Krishna, one of the most widely revered Hindu Gods, is an incarnation of Supreme God Lord Vishnu. What makes Krishna so lovable is his many avatars – a mischievous son, a romantic lover, and a compassionate friend! Of the many festivals associated with Krishna, Janmashtami is celebrated with great zeal and pomp all across the country. It is the day that Krishna appeared on Earth. In 2018, Janmashtami, or Gokulashtami, or Lord Krishna’s birthday would be celebrated on Sunday, 2nd September.
Image Source: Flickr.com
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temples all across India celebrate this auspicious day with great zest and much fan-fare. Here are some of the top ISKCON temples in India that will celebrate Janmashtami in 2018.
1. Sri Sri Radha Krishna ISKCON Temple – Bangalore
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Built in a neo-classical style of architecture, the Bangalore ISKCON Hare Krishna temple is the largest complex in the world. The idols of Radha-Krishna inside the richly decorated Rajagopuram (main shrine) are a sight to behold. The temple also has shrines dedicated to Sri Sri Krishna Balrama, Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Prahlada Narasimha and Sri Srinivasa Govinda.
This year, the temple would be celebrating Janmashtami at Tripuravasini Bengaluru Palace Ground on the 2nd of September. Do not miss out on attending fun activities like Dahi-Handi, Vishnu Sahasranama Parayana, Krishna Costume Contest, Cultural Programs, Food Festivals, and more.
Address: Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Rd, Rajaji Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560010
Temple Timings: 07:15AM to 8:20PM
2. Sri Krishna Balaram ISKCON Temple – Vrindavan
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The Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir of Vrindavan is one of the main ISKCON temple in India. Krishna and Balarama at the central altar form the main deities of the temple. On the right altar are Radha Krishna with Gopi, Lalita and Vishakha.
Shri Krishna Janmashtami is extra special in Vrindavan. It was here that Krishna spent his childhood and his teenage years. Here, the celebrations start 10 days prior to Janmashtami with rasleelas, plays and scenes from Mahabharat are performed live by artists.
Address: Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Raman Reiti, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Temple Timings: 04:30AM to 08:15PM
3. Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya ISKCON Temple – Mayapur
Often called the ‘Kirtan Capital of the World’, ISKCON mandir in Mayapur is a lovely Krishna Temple on the banks of River Hooghly. The festive mood is set this Janmashtami Day at Mayapur. A new outfit is offered to Sri Sri Radha Madhava and the alter is decorated with a variety of flowers, jewels and ornaments. A Srimad-Bhagavatam class will be organised in English and Bengali for the devotees. Apart from that, there would be abhisheka ceremony, maha-arati, Srila Rupa Goswami’s directions, and special “samskaras” for Krishna.
Address: Mayapur, West Bengal 741313
Temple Timings: 04:30 AM to 08:30 PM
4. Sri Sri Radha Radhika Raman-Krishna Balaram ISKCON Temple – New Delhi
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Sri Krishna Janmashtami is the most auspicious festival celebrated here at ISKCON Delhi. This year, the temple has organised a narration of Srimad Bhagavatam among other cultural events. This year, close to a million devotees are expected to attend the Janmashtami celebrations in Delhi. There would be many cultural programs arranged for these devotees and what follows is a sumptuous feast prasadam.
Address: Hare Krishna Hill, Sant Nagar, East of Kailash, New Delhi.
Temple Timings: 04:30 AM to 09:00 PM
5. Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari ISKCON Temple – Mumbai
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Located in Juhu, the deities of Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai, Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari and Sri Sri Sita Rama Laxman Hanuman at ISKCON Mumbai were personally installed by the founder of ISKCON.
This Janmashtami, ISKCON Mumbai is set to host a range of cultural programs and activities for its devotees. There will be Bhajan chanting, maha-aartis, abhishekas, prasadams, and so much more!
Address: ISKCON®, Hare Krishna Land, Sri Mukteshwar Devalaya Road, Chand Society, Marg, Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
Temple Timings: 04:30 AM to 08:30 PM
6. Sri Sri Radha Vrindavanchandra ISKCON Temple – Pune
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With two campuses in Pune, this one opened in 1995. Spread over an area of 6 acres, this temple was built for the worship of Sri Sri Radha Kunjabihari. The Pune campus sees youths, congregation and children coming in to offer prayers to their beloved God.
Come Janmashtami 2018 and ISKCON Pune has something special planned for you! While the entire temple will be decorated with beautiful flowers, there will be mantra chanting that will go on all night long, and yummilicious prasad will be served to all its visitors.
Address: New Vedic Cultural Center, Katraj-Kondwa Bypass, Pune.
Temple Timings: 04:30 AM to 08:45 PM
7. Sri Sri Radha-Madanmohan ISKCON Temple – Hyderabad
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Established in the year 1976 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON Hyderabad is one of the most beautiful Krishna temples in India. Sri Krishna Janmashtami at this ISKCON sees the idols of Lord Sri Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra decorated with beautiful clothes, jewels, garlands and flowers. There is devotional music playing all day long, which only makes the entire atmosphere absolutely divine.
Address: Nampally Station Rd, Sri Sri Radha Madanmohan Mandi, Hare Krishna Land, Abids, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001
Temple Timings: 04:30 AM to 08:30 PM
8. Sri Sri Radha Govind ISKCON Temple – Noida
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Located right in the city centre, ISKCON Noida is yet another beautiful Radha Krishna temple in the city. ISKCON Noida has many programs lined up this Janmashtami. Devotees can participate in Shobha Yatra, Srila Prabhupada Appearance Day on 4th September, and Bhog offerings, ISKCON Bhajan, and Abhishekas from 04:30 in the morning till midnight.
Address: A-5, Opposite NTPC Office, Agarsen Marg, Sector-33, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
Temple Timings: 04:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
9. Sri Sri Radha Govind Dham – Ahmedabad
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Experience spirituality, oneness, and mental bliss like no where else. The Hare Krishna Mandir in Ahmedabad is located close to the Gujarat Samachar Press and set inside a beautiful ornate building.
This year Ahmedabad is in Janmashtami mood! While the celebrations erupt all across the town at midnight, ISKCON Ahmedabad has something special planned. With thousands of devotees making way to offer their prayers, what follows is Krishna chanting, Krishna Leela, Bal Krishna's 'abhisheka' and much more.
Address: SDIA Satellite Road, Sarkhej Ghandhinagar Highway Crossing, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380059
Temple Timings: 04:30 AM to 09:00 PM
10. Sri Sri Radha Madhav Mandir – Kanpur
Image Source: Wikipedia.org
Located at Bithoor, this gigantic temple has the idols of Radha and Madhav in its main altar along with idols of Ram, Sita, Laxman and Hanuman next to it. The temple exuberates peace and serenity, and its surrounding courtyards, Vedic ashrams, ponds and fountains only add to its charm.
This year the Janmashtami celebrations are set to last over 3 days and more than a lac devotees are expected to attend this lovely event. Visit ISKCON Kanpur for Sri Krishna Aarti, Krishna Chalisa, Janmashtami Puja Vidhi, Shri Krishnashtakam, Janmashtami Rangoli, and many more events like these.
Address: Sri Sri Radha Madhava Mandir, Mainavati Marg, Bithoor Road, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208002
Temple Timings: 04:30AM to 8:15PM
We wish Happy Janmashtami to all those who are celebrating Sri Krishna Jayanthi! May the power of Krishna protect you, guide you and inspire you.
ISKCON temple timings may vary, refer to the official website for exact timings.
*Some images are for representation only
