The Majestic Power of the Grand ISKCON Temple Built At A Cost of 100 Crores in Patna

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), colloquially referred to as the Hare Krishna movement or Hare Krishnas, stands as a Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindu religious organization. It was founded in 1966 in New York City by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. ISKCON’s formation was rooted in the aspiration to spread the practice of Bhakti yoga, a path of profound love for God. Those who embrace Bhakti yoga, known as bhaktas, dedicate their thoughts and actions to pleasing Krishna, whom they regard as the Supreme Lord.

The Patna ISKCON temple indeed boasts several remarkable features that make it unique and spiritually significant:

1. 84 Pillars and Philosophical Symbolism: The temple’s architectural design is centered around the concept of 84 pillars. This number holds a specific significance in Hindu philosophy, representing the cycle of 84 births or reincarnations one goes through before achieving liberation (moksha). The temple’s visitors are encouraged to circumambulate these 84 pillars, symbolizing the journey towards spiritual liberation and breaking the cycle of rebirth.
2. Architectural Inspiration from Dwarkadhish Temple: The temple’s design draws inspiration from the historic Dwarkadhish Temple, a famous Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Krishna in Dwarka, Gujarat. This connection emphasizes the spiritual link between different regions and reinforces the devotion to Lord Krishna.
3. Artisan Heritage: The temple’s construction holds a connection to India’s rich architectural history. It was built by the same family of artisans who were involved in the creation of the iconic Taj Mahal. This heritage brings a sense of continuity and cultural significance to the temple’s construction.
4. Marble from Markana: The temple’s exquisite white marble comes from the same Markana quarries that provided the material for the construction of the Taj Mahal. This choice of marble not only adds to the temple’s aesthetic beauty but also reflects the commitment to using high-quality materials for its creation.
5. Multifunctional Facilities: The temple complex is not just a place of worship, but it also offers various facilities to cater to the needs of devotees and visitors. These include an auditorium, a Govinda restaurant (likely offering vegetarian food), guest houses for travelers, and additional auditoriums to accommodate large gatherings.
6. Central Deities: At the heart of the temple, the presiding deities include Sri Sri Gaur Nitai, Sri Sri Radha Banke Bihariji, and Sri Sri Ram Janaki Lakshman and Hanumanji. These deities hold immense significance for devotees, and their presence creates a sacred atmosphere for spiritual activities.
7. Philosophical Teachings: The temple provides a platform for various spiritual activities, including daily aarti (devotional offerings), lectures, and discourse sessions that cater to the spiritual nourishment of the devotees. These activities help disseminate the teachings of Bhakti yoga and foster a deeper connection with the divine.

Overall, the ISKCON temple in Patna not only serves as a place of worship but also stands as a symbol of devotion, architectural beauty, and spiritual exploration. Its unique features and symbolic elements contribute to the holistic experience that it offers to those seeking a deeper connection with their spiritual beliefs and practices.At the heart of the temple, the divine presiding deities are Sri Sri Gaur Nitai, Sri Sri Radha Banke Bihariji, and Sri Sri Ram Janaki Lakshman and Hanumanji. Elaborate carvings and intricate embellishments grace the temple walls, portraying various aspects of Shri Krishna’s life in exquisite detail.

The central hall exudes a divine ambiance, filled with the enchanting melodies of “Hare Krishna & Hare Rama,” a magnet for a multitude of attendees. The morning aarti commences at 4:30 am, followed by a series of regular devotional lectures and discourse sessions catering to the devotees’ spiritual nourishment.

Within the premises, a haven for meditation and spiritual exploration exists, alongside an auditorium, restaurant, guest house, and a variety of multipurpose halls, all contributing to the holistic experience offered by this sacred place.

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:

1. Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, Delhi: 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.
2. Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra Temple, Bangalore: Stands as one of the world’s largest Krishna-Hindu temples, gracing Bangalore in Karnataka, India. This sacred abode venerates the Hindu deities Radha and Krishna, while also advocating monotheism as espoused in the Chandogya Upanishad.
3. Sri Sri Radha Vrindavanchandra Temple, Pune: The ISKCON New Vedic Cultural Center (NVCC) in Pune, India, is a prominent Gaudiya Vaishnavism temple dedicated to Lord Radha Krishna. 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. Notably, it was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee.
4. 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.
   A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, desired to establish ISKCON centers in India.
5. Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir of the Vedic Planetarium, Mayapur: Located in Mayapur, West Bengal, this temple is a significant project by ISKCON. It’s designed to be one of the largest temples in the world and serves as a cultural and spiritual center. The temple complex includes the Vedic Planetarium, which aims to present Vedic cosmology and teachings.
6. Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir (ISKCON Vrindavan): This temple is situated in Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. It’s known for its vibrant devotional atmosphere and the deities of Krishna and Balaram. The temple hosts numerous festivals, attracting devotees and pilgrims.

These temples not only offer a place of worship but also provide a space for spiritual learning, meditation, and cultural enrichment. They play a crucial role in promoting the teachings of Bhakti yoga and facilitating a connection between devotees and the divine.

In addition to their weekly gatherings, devotees within the ISKCON movement commemorate a diverse array of Hindu festivals, each holding its own significance. These festivals include Janmashtami, Radhastami, Diwali, Gaura Purnima, Ekadasi, Holi, Rama Navami, and Gita Jayanti. These celebrations bring the community together to honor and deepen their devotion to the divine.

A remarkable event within the ISKCON calendar is the Ratha Yatra Festival of Chariots. This annual spectacle involves devotees engaging in spirited chanting and dancing along the streets, pulling a lavishly adorned chariot carrying the deities of Jagannatha, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. This public procession is often followed by captivating performances and the distribution of free vegetarian food, signifying a joyful offering to the public.

The practice of mantra meditation, known as kirtan, is a central feature of the ISKCON movement. Dedicated kirtan festivals take place globally on an annual basis. Events like the Sadhu Sanga Retreat in Boone, North Carolina, Kirtan 50 in Dallas, Texas, and Radhadesh Mellows in Durbuy, Belgium, draw participants to immerse themselves in the melodious chanting of sacred mantras. Renowned kirtaneers like Jahnavi Harrison, Gaura Vani, and the Mayapuris, known for their kirtan albums, contribute to the vibrant kirtan culture. These sessions extend beyond temple settings, finding their way into university “Bhakti Clubs,” mantra lounges, yoga, and wellness festivals.