ISKCON Temple, Delhi Overview
ISKCON Temple, more commonly known as Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Temple in Delhi, is an iconic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Situated at the heart of Delhi, it serves as the spiritual home for ISKCON – an organization founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada that promotes Krishna consciousness – with regular services as well as cultural learning events like meditation classes. In fact, its primary role is community service rather than simple worship services alone.
ISKCON Temple is world renowned for its grand architecture, vibrant prayers, and engaging spiritual programs that draw both devotees and tourists from across the world to experience its blissful atmosphere of devotion and peace. Within its complex lies a bookshop selling religious texts and spiritual items as well as a restaurant serving pure vegetarian fare that adheres to principles of sattvic (pure) food..
ISKCON Temple is known for
- Enjoy a serene and vibrant environment filled with dedication and peace.
- Devotions such as prayers and Aarti (ceremonial worship with music and chants) held daily to their deities are an integral part of daily worship.
- Programs and discourses offering spiritual knowledge.
- At our pure vegetarian restaurant, visitors can enjoy healthy and sattvic dishes.
- Lord Krishna and Radha can be seen standing together inside the main temple sanctum.
Timings
- Opens: 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Aarti timings:
- Morning Aarti: 4:30 AM to 6:00 AM
- Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee
- No entry fee
Tips
- Dress modestly and wear respectful attire when visiting the temple.
- Avoid loud talking or any disruptive behavior as the temple maintains a peaceful environment.
- Participate in the Aarti to experience the spiritual chanting and music.
- Try the prasadam (sacred food) served after the Aarti.
- Take time to meditate and reflect in the peaceful surroundings.
Required Time
- 1 to 2 hours (approx.)
Restricted Items
- Shoes, Mobile phones, Cameras, Food (unless part of the prasadam)
More About ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Temple in Delhi was established in 1998 and serves as an important spiritual centre, drawing visitors from around the globe. Visitors come here seeking blessings of Lord Krishna and Radha as they participate in spiritual activities or take part in devotional practices.
The temple is visually breathtaking with its ornate design and vibrant colour scheme. The hall features beautiful paintings depicting scenes from the Bhagavad Gita while Lord Radha and Krishna reside in their grand sanctuary. Furthermore, intricately-decorated domes and pillars add further visual interest.
ISKCON Temples serve not only as places of worship but also as centers of spiritual education and self-development, with Bhagavad Gita classes, yoga sessions, and meditation programs providing regular opportunities for personal spiritual growth. These services have become indispensable resources for many seeking a deeper spiritual path in their lives.
Temple restaurants also serve a range of vegetarian cuisine, which attracts many devotees who come for its healthy and sattvic meals, considered highly nutritious and purifying.
Architecture of ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Temple features a combination of traditional Indian temple architecture with contemporary influences. Constructed with marble and red sandstone for maximum visual impact, its central dome stands tall as a symbol of spirituality.
The sanctum sanctorum contains beautiful images of Lord Krishna and Radha, intricately decorated with garlands and other ornaments. The temple complex itself boasts expansive grounds that showcase vibrant colors and intricate carvings created by skilled craftsmen.
The temple’s overall design aims to foster an atmosphere conducive to meditation, with large open areas for devotees to come together in prayer and chant mantras; plus, its peaceful environs provide an idyllic backdrop for reflection and introspection.
Best Time to Visit ISKCON Temple
Visit ISKCON Temple from October to March when temperatures in Delhi are more suitable; however, the temple remains open year-round with spiritual activities ongoing.
If you want to experience Aarti (prayer) at its finest, visiting early in the morning or late at night is ideal. Morning Aarti begins around 4:30 AM; evening services start around 6:30 PM. Visit early in the day when it will be less crowded at the temple; this will provide for a more tranquil experience.
Tourists visiting Jerusalem on weekends and festive occasions should plan to come during the weekdays to avoid crowds that build up during these periods.
How to Reach ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Temple is centrally located and easily accessible by various modes of transportation.
- By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport is approximately 15km away from ISKCON Temple and should take around 20 minutes by taxi or private car to reach it.
- * By Metro: Barakhamba Metro Station on the Blue Line can be reached in five minutes by car or 10 minutes on foot from the temple.
- By Bus: DTC buses run along Bhai Vir Singh Marg and surrounding areas, offering quick access to ISKCON Temple via local routes.
- By Taxi/Auto: Travelling to temple is now easier than ever thanks to convenient auto rickshaw and taxi rental options available across cities in India.
Tips for Visiting ISKCON Temple
- Dress appropriately—cover your shoulders and avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothing.
- Remove your shoes before entering the temple and place them in the designated shoe racks.
- Respect the temple’s environment—remain silent and avoid distractions during prayers.
- Join the Aarti—it’s an enriching spiritual experience.
- Enjoy the prasadam—after the prayers, enjoy the free meal served by the temple.
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