🌿 Overview
Temple Name: ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Temple
Location: Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Road, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560010
Founded: Officially inaugurated in 1997
Founded By: Madhu Pandit Dasa under the aegis of ISKCON, established by Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Spiritual Lineage: Gaudiya Vaishnavism – A branch of the broader Vaishnava tradition tracing back to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (15th century saint and proponent of Bhakti Yoga)
Presiding Deities:
Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra
Sri Nitai Gauranga
Sri Srinivasa Govinda
Sri Prahlada Narasimha
Srila Prabhupada
Perched atop Hare Krishna Hill in Rajajinagar, ISKCON Bangalore is not just a temple—it is a sanctuary of peace, devotion, and timeless spirituality. Reverberating with the enchanting chants of Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, this temple is one of the largest ISKCON temples in the world and an epicenter of Vaishnavite devotion in South India. Built with the purpose of spreading Krishna consciousness, the temple offers an immersive spiritual experience to devotees and tourists alike.
📜 Historical Genesis
ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) was founded in 1966 in New York by Srila Prabhupada, who brought the teachings of Krishna from India to the West. His mission was to revive Krishna Bhakti, especially through mass outreach via books, temples, and food distribution.
In the 1980s, a small group of devotees led by Madhu Pandit Dasa, an IIT Bombay alumnus, began the ISKCON movement in Bangalore. Land was granted by the Karnataka government in the 1980s on Hare Krishna Hill, a 7-acre hillock in Rajajinagar.
Construction of the temple began in 1990, and after seven years of architectural excellence, it was inaugurated on May 31, 1997, by President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma. It has since become one of the most iconic spiritual landmarks in India.
🏛️ Architectural Splendor
ISKCON Bangalore’s temple is a harmonious blend of traditional Dravidian and modern Neo-Vedic styles. Some of its defining architectural features include:
Tall Rajagopurams (gateway towers) with intricate carvings and golden kalashas
Glazed glass and granite exterior, representing transcendence through light and durability
A stunning gold-plated dhwaja-stambha (flagstaff) standing 17 meters tall
A 60-foot gold-plated kalash atop the central dome
Expansive pillared halls, marble sanctum flooring, and ornate arches
Electronic displays, visitor ramps, and modern queue management—making it a smart spiritual complex
🛕 Deity Worship and Shrines
The temple features five shrines:
Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra – Central deities, representing divine love and devotion
Sri Nitai Gauranga – Avatars of Nityananda and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
Sri Srinivasa Govinda – Manifestation of Lord Venkateshwara
Sri Prahlada Narasimha – Depiction of Lord Narasimha protecting Prahlada
Srila Prabhupada – Founder Acharya of ISKCON
🪔 Daily Worship Schedule (Darshan & Aartis)
🕉️ Morning Routine at ISKCON Bangalore:
4:15 AM – Mangala Aarti: The first and most auspicious aarti of the day, offered in complete silence and devotion before sunrise.
4:45 AM – Tulasi Puja: Devotees offer prayers and circumambulate the sacred Tulasi plant, revered as a divine devotee of Lord Krishna.
7:15 AM – Shringar Darshan Aarti: The deities are beautifully adorned with fresh garments and jewelry; devotees gather for the first public darshan and aarti.
12:30 PM – Raj Bhog Aarti: The midday offering of food to the Lord, accompanied by melodious kirtans and vibrant aarti.
🌇 Evening Routine at ISKCON Bangalore:
4:15 PM – Dhupa Aarti: Incense is offered to the Lord as part of the afternoon ritual, signifying freshness and sanctity.
6:45 PM – Sandhya Aarti: The evening aarti at sunset, filled with lamps, conches, and devotional singing to welcome the Lord into the night.
8:15 PM – Shayana Aarti: The final offering of the day, symbolizing the Lord’s rest. Deities are gently put to sleep with prayers and lullabies.
📿 Rituals and Festivities
The temple follows ancient Vaishnava traditions including:
Nitya Seva (Daily worship) with offerings of bhoga (food), flowers, incense, and mantras
Abhishekam (ritual bathing) during special occasions
Bhagavad Gita discourse & Kirtan (musical chanting) every evening
Govinda Prasadam served daily for free or donation
🎉 Major Celebrated Festivals:
Sri Krishna Janmashtami (midnight celebrations, cultural programs, 12 lakh+ devotees)
Ratha Yatra (Jagannath Puri-style chariot festival in city streets)
Radhashtami, Gaur Purnima, Narasimha Jayanti, Ekadashi Utsav
Brahmotsava – Annual grandeur festival
Sri Vyasa Puja of Srila Prabhupada
🧘♂️ Spiritual Significance
ISKCON Bangalore stands as a center for Krishna Consciousness, emphasizing Bhakti Yoga through:
Chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra:
"Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare"Spiritual Education:
Daily Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam classesFood for Life & Akshaya Patra:
A program that began from this temple, feeding 2 million+ children daily across IndiaBook Distribution:
Over 10 million books distributed globally from the Bangalore unitBhakti Yoga Programs for adults, children, and corporates through weekend courses, retreats, and online satsangs
🛍️ Attractions, Facilities & Experiences
Govinda’s Restaurant – Satvik vegetarian food, globally inspired Krishna cuisine
Gift Shops – Spiritual books, deity idols, incense, decor
Vedic Theatre – Live dramas, digital Krishna stories for kids
Meditation Halls & Gaushala – Silent zones and cow shelter
Kirtan Hubs & Cultural Events – Regular bhajans, dance, and youth engagement programs
Digital ISKCON eBooks, Apps, Virtual Poojas – Global digital outreach
🧭 Travel Guide & Timings
🕘 Temple Timings:
Open: 4:15 AM – 5:00 AM
Closed: 5:00 AM – 7:15 AM (Alankara)
Open Again: 7:15 AM – 1:00 PM
Break: 1:00 PM – 4:15 PM
Evening Darshan: 4:15 PM – 8:30 PM
🚇 How to Reach:
By Metro: Mahalakshmi Layout Metro Station (Green Line) – 10-minute walk
By Bus: Rajajinagar Bus Stop – Frequent BMTC buses
By Air: 38 km from Kempegowda International Airport
By Train: 10 km from Bangalore City Railway Station
✅ Entry: Free for all
Dress Code: Modest attire recommended
Footwear: Must be left at designated counters
❤️ Why Visit ISKCON Bangalore?
To reconnect with divinity through Krishna Bhakti
Experience peace, culture, service, and spiritual knowledge
Participate in India’s largest food relief program
Volunteer, donate, and engage with a global spiritual community
An Eternal Light of Devotion
ISKCON Bangalore is more than a temple—it's a spiritual revolution rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, carried forth through modern architecture, and amplified with timeless devotion. Whether you're a pilgrim, a seeker, a curious traveler, or a soul in search of peace, the Hare Krishna Hill welcomes you with open arms, divine melodies, and prasadam for the soul.
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