ISKCON Temple Bangalore Overview

ISKCON Temple Bangalore, also known as Hare Krishna Hill, is a popular tourist destination in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. The temple was inaugurated in 1997 by the then-President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma. The temple is managed by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

The architecture of the temple is a blend of neo-classical and Dravidian styles. The temple features a Kalash Shikhara, a gold-plated flag post, and a verdant garden. The temple is spread over an area of seven acres and includes an amphitheater that can accommodate up to 5,000 people.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. The temple offers a serene and peaceful environment for meditation and prayer. The temple also hosts various cultural and spiritual events throughout the year.

The temple is open to visitors every day from 4:15 am to 5:00 am, 7:15 am to 1:00 pm, and 4:15 pm to 8:20 pm. There is no entry fee to visit the temple. Visitors are advised to dress appropriately and avoid shorts and casual clothing.

Temple Deities

ISKCON Temple Bangalore is home to several deities, each of whom is worshipped with great devotion and reverence by the devotees. The temple’s main deity is Lord Krishna, who is worshipped in the form of Radha Krishna, Krishna Balarama, and Sri Radha Krishnachandra.

In addition to Lord Krishna, the temple also houses several other deities, including Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Srinivasa Govinda, Sri Prahlada Narasimha, and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Each of these deities is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna and is worshipped with great reverence and devotion by the devotees.

The temple’s main altar is adorned with beautiful decorations, including flower garlands and colorful lights, which create a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The temple also has smaller altars dedicated to each of the deities, where devotees can offer their prayers and seek blessings.

The temple follows strict rituals and protocols for the worship of the deities, which are carried out by the temple priests with utmost devotion and care. The devotees can participate in the daily arati and kirtan ceremonies, which are held at specific times throughout the day.

Overall, the temple deities at ISKCON Temple Bangalore are a source of great spiritual inspiration and devotion for the devotees, who come from all over the world to seek their blessings and guidance.

Visiting the Temple

ISKCON Temple Bangalore is a must-visit destination for devotees of Lord Krishna and those interested in Hindu culture and spirituality. The temple is open to visitors every day of the week, and the timings vary depending on the day. The Darshan timings are from 4:30 am to 5:10 am, 7:15 am to 12:40 pm, and 4:15 pm to 8:10 pm on weekdays. On weekends and public holidays, the Darshan timings are from 7:15 am to 1:10 pm and 4:15 pm to 8:25 pm. The time required for Darshan is usually 45 minutes to an hour.

There is no entry fee to visit the temple, but there are nominal charges for parking and footwear stand. Visitors are requested to follow the dress code and avoid wearing shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops. The temple provides facilities for storing footwear and clothes, and there are also restrooms and drinking water facilities available.

The temple also has a guest house for those who wish to stay overnight. The guest house offers comfortable and clean rooms at affordable rates, and booking can be done online or at the temple office.

Overall, visiting the ISKCON Temple Bangalore is a rewarding experience that provides a glimpse into the rich culture and spirituality of India. The temple’s serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Bangalore.

Getting There

ISKCON Temple Bangalore is located in the Rajajinagar area of Bengaluru, Karnataka. The temple is easily accessible by various modes of transportation.

By Metro

The nearest metro station to ISKCON Temple Bangalore is Mahalakshmi Station, which is on the Green Line. From the station, visitors can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach the temple.

By Private Vehicle

Visitors can also reach the temple by private vehicle. The temple is located on Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Road in Rajajinagar. There is ample parking available near the temple, but visitors should be prepared to pay a nominal parking fee.

Location Map

For those unfamiliar with the area, it is recommended to use a location map to find the temple. The temple’s address is Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Road, Rajaji Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560010, India.

Overall, visitors should not have any difficulty reaching ISKCON Temple Bangalore. Whether by metro or private vehicle, the temple is easily accessible from various parts of the city.

