios, gift shops and restaurants signify this place of worship. All lot of foreign visitors attend workshops and spiritual programs here.
The temple offers a bowl of 'Kichri' (made of rice and pulse) to its each visitor. The vast kitchen of the shrine is equipped with modern equipments and has the capacity to provide food for two thousand visitors per hour. Besides prasadam, the kitchen is also used to prepare variety of delicacies that are offered to the Lord.

Following the knowledge of the Vedas, the temple also promotes protection of cows. Being the primary element, Cows are essential for a prosperous and healthy society. Bangalore Iskcon 'Gaushala' retains not less than 40 cows. The milk of these cows is used in the making of various dishes and delicacies. The other attractions of the Bangalore Iskcon temple include ISKCON Vedic Theatre, Vedic museums and exhibit areas, a lecture hall and beautifully landscaped gardens. Multivision Cinema, Dakshinakriti, Srila Prabhupada Museum, Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, Goloka Seva Trust. There is also a unique open-air amphitheatre, where concerts and festivals are organized.

The huge shrine was started under the global project of ISKCON to memorialize the birthday of its founder, Sri Prabhupada. In May 1997, Bangalore Iskcon Temple was inaugurated by Mr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (former President of India). Ever since, the temple has been visited by far more than 5.1 million visitors. In the vein of other Iskcon Temples round the World, the shrine is mainly dedicated to Radha-Krishna.

The festival of 'Janmashtami' is the major festival that is celebrated here with loads of enthusiasm and devotion. The annual Rath Yathra, (Chariot Procession) of Krishna and Balrama is attended by thousands of devotees.

The beautifully ornamental arches and illuminated water jets escort to the richly decorated Rajagopuram (main shrine). The main shrine comprises the stunningly beautiful idols of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. Apart from the main shrine, the temple also comprises four additional shrines dedicated to Sri Krishna Balrama, Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Prahlada Narasimha and Sri Srinivasa Govinda respectively. The main hall that embraces the three shrines, including the main one, is a huge hall of 10,000 sq feet. The ceiling of the hall is festooned with remarkable paintings made by the Russian painters.

ArchitectureBuilt in neo-classical style of architecture, the temple bands together conventional architecture with ultra-modern services. The ardent devotees like Madhu Pandit Dasa (President and Project director) and Jagat Chandra Dasa designed the structure of this remarkable shrine, mingling the elements of traditional South-Indian with contemporary style of architecture. The elaborate temple complex is divided into various sections and sub-sections. The splendid structure of the temple is worth-seeing because the celestial grandeur cannot be bounded in words. Lush green gardens in the campus appear mesmerizing to the onlooker. The temple complex also has an open amphitheatre, where various festivals and concerts are observed.

Shata Koti Nama Japa Yajna In 2000, this religious program was started to promote world peace and harmony with an intention to chant 1 Billion holy names of Rama and Krishna. The venue for this 'Nama Japa' is 'Harinama Mandapa', which can be found ahead of the first temple of Prahlada Narasimha. Here, one can see two sets of 108 granite steps, where the devotee can chant the 'Hare Krishna Mahamantra' at each step. Following the chant of 'Mahamantra' for 108 times, the devotee can enter the Narsimha Temple.

FOLK Program:
This is an unusual program in which, bachelors between the age group of 19 and 29 can take part. The "Friends of Lord Krishna" (FOLK) has been organized to create an understanding of the Vedic culture among the youth of Bangalore. It is held on Saturdays and Sundays, where classes, discussions and practical sessions on Vedic philosophy and lifestyle are undertaken.

Other Attraction in Bangalore:
Attara Kacheri
Bangalore Aquarium
Bal Bhavan
Bangalore Palace
Cubbon Park
Gandhi Bhavan
Government Museum
Lalbagh Gardens
Nehru Planetarium
Tipu Sultan Fort
Ulsoor Lake
Visvesvaraya Museum

How to reach:
by Air: Bangalore airport is serviced by almost all the domestic airlines as well as a few international airlines. It is well connected with all the major cities of India.
by Rail: Bangalore City Railway Station has direct trains connecting it with all the key cities in the country. It is also serviced by a number of fast trains and daily express trains.
by Road: Bangalore is linked with the other cities through a number of National Highways. One can easily reach Iskcon Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring taxis from Bangalore.

Address:
Harikrishna Hill
1st R Block
West of Chord Road
Rajajinagar
Bangalore 560 010
Karnataka
INDIA

Tel: 0091-80-2347-1956

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