ISKCON Delhi, renowned as Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, stands as a revered Vaishnav temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radharani. The temple’s inauguration on April 5, 1998, was graced by the former Indian Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Situated in the tranquil Hare Krishna Hills of Sant Nagar, East of Kailash, South Delhi, this temple holds profound spiritual and historical significance.
The journey towards the establishment of ISKCON Delhi finds its roots in Srila Prabhupada’s Guru’s guidance and his subsequent voyage to the West. During his stay in Delhi’s bustling Chhipiwada area, known for its book publishers and business activities, Srila Prabhupada invested countless hours deciphering Srimad-Bhagavatam and crafting articles for his Back to Godhead magazine. This period, marked by planning his voyage to the USA, solidified Delhi’s place in his heart as a pivotal starting point.
Upon his return to India in 1970, Srila Prabhupada heeded the eternal call of Lord Krishna and embarked on preaching efforts in Delhi. Recognizing the city’s strategic importance due to its capital status, educated populace, and global influences, he foresaw the need to cultivate “life members” as patrons for ISKCON, fostering its growth.
As a result, the iconic Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, nestled in the Hare Krishna Hills within the East of Kailash area in New Delhi, emerged. This temple, inaugurated on April 5, 1998, aimed to promote the practice of Bhakti Yoga (Krishna Consciousness) and required an investment of Rupees 12 crores, overcoming the significant challenge of acquiring land for the temple.
Advancing to the present, unwavering efforts led by Lord Krishna’s devotee Gopala Krishna Goswami and his committed team navigated complex legal processes, eventually realizing Srila Prabhupada’s dream by transferring the Chhipiwada temple to ISKCON. This transition represented a significant milestone in fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s vision.
Noteworthy government figures of the time, including Mrs. Sheela Kohl and Mr. Jagmohan, envisioned the temple as more than a worship space. They envisioned it as a cultural and educational venture, the ‘Glory of India Vedic Cultural Center,’ employing cutting-edge technology to elucidate ancient and medieval texts such as Mahabharata, Ramayana, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and Caitanya-caritamrta through lifelike models and innovative multimedia.
With the passage of time, ISKCON Delhi remained true to its commitment of transcending conventional temple roles, evolving into a globally renowned hub for tourists and visitors seeking to deepen their understanding of Hindu culture. The temple extended invitations to students from schools and colleges, aiming to foster appreciation for Vedic scripts and traditions.
The temple houses notable attractions, including the Astounding Bhagavad Gita—an invaluable religious tome that weighs over 800 kilograms—and gift shops and libraries brimming with devotional music CDs and books. Additionally, the temple boasts a captivating museum that hosts interactive multimedia shows, featuring extraordinary sagas like Ramayana and Mahabharata through enriching paintings. Performers from around the world grace the open theater within the complex, enacting scenes from Hindu sagas, thus cementing the temple’s reputation as a hub of performing arts and reviving the spiritual culture of India.
The temple’s architecture harmoniously blends tradition and modernity, embellished with intricate carvings, stonework, and a distinctive lattice tower. The journey to the temple is guided by the natural contours of Krishna Jayanti Park, lined with flowering trees, and leads to the temple’s entrance—a pathway that embodies the hill’s inherent character.
The external complex boasts intricate carvings, stonework, shops, and a mesmerizing fountain. The central hall resonates with the enchanting “Hare Rama Hare Krishna” mantra. When architect Shri. Achyut P Kanvinde undertook the commission to design the temple complex in 1993, he deftly amalgamated traditional and contemporary concepts, evident in the fountains, gardens, and temple shikhara that radiate light. The gardens are said to emulate ‘Vrindavan’ or the ‘garden of Lord Krishna,’ offering a transformative experience.
Notably, the unique lattice tower stands as a testament to advanced artistry in devotion to Lord Krishna. The temple’s design exudes an unassuming humility and functional efficiency, maximizing natural light and water resources.
Irrespective of one’s alignment with ISKCON’s religious beliefs, these intricate sanctuaries welcome visitors year-round, facilitating immersion in spiritual energy and fostering tranquility and grandeur. These temples serve as ‘spiritual hospitals,’ healing anxieties with wisdom and elevating spirits. Beyond being temples, they embody institutions founded on the principle of spreading the profound teachings of the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita, accessible to all who seek them.
The list of some of the ISKCON Temples in India. Each of these temples holds its own significance and attracts devotees and visitors from around the world. Here’s a brief overview of each of these temples:
- Sri Sri Radha Banke Bihariji Temple, Patna: The Patna ISKCON temple indeed boasts several remarkable features that make it unique and spiritual. The Grand ISKCON Temple Built At A Cost of 100 Crores in Patna
- Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra Temple, Bangalore: stands as one of the world’s largest Krishna-Hindu temples, gracing Bangalore in Karnataka, India. Originating from a rich history, the Bangalore ISKCON Temple was inaugurated in May 1997 by India’s ninth president, Shankar Dayal Sharma.
- Sri Sri Radha Vrindavanchandra Temple, Pune: Established in 2013, it stands as the largest temple in Pune and is situated in the serene area of Kondhwa. This temple complex spans 6 acres and was constructed over seven years at a cost of 40 Crore rupees, with funding from the Iskcon temple in Camp and devoted followers.
- Sri Sri Radha Krishna Mandir, Chennai: A Gaudiya Vaishnavism temple in Chennai, India is called the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Mandir, also referred to as the ISKCON Temple Chennai. The temple honors the Hindu gods Radha and Krishna. It was solemnly dedicated on April 26, 2012.
- Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir of the Vedic Planetarium, Mayapur: Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, also known as the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium or ISKCON Mayapur, stands as a significant Gaudiya Vaishnava temple and serves as the headquarters of ISKCON.
- Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir (ISKCON Vrindavan): The temple’s genesis was Srila Prabhupada’s vision – ISKCON’s founder – of creating an exquisitely beautiful temple where Lord Krishna and Balaram would be worshipped, reminiscent of the divine brothers’ play over five millennia ago.
Accompanied by the rhythmic cadence of mridangas and karatalas, and the resonant chant of the maha-mantra, “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare,” individuals can be awakened to a rejuvenated state. Fondly known as the Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir among devotees, ISKCON Delhi offers solace and sustenance for weary souls.
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