Festivals and Events

ISKCON Temple Bangalore celebrates a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, providing a rich cultural experience for visitors. Some of the major festivals celebrated at the temple include:

• Krishna Janmashtami: This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna and is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. The temple celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm, with devotees offering prayers, performing puja, and participating in various cultural programs.
• Shri Krishna Janmashtami: This is another festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. The temple celebrates this festival with great fervor, with devotees fasting and offering prayers to Lord Krishna.
• Govardhan Puja: This festival is celebrated to commemorate the lifting of Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna. The temple celebrates this festival with great devotion, with devotees offering prayers and performing puja.
• Nityananda Trayodashi: This festival is celebrated to commemorate the appearance of Lord Nityananda, who is considered to be the incarnation of Lord Balarama. The temple celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm, with devotees offering prayers and performing puja.
• Ram Navami: This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Rama and is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. The temple celebrates this festival with great devotion, with devotees offering prayers and performing puja.
• Brahmotsav: This festival is celebrated to commemorate the appearance of Lord Krishna. The temple celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm, with devotees offering prayers, performing puja, and participating in various cultural programs.
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi: This festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Vishnu over the demon king Bali. The temple celebrates this festival with great devotion, with devotees offering prayers and performing puja.
• Narasimha Jayanti: This festival is celebrated to commemorate the appearance of Lord Narasimha, who is considered to be the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm, with devotees offering prayers and performing puja.
• Rath Yatra: This festival is celebrated to commemorate the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balarama, and their sister Subhadra to their aunt’s house. The temple celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm, with devotees pulling the chariot of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balarama, and Subhadra.
• Vamana Jayanti: This festival is celebrated to commemorate the appearance of Lord Vamana, who is considered to be the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple celebrates this festival with great devotion, with devotees offering prayers and performing puja.
• Deepotsav: This festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of light over darkness. The temple celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm, with devotees lighting lamps and offering prayers.

Cultural and Educational Programs

ISKCON Temple Bangalore is not just a place of worship but also a hub of cultural and educational activities. The temple hosts various cultural programs and events throughout the year, including Kirtan and Hari Naam Kirtan. These events provide visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of India and experience the devotional mood of the temple.

The temple also has a museum that showcases the life and teachings of Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON. The museum provides visitors with a glimpse into the life of Srila Prabhupada and the history of ISKCON.

ISKCON Temple Bangalore also conducts various cultural education classes for both adults and children. These classes aim to promote the values of gratitude, honesty, respect, and compassion among the participants. The temple believes that education is an essential aspect of spiritual growth, and therefore, it provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the Vedic scriptures and the teachings of Lord Krishna.

The temple also has an active youth program that aims to engage young people in spiritual activities and promote their overall well-being. The youth program organizes various events and activities that help young people connect with their spiritual roots.

Overall, ISKCON Temple Bangalore is not just a place of worship but also a center for cultural and educational activities. The temple provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of India and the teachings of Lord Krishna.

History and Leadership

ISKCON Temple Bangalore was inaugurated in the year 1997 by Shankar Dayal Sharma, the then President of India. The temple was built to commemorate the birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON. It is one of the largest ISKCON temples in the world and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year.

Madhu Pandit Dasa, an engineer turned monk, is the current President of ISKCON Bangalore. Under his leadership, the temple has undergone significant expansion and development. The temple complex covers an area of over seven acres and includes several facilities such as a guest house, a restaurant, a bakery, and a gift shop.

The history of ISKCON Bangalore dates back to the 1970s when a small group of devotees started gathering for kirtans and bhajans in a rented house in Bangalore. Over time, the group grew in size and popularity, and in 1987, the devotees were able to purchase a piece of land on Hare Krishna Hill in Rajajinagar. Construction of the temple began in 1990, and it was completed seven years later.

Today, ISKCON Bangalore is a vibrant and active center of spiritual and cultural activity. In addition to regular worship services, the temple hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including festivals, cultural performances, and educational seminars. The temple also runs several charitable initiatives, including a free midday meal program for underprivileged children.

Spirituality and Philosophy

ISKCON Temple Bangalore is a place where visitors can experience the deep spirituality and philosophy of the Hare Krishna movement. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is considered the supreme personality of Godhead in the Hindu religion. The teachings of the temple are based on the principles of Krishna Consciousness, which is a way of life that emphasizes devotion to God and the practice of spiritual disciplines.

The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text, is the foundation of the philosophy of the Hare Krishna movement. The teachings of the Gita emphasize the importance of self-realization, detachment from material possessions, and devotion to God. The temple offers classes and lectures on the Gita, as well as other spiritual texts, to help visitors deepen their understanding of these concepts.

The Hare Krishna mantra, which is chanted by devotees of the movement, is an important aspect of the spiritual practice at the temple. The mantra is believed to have a purifying effect on the mind and soul, and chanting it is considered a form of meditation. Visitors to the temple are welcome to participate in the chanting of the mantra, which is often accompanied by music and dance.

The philosophy of the Hare Krishna movement emphasizes the importance of living a simple and humble life, and of serving others. The temple provides opportunities for visitors to engage in seva, or selfless service, through activities such as cooking, cleaning, and gardening. By participating in seva, visitors can experience the joy of serving others and develop a deeper sense of connection to the community.

Overall, the spirituality and philosophy of the Hare Krishna movement are deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the principles of Krishna Consciousness. Visitors to ISKCON Temple Bangalore can experience these teachings through classes, lectures, chanting, and seva, and can deepen their understanding of the spiritual path.

Food and Prasadam

ISKCON Bangalore offers a unique experience for visitors with its free prasadam distribution program called Nitya Annadana. The temple serves a sumptuous lunch prasadam to visitors every day from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. The prasadam includes rice, sambar, sabji, sweet, and buttermilk, and is served at the Annadana Hall.

The temple believes that food is an essential part of the spiritual experience, and hence, prasadam is offered to all visitors as a blessing. The food is prepared with utmost care and devotion and is considered to be sanctified by the grace of Lord Krishna.

ISKCON Bangalore also participates in the Akshaya Patra program, which provides mid-day meals to underprivileged school children. The temple currently serves over 1.8 million meals every day through this program, making it one of the largest food relief organizations in the world.

Visitors are encouraged to partake in the prasadam distribution program and contribute to the noble cause of feeding the hungry. The program is entirely free, and visitors are not expected to make any donations. However, they can choose to donate to the Akshaya Patra program as a gesture of goodwill.

Overall, ISKCON Bangalore’s food and prasadam program is a unique offering that visitors should not miss. The temple’s commitment to feeding the hungry and providing a spiritual experience through food makes it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Bangalore.

Nearby Attractions

ISKCON Temple Bangalore is located in the Rajaji Nagar area of Bangalore, which is known for its cultural and religious significance. Visitors to the temple can also explore nearby attractions that offer a glimpse into the city’s history and culture.

One such attraction is the Bangalore Palace, which is located just a few kilometers away from the temple. Built in the Tudor-style architecture, the palace is a popular tourist spot that showcases the grandeur and opulence of the city’s erstwhile rulers.

Another must-visit attraction in the vicinity of the temple is the Rajaji Nagar, which is one of the oldest residential areas of Bangalore. Visitors can take a stroll through the streets and soak in the old-world charm of the locality.

For those interested in exploring other religious sites, the Subramanya Swamy Temple is located just a few kilometers away from the temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya and is known for its intricate carvings and architecture.

Overall, the Rajaji Nagar area offers visitors a mix of historical, cultural, and religious attractions to explore and enjoy during their visit to Bangalore.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the timings of ISKCON Temple Bangalore?

The temple is open from 4:15 am to 5:15 am 7:15 am to 1:15 pm, and from 4:15 pm to 8:00 pm. On weekends and public holidays, there is no break in the afternoon and the temple is open full day from 7:15 am to 8:00 pm.

How much is the entry fee for ISKCON Temple Bangalore?

There is no entry fee for ISKCON Temple Bangalore.

What is the cost of an entry ticket for ISKCON Temple Bangalore?

There is no entry ticket cost for ISKCON Temple Bangalore.

What is the distance between ISKCON Temple Bangalore and my location?

The distance between ISKCON Temple Bangalore and your location depends on where you are located. You can use Google Maps or other map services to find the distance.

Are mobile phones allowed inside ISKCON Temple Bangalore?

Yes, mobile phones are allowed inside ISKCON Temple Bangalore. However, visitors are advised to keep their phones on silent mode and not use them during prayer or meditation.

How long does it take to visit ISKCON Temple Bangalore?

The time required for darshan (worship) at ISKCON Temple Bangalore is usually 1-2 hours. However, the duration of the visit may vary depending on the individual’s interest and the crowd at the temple.