ISKCON TEMPLE, DELHI

The International Society for Krishna Conciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement, is a Hindu Gaudiya Vaishnava religious Organization. It was found in 1966 in New York City by AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Its core beliefs are based on traditional Hindu scriptures such as the “Srimad Bhagavatam and the Bhagavad-Gita” both of which, accourding to the Traditional Hindu view, date back more than 5,000yrs.The distinctive appearance of the movement and its culture comes from the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, which has had adherents in India since the late 15^th century and western converts since the early 1930s.

ISKCON Temple is located at Hari Krishna Hill, in the East of Kailash area of NewDelhi.It was built as recently as 1998 and is one of the most Lavish and Grand Temples of the city. A fine Temple of architecture, it sports “Shikharas”, rising to a height of 90ft above the ground level. The Temple has air-conditioned hall that can hold as many as 1,500 people at once.

The construction of the Temple follows in three dimensional forms exactly the pattern laidout by the Mandala.The relationship between the underlying symbolic order and the actual physical appearance of the Temple can best be understood by seeing it from above which was of course, impossible for humans until quite recently.

The huge Temple looks majestic with its outer appearance, while it appears celestial from inside. The colossal Temple complex spreads in a vast area. The three tall spires (Shikhars) look awesome when they are brightly lit in the night. In order to reach the main shrine, one has to take a flight of steps. This flight of steps has various halts that had to other destinations of the Temple complex. On the way there are shops on one side and on the other side, fountains add to the mysticism of this shrine.

The main shrine is a huge hall where three shrines are located under the three spires. These three shrines are dedicated to Radha-Krishna, Ram-Sita and Guara-Nitai respectively. At once, the glimpse of these idols makes one to ponder over the celestial world. The idols are worth seeing and admiring their sculpted beauty. Festooned with rich clothes and jewelary, the idols are adorned with great delicacy and care. In this hall, one can always hear the divine tune i.e. Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Many lectures, kirtans and discourses are arranged for the benefit and spiritual upliftment of devotees.

Another important aspect of the design of the ground plan is that it is intended to lead from temporal world to the eternal. The principle shrine should face the rising Sun and so should have its entrance to the East. Movement towards the sanctuary, along the east-west. A typical Hindu Temple consists of the following major elements-an entrance, often with a porch, one or more attached or detached mandapas or halls; the inner sanctum called the “Garbagriha”, literally “Womb Chamber”, and the tower building above the garbagriha.The fine art paintings by Russian artists here  depict lives and events related to Hindu mythological characters, like-Radha-Krishna, Ram-Sita, Laxman, Hanuman and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

ISKCON and Hinduism both trace their beginnings to the Vadas and to the “Bhagavad-Gita” text.Whereas, mainstream Hinduism regards Krishna to be the 8^th incarnation of Vishnu (the preserver and one of the Hindu trinity of deities), ISKCON regards Krishna to be Supreme Lord over all deities, including Vishnu. They are therefore a mono theistic faith group, one that stresses bhakti, the way of devotion.

The Temple is the focus for all aspects of everyday life in the Hindu community- religious, cultural, educational and social. The Temple is also the place where, one can transcend the world of man.ISKCON Temple has one of the largest Temple complexes in India. It comprises numerous rooms for the priest and service renders of this Temple. It has many halls that are used for its administration purpose. Inside the complex, there is a beautiful museum that attracts the people towards its remarkable paintings and outstanding objects. The museum presents the Indian history in easy and interactive manner.  
The main attractions of the Temple are the “Robort”, who enact and preach the Gita, and also the Janmashtami, being the birthday of Lord Krishna, is the major festival observed by the Temple. At this time, the Temple witnesses huge celebration involving many religious activities. The Temple decorated from top to bottom with lights and flowers. Adequate arrangements are made to hold thousands of devotees, who come to visit the holy shrine. People standing in long queues, to have a glimpse of the Lord, add a holy tint to the exhilarating atmosphere of the Temple. http://dharm.in/

 The Temple remains opened every day from 4:30am to 12:00pm and from 4:00pm to 9:00pm, Aartis, Bhajans and Sermons are a regular feature of the Temple, which provides -Peace to body, mind and soul. Just before you depart do not overlook to take the Prasad, which is really a Dona of some very nutritious “Kichidi”.The Temple is among the most gorgeous and well- maintained ones in Delhi.  

The ISKCON Temple is designed to dissolve the boundaries between the Man and the Divine. Not merely his adobe, the Temple is “God” and therefore, by implication the whole universe is identified with the Temple’s design and actual fabric.

For many this is just a Temple for finding Peace, Solace and Quite, sitting amongst Lord Krishna and his devotees with Hare Krishna chants going around is indeed an experience. But for those who are seeking more, there is so much to learn and see, than what meets the eye.