ISKCON Temple, Delhi

Also popularly known as the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple, The ISKCON Temple, is a shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna. Located in the east Kailash area of New Delhi, the temple was established in the year 1998 by Achyut Kanvinde. Along with being one of the famous tourist attractions in Delhi, the temple is also a center for learning Vedic sciences and has a massive number of followers not just in India but from across the globe to obtain peace.

History

The ISKCON temple in Delhi is one of the 40 temples belonging to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Located in the East Kailash region of Delhi on the hilltop of Hare Krishna Hills, the shrine is an outcome of the popular ‘Hare Krishna’ movement. It is also popular as Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir and devoted to the worship of Lord Krishna and Radharani. This magnificent temple houses the Idols of Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi, Sita, Raam, Laxman, Hanuman, and Sri Gaura Nitai. Built by the devotees of the Hare Rama Hare Krishna cult to propagate the message of Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the ISKCON temple in Delhi is one of the largest temple complexes in India. The temple complex houses several large rooms and halls, each fulfilling a different purpose. The ISKCON movement follows a strict line of worship in the Vaishnava tradition and not less than twenty-four priests perform the religious rituals in the temple. This popular pilgrimage center cuts across religious lines and attracts devotees from all over the world.

Construction of the ISKCON Temple in Delhi was started in 1993 by Achyut Kanvinde and it was formally inaugurated by then Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The day chosen for the initiation was a highly auspicious one, being the occasion of the birthday of Lord Rama (Ram Navami), an Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Architecture

One of the 40 temples belonging to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, the ISKCON Temple in Delhi was built in the year 1998. Located on the Hari Krishna Hill in the East of the Kailash Area, it happens to be one of the most lavish temples in the capital. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna precisely and is also known as Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir. The ISKCON temple was built by the devotees of the Hare Rama Hare Krishna cult to propagate the message of Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

The ISKCON temple in Delhi stands as one of the largest temple complexes in India with a large number of rooms and halls. The architecture of the temple is a fine example of artistic splendor with “Shikharas” standing at a height of 90 meters. The interiors of the temple have been beautifully decorated with works of Russian artists depicting the various phases of life of deities like Radha-Krishan and Sita-Ram. A special mention for the Central hall which houses exquisitely sculpted idols of Radha-Krishna and other deities. The heavenly sight of the hall provides spiritual enlightenment to the visitors. A feeling of peace and calm strikes the soul as soon as one enters the premises of the temple. The atmosphere inside is joyous and illuminating. Priests and devotees sway their arms up in the air and blissfully enchant the holy mantra “Hare Rama Hare Krishna”. The best time to visit the temple is at the time of Aarti when the melodious chants and euphonious rhythm of the drums captivate your senses bringing you closer to God.