ISKCON Temple Bangalore: A Spiritual Oasis
Experience serenity at ISKCON Bangalore, a majestic temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, blending spiritual heritage with architectural grandeur.
ISKCON Bangalore, officially known as the Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra Temple, is a prominent spiritual and cultural landmark in Bengaluru. This magnificent temple, part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. Located on Hare Krishna Hill in Rajajinagar, the temple was inaugurated in 1997 by the then President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma. The vision behind the temple was to create a spiritual oasis in the bustling city, promoting Krishna consciousness through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The temple is part of a global network of ISKCON temples founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966. The temple's architecture is a captivating blend of modern and traditional styles. Built with stunning white marble and adorned with sparkling chandeliers, it exemplifies a fusion of traditional and contemporary design. The temple complex covers seven acres and houses deities of Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra, Sri Sri Krishna Balarama, Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Srinivasa Govinda and Sri Prahlada Narasimha. A gold-plated flag post (Dhwaja-Stambha) stands at 17 meters, and the gilded Kalash Shikharas reach 8.5 meters. ISKCON Bangalore is more than just a temple; it's a cultural complex that hosts various spiritual and cultural activities. The temple is known for its engagement with devotees through festivals, educational programs, and social services. The complex includes a cultural hall, Vedic museum, exhibition halls, and a landscape garden. ISKCON also provides midday meals to underprivileged children in partnership with government schools. Visitors can partake in the temple's daily rituals, including the Mangala Arati in the early morning and the Sandhya Arati in the evening. The temple celebrates major festivals such as Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Ratha Yatra, and Sri Radhashtami with grand celebrations. ISKCON Bangalore aims to spread the teachings and consciousness of Krishna through its various activities and programs.
Local tips
- Dress modestly and maintain silence inside the prayer areas as a sign of respect.
- Arrive early in the morning to attend the Mangala Arati for a peaceful spiritual experience.
- Photography is allowed in the outer premises but restricted inside the main shrine.
- Check the official ISKCON Bangalore website for the most up-to-date timings, as they may vary, especially during festivals.
- Enjoy the free, nutritious vegetarian lunch (Nitya Annadana program) served daily from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
A brief summary to ISKCON temple Bangalore
- Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Rd, Bengaluru, 1st R Block, Rajajinagar, Karnataka, 560010, IN
- +918023471956
- Visit website
- Monday 4:15 am-5 am
- Tuesday 4:15 am-5 am
- Wednesday 4:15 am-5 am
- Thursday 4:15 am-5 am
- Friday 4:15 am-5 am
- Saturday 4:15 am-5 am
- Sunday 4:15 am-5 am
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic), take a direct bus operated by BMTC to Govt Soap Factory. Several bus lines, such as 250-P, operate on this route. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes and costs ₹10-₹15. From the Govt Soap Factory bus stop, it is a short walk to the temple. Alternatively, take the Namma Metro from Chickpet to Sandal Soap Factory. The metro ride takes about 13 minutes and costs ₹30-₹45. The temple is a 10-minute walk from the Sandal Soap Factory metro station.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available throughout Bangalore. A taxi ride from the city center (e.g., MG Road) to ISKCON Temple typically costs between ₹250 and ₹310 and takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Ride-sharing apps provide fare estimates and allow for cashless payments. Note that fares may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
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Walking
ISKCON Temple is approximately a 10-minute walk from both the Mahalakshmi and Sandal Soap Factory metro stations. From either station, exit and follow the signs towards the temple. The walk is straightforward and well-marked. Walking from nearby areas like Mahalakshmi Layout is also feasible, with the temple being a prominent landmark in the vicinity.
