ISKCON Temple ( Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh )

Image credit : nundhunk

Sri Krishna Balrama Temple is acknowledged for being the first temple constructed by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Built in 1975 by the ISKCON cult, the foundation of the shrine was laid by Swami Prabhupada (founder of ISKCON) himself. Located at Raman Reti in Vrindavan, the temple can be easily reached by regular transport from the western part of Uttar Pradesh. From Delhi, one can get in touch with the temple by taking regular buses or by hiring taxis.

In the temple complex, one can see a temple that comprises ‘Samadhi’ of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, on the left-hand side. The ‘Samadhi’ temple is totally made in white marble and the gilded image of Swami Prabhupada enhances the vista with its transcendental appearance. This is the place, where the body of Swami was kept after he left this corporeal world. In the present day, this splendid shrine is the most beautiful temple of Vrindavan.

Image credit : sridhar.matte

The principal deity of the temple is the image of Krishna-Balrama, which happens to lure from the main entrance of the shrine. The image is housed under the central spire (shikhar) of the temple. Apart from the eye-glittering image of Krishna Balrama, the images of Gaura-Nitai and Radha-Shyamsundar are adored by other shrines that are located along side the central shrine. All the shrines look exceptionally striking with the ornamentation, which is done to the deities.

The temple situated, where the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna displayed His transcendental pastimes 5,000 years ago. Sri Krishna and Balaram would herd Their cows at Raman Reti near the Yamuna River. The temple has three altars. On the first altar are Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, the most merciful incarnations of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu who appeared about 500 years ago at West Bengal. The divine brothers, Sri Krishna and Balaram, are worshiped on the central altar and on the third altar are Sri Sri Radha Shyamasundara along Their confidental gopis, Lalita and Vishakha.

ISKCON Temple – ( Banglore, Karnataka )

Image credit : Anil kumar

Sri Radha Krishna Chandra Temple is accredited for having the ISKCON’s largest temple complex in the world. Being made by the Iskcon cult, the magnificent shrine is commonly known as Iskcon Temple Iskcon Temple Bangalore is situated on a seven acre hillock called ‘Hare Krishna Hill’ on West of Chord Road. This outstanding temple is one amongst the best shrines constructed by the ISKCON. Iskcon Temple can be reached easily by taking regular buses, local vehicles or by hiring taxis from the city of Bangalore. ISKCON Temple, Bangalore or the International Society for Krishna Consciousness is a replica of the Gaudiya Vaishnava faith based on the teachings of Bhagvad Gita and the Bhagvad Purana.

It is well known all over the world for its architectural style. Built in neo-classical style of architecture, the temple bands together conventional architecture with ultra-modern services. The ardent devotees like Madhu Pandit Dasa (President and Project director) and Jagat Chandra Dasa designed the structure of this remarkable shrine, mingling the elements of traditional South-Indian with contemporary style of architecture. The elaborate temple complex is divided into various sections and sub-sections.

Image credit : SHREY

The splendid structure of the temple is worth-seeing because the celestial grandeur cannot be bounded in words. Lush green gardens in the campus appear mesmerizing to the onlooker. The temple complex also has an open amphitheatre, where various festivals and concerts are observed. The festival of ‘Janmashtami’ is the major festival that is celebrated here with loads of enthusiasm and devotion.

The beautifully ornamental arches and illuminated water jets escort to the richly decorated Rajagopuram (main shrine). The main shrine comprises the stunningly beautiful idols of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. Apart from the main shrine, the temple also comprises four additional shrines dedicated to Sri Sri Krishna Balrama, Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Prahlada Narasimha and Sri Srinivasa Govinda respectively. The main hall that embraces the three shrines, including the main one, is a huge hall of 10,000 sq feet. The ceiling of the hall is festooned with remarkable paintings made by the Russian painters.

Image credit : Satheshkumar

The huge shrine was started under the global project of ISKCON to memorialize the birthday of its founder, Sri Prabhupada. In May 1997, Bangalore Iskcon Temple was inaugurated by Mr. Shankar Dayal Sharma (former President of India). Ever since, the temple has been visited by far more than 5.1 million visitors. In the vein of other Iskcon Temples round the World, the shrine is mainly dedicated to Radha-Krishna.