ISKCON temple Kolkata is a highly spiritual place for devotees. Also called Sri Sri Radha Govind Mandir, the temple focuses mainly on spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna. It is not restricted to any particular religion and welcomes people interested in learning about His teachings with open arms. The complex is very well maintained and provides a peaceful atmosphere for devotees to soak in the heavenly vibes.
The beautifully ornamented idols of Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna are mesmerizing. The smile on their face drives away all stress.
A visit to the temple clears your minds and purifies your souls through the chanting of the mantra. A visit to the ISKON temple is a unique experience. The entire place makes you feel relaxed and comfortable, and you are at peace with yourself and experience tranquility. Iskon Temple everywhere is so peaceful that you can go and sit for hours.
There is no provision to offer puja to the deity. Devotees can buy the Prasad separately. One can see the aarti, and it is a surreal experience to witness the Kirtan with so many people dancing to the tunes.
ISKCON Temple Kolkata Complex
Very few people know that the temple has a lovely restaurant named Govinda, which serves authentic sattvic vegetarian food devoid of onion and garlic. Visitors can enjoy the food prepared by the volunteers in hygienic conditions. The menu is elaborate and serves Indian, Mughlai, and Chinese cuisine.
Breakfast is served from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, lunch from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, evening snacks from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and Dinner from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The adjoining sweet mart/ bakery serves delicious sweets made with care and love. Some of the popular food items here are Rasmalai, Chanar Payesh, Hyderabadi Veg Biryani, Traditional Vegetarian Thali, Sandesh, Rasgulla, Paneer Makhni, and stuffed Kuchas.
The temple complex also houses a shop for buying momentous.
The Kolkata temple is not so big as the other Iskcon temples. They do not allow backpacks inside the temple, so you have to arrange on your own to keep the bag outside the temple.
History of ISKCON Kolkata
After establishing ISKCON temples abroad, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada returned to his birthplace, Kolkata, in August 1970.
The ISKCON Kolkata is the first Iskcon center established in India by A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada around 1970. It was in May 1971, the worship of the Lord commenced at ISKCON Kolkata. Srila Prabhupada was accompanied by his westerner disciples who had their heads shaved with sikhas, donned saffron robes, Vaishnava tilaks on foreheads, chanted Sanskrit verses, and played mridangs and karatalas.
They created a sensation in Kolkata. The residents of Kolkata were mesmerized to see white American and European devotees dressed in dhoti and kurta chanting and dancing on Hare Krishna.
The temple promotes Vedic and spiritual teachings. The basic idea behind the formation of ISKCON was to spread Bhakti Yoga, a spiritual path mentioned in the Holy scriptures of Bhagwad Geeta and Bhagwad Purana, to follow Lord Krishna, who is considered one Supreme Lord.
Srila Prabhupada’s Residence Beside ISKCON Kolkata
Whenever Srila Prabhupada visited Kolkata, his residence used to be at 3C Albert Road in a small room adjacent to the temple. He used to meet visitors and disciples, instruct them on plans of ISKCON. He took many major decisions from his room, such as buying of plot in Mayapur.
His belongings like his typewriter, his dictating machine, an old picture of his spiritual master, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati and Srimad Bhagwatam are all still preserved and are displayed as exhibits.
ISKCON Temple Kolkata Spiritual Sessions
ISKCON temple committee keeps organizing various devotional programs and spiritual sessions. If you are interested, then you can register on their site.
There are many programs held by the ISKCON and their youth empowerment programs are quite a hit among the youths. Many working youths participate in systematic spiritual training programs and practice Krishna consciousness at Youth of Gods Abode center (YOGA) called Bhaktivedanta YOGA.
Festivals at ISKCON Temple Kolkata
Many festivals are celebrated here with grandeur.
Janmashtami
The birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated grandly at the temple. What begins with the early morning mangal aarti continues throughout the day as devotees visit for darshan and seek blessings from the Lord.
A 108-course meal is specially prepared as an offering to the deity. Free meals are served to the devotees as prasad and cultural programs are organized.
Ramnavami
Ramnavami is the birthday of Lord Rama and is one of the many festivals celebrated with grandeur at ISKCON Kolkata. The idols of Gods are dressed as Rama and Lakshmana, while the Goddess’s idol is dressed as Sita, and narration of Ramayana for the devotees is conducted.
Radhashtami
Radhashtami is celebrated at the ISKCON in honor of the most beloved devotee of Lord Krishna, who is also his consort. There are prayers, flowers, garlands offered to the Goddess, and devotees seek blessings.
Chandan Yatra
Chandan Yatra is all about offering sandalwood along with flowers and garlands. The idols are covered in sandalwood paste made out of 100 kilograms of sandalwood, for 21 long days to provide respite from the scorching summer heat post which, they are taken out for procession at the temple pond.
Jhulan Yatra
Jhulan Yatra is the five-day swing festival celebrated during the Hindu month of Shravan (monsoon). Apart from the cultural and spiritual festivities that include bhajans and kirtans, the idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radharani are put on a decorated swing.
Kartik Masa
The Hindu month of Kartik (overlapping between October and November) is an auspicious month with offerings of sweets, fruits, and flowers. Ghee lights are lit, and the Tulsi plant is worshipped. Devotees donate wholeheartedly during this month.
Geeta Jayanti
The day when Lord Krishna narrated the Bhagwad Geeta to Arjuna at Kurukshetra, before the great war of Mahabharata. The day was the 11th day of the Hindu month of Margashirsha.
Kolkata Rath Yatra
The first Ratha Yatra of ISKCON in India took place in Kolkata on 12 July 1972. It has become a regular annual affair ever since. Hundreds of thousands of people witnessed this event.
Srila Prabhupada, the most illustrious saint, laid the foundation of a mammoth Rath Yatra festival in Kolkata. The route of the first Rath Yatra procession began from 3C Albert Road to Mallick’s Thakurbari at 12 M.G Road.
On that auspicious day, for the first time, Lord Jagannath descended on the streets of Kolkata to bestow mercy upon millions of people.
Devotees pulled the huge chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladev, and Subhadra Devi from the ISKCON temple. The beautifully decorated chariot carrying Lord Jagannath was about 30 ft high and was a replica of the ones in Jagannath Puri, Orissa.
Also Read: The story of Jagganath Temple, Puri, from the time of Puranas
A grand procession followed. People, irrespective of their caste and creed, color, gender, children of all ages, were overly excited to pull the rope and be a part of this journey.
The most striking highlight of this event was the presence of Western devotees of Lord Krishna, who were enthusiastically participating in this event. All the people were dancing to the heart-rendering tune of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
The chariots passed through the streets and finally reached the Radha Govinda Mandir of the Mallick’s Thakurbari, at 12 M G Road. Throughout the journey, people flocked to catch a glimpse of Lord Jagannath.
The celebration went on for Seven days at Mallick Thakurbari.
Since the beginning, the festival has caught the imagination of thousands of people in Kolkata. And since then, every year Rath Yatra festival has grown in size and reach.
Present day Rath yatra festival at Kolkata
Before the start of the procession, cultural programs are performed in front of the chariots. The three deities are carried by the devotees from the temple to the chariots amidst the beating of drums and Hare Krishna kirtan.
The Lord of the universe majestically sitting on the chariots thus began traveling through the streets of Kolkata, showering his mercy upon thousands of people. Devotees get an opportunity to pull the Rath.
The roads are bedecked with colorful rangolis. Hundreds of ladies carrying arati plates sanctify the pathway by blowing conch shells, sprinkling holy water, and throwing flower petals on the road.
Throughout the procession, devotees sing, dance, play cymbals and mridangas.
The loud but melodious chant of Hare Krishna touches the hearts of thousands of souls. The three giant chariots travel through the streets and lanes of Kolkata for around 5 hours.
Present Route for Rathyatra:
Albert Road – Hungerford Street – Minto Park – Sarat Bose Road – Hazra Road – Hazra Crossing – S.P. Mukherjee Road – A.T.M. Road – Exide Crossing – J.L. Nehru Road -Straight to Brigade Parade Ground
Ulta Rath goes along the following route:
Brigade Parade Ground – J.L. Nehru Road – Esplanade – Lenin Sarani – C.I.T Road – SUHRAWARDY ROAD – SHAKESPEAR SARANI – HUNGERFORD STREET – ALBERT ROAD
Iskon Guest House Kolkata
The ISKCON temple also has staying facilities for guests. This place is well connected with all utilities and facilities.
ISKCON temple Kolkata guesthouse booking can be made in advance against Full Payment. All rooms are double bedded, Extra Person staying will be charged Rs. 500/. per day. GST is applicable on Room Rent subject to the following
Rs. 1000 – Rs.2499 12 % GST , Rs. 2500 – Rs.7499 18% GST
Rooms and toilets are clean and well maintained. One needs to carry bathing shower gel/ soap and detergents.
Check-in time: – 12:30 PM Noon, Check out time: – 10:00 AM.
Following things are prohibited inside ISKCON Guesthouse.
a. Intoxication (Liquor, Cigarettes, Tea, Coffee)
b. Gambling
c. Meat-eating (Meat, egg, fish, onion, garlic)
d. Illicit sex
For online booking www.guesthouse.iskconkolkata.com
Email: guesthouse@iskconkolkata.com
For other queries contact the helpdesk number +91-33-40403310
Iskcon Temple Kolkata Timings
It takes around 20 minutes to see the temple. The best time to visit the temple is in the morning around, 10 AM, or evening between 5-7 PM.
All-day – 4:30 AM – 1:00 PM
4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Darshan is open from – 4:30 AM till 5:00 AM, 7:30 AM till 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM till 8:30 PM
Temple closed 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Iskcon Temple Kolkata Address
3c, ground floor, Uttam Kumar Sarani, Opposite Birla High School, Minto Park, Elgin, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700017, India
Iskcon Temple Kolkata Contact Number: 033 4070 3344, 033 4040 3300
Iskcon Temple Kolkata Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Iskcon-Kolkata-Official-113962385367196/
Website: www.iskconkolkata.com
Email: Centnfo@iskconkolkata.com
How to Reach ISKCON Temple Kolkata
Due to its location at the center of the city, ISKCON, is very easy to reach as public transport is available from every part of the city.
Nearest Railway Station: Sealdah Railway Station and Howrah Junction. From Sealdah railway station, one can board any bus going towards Mullick Bazar and get down at Minto Park. The temple is within a walking distance from Minto park.
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. One can hire prepaid taxis or rent cabs (Ola, Uber, etc.) to get to the temple from the airport.
By Bus
Take a bus to Minto Park. ISKCON Temple is 2 min walk from there.
By Metro
Take a metro to Rabindra Sadan Metro Station. Come out from the EXIDE gate and walk towards Minto Park. ISKCON temple is on the road opposite Birla High School.
