5 ISKCON Temples to Visit During Janmashtami for a Spiritual Tour

People across the globe celebrate Krishna Janmashtami with a lot of cheer and fervor. But in India, the festivities reach another level altogether! Streets of every locality are filled with people, old and young, preparing for the matki fod competition while others employ all their artistic skills in dressing up Lord Krishna and decorating their swing, flute, and handi. While all these activities are common in every household, if there’s one place you ought to visit to see Janmashtami celebrations in all its glory, it’s the ISKCON temple.

If you are excited to go on a spiritual tour, the long weekend leading to Janmashtami is the perfect time. Compiled below is a list of 5 widely popular and extraordinarily beautiful ISKCON temples in India that you must visit if you are a Krishna bhakt.

A Brief Introduction to ISKCON

ISKCON is a Gaudiya Vaishnava Hindu organization that stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness. It is also known as the Hare Krishna Movement. While it was founded in New York City in 1966, its headquarters is located in India’s Mayapuri in West Bengal. There are over 800 ISKCON temples in India and the highest number of ISKCON centers in the world, including educational institutions, restaurants, and hotels for tourists and pilgrims.

Janmashtami is celebrated on a grand scale in every ISKCON temple. From the reverberating music of kirtans and the soothing sound of Hare Rama, Hare Krishna chants to divine rituals like the ceremonial bathing of Lord Krishna’s idol and midnight aarti, every element of the festival is magical.

5 ISKCON Temples to Visit in India

Now that you have a brief idea about ISKCON, it’s time to learn about the famous ISKCON temples you can visit in India for a gala time this Janmashtami. Keep reading!

1. Sri Radha Krishna Temple, Bangalore

Bangalore’s Sri Radha Krishna Temple is the biggest ISKCON temple in India. During Janmashtami, the enormous temple built in the Dravidian style of architecture gets a fresh coat of paint and is lit up with sparkling lights. One must visit this place just for the sheer radiance and peace it exudes.

2. Sri Mayapura Chandrodaya Temple, West Bengal

Renowned for being the main headquarters of ISKCON in India, Sri Mayapura Chandrodaya Temple is still under construction and is on its way to becoming one of the biggest temple complexes in the world. Also known as the Vedic Planetarium, it features Vedi arts and sciences and culture propagated in the Srimad Bhagavatam. It’s a must-visit to see Krishna’s birth being celebrated on a massive scale.

3. Sri Krishna Balaram Temple, Vrindavan

Located in the holy city of Vrindavan, Sri Krishna Balaram temple is the first ISKCON temple in India! Built in the year 1975, the temple complex shares proximity with the Mathura Palace, Govardhana Hill, and Gokul, which are places of great significance in Hindu mythology. Since Vrindavan is the place where Krishna grew up, the Janmashtami celebrations here are unlike any other—come, and see for yourself!

4. Sri Radha Parthasarathi Temple, Delhi

Home to the famous Glory of India Vedic Cultural Centre that houses the largest printed religious book, the Astounding Bhagavad Gita, Delhi’s ISKCON temple is a treasure trove for every Krishna devotee. Located in the heart of the capital city, Sri Radha Parthasarathi Temple is visited by lakhs of people during Janmashtami. Pro tip: an ISKCON membership will come in handy to get an edge during the crowded processions.

5. Sri Radha Krishna Temple, Chennai

A much-loved ISKCON temple and a popular attraction of the South India temple tour, the Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Chennai is the largest ISKCON temple in Tamil Nadu. It is spread over a vast area of 1.5 acres and is a part of the Centre for Spiritual Art and Culture. The Janmashtami festivities go into full swing in this strikingly beautiful place that is a must-visit for all who worship Lord Krishna.

The prospect of temple tourism in India is highly promising. And on special occasions, like Janmashtami, visiting popular sites like the ISKCON temples becomes even more exciting. So, if you want to visit any of these divine sites to celebrate Janmashtami, drenching yourself in the devotion of Lord Krishna, plan a tour today.

Wish you a very Happy Janmashtami from the My Flight Trip family!