Iskcon Temple in Karnataka is a must see. Built on the theme of the Iskcon cult the temple is also called Sri Radha Krishna Chandra Temple. ISKCON stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Worshippers throng the Iskcon Temple in Bangalore every day. This particular temple in Bangaluru was built to mark the birth centenary of Sri Prabhupada, founder of Iskcon. The seven-acre hillock on which Iskcon Temple is situated is also called the Hare Krishna Hill.
The striking feature of Iskcon Temple, Bangalore is its architecture. Built in Neo Classical style, this monument will grab the attention of every tourist. The splendor of the temple oozes out from its main shrine or Rajagopuram. The path leading to the main shrine is decorated with illuminated water jets and ornately designed arches. The temple is a standing testimony of sheer magnificence. Traditional and contemporary architectural traditions have been combined to create Iskcon Temple, Karnataka. There are four Gopurams inside the temple. All the four shrines are connected with glazed-glass canopy. The four gopurams are dedicated to Sri Krishna Balrama, Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Prahlada Narasimha and Sri Srinivasa Govinda respectively.
The main shrine houses the beautiful idols of lord Krishna and Radha. The idols were consecrated in the year 1997. Most of these shrines are situated in the main hall that measures 10,000 sq feet. The ceiling of the hall flaunts famous paintings by Russian painters. Two ardent disciples of Lord Krishna-- Madhu Pandit Dasa and Jagat Chandra Dasa, designed the entire layout of Iskcon Temple, Bangalore. The huge building is further divided into sections and sub sections. The Iskcon Temple attracts about 10,000 to 15,000 followers every day. The superb structure of the temple is rightly complemented by the lush green gardens. The greenery and the serene atmosphere of Iskcon Temple make it one of the most sought after religious places in the garden city.
Janmastami is a festival that cannot be missed. This day is celebrated as the birthday of lord Krishna. From all over the globe numerous devotees come to Iskcon Temple, Bangalore to witness the celebrations. The open amphitheater within the temple complex is used for organizing concerts and festivals.
Several religious and social projects have been undertaken by Iskcon Temple from time to time. One of these religious projects is the one that which was launched in the year 2000. In order to promote world peace and harmony a religious program was started. It required one to chant the 1 billion names of Shri Krishna. A separate venue for the Harinama Mandapa or Nama Japa was arranged for. This lay ahead of the first temple, Prahlada Narasimha. Two sets of granite steps with each one comprising of 108 steps can be found here. According to the program a devotee can chant the `Hare Krishna Mahamantra` at each step. After chanting the `Mahamantra` for 108 times he can enter the Narsimha Temple.
The temple also launched another program in which bachelors between 19 and 29 years can participate. It was called the "Friends of Lord Krishna" or FOLK. This was undertaken to educate the young generation about the Vedic culture in Bangalore. This is done through classes, discussions and practical sessions on Vedic philosophy and lifestyle.
Akshay Patra, a feeding program is also popular in the Bangalore temple. To encourage and preserve the traditional art and craft of South India Iskcon Temple promotes the skilled artisans and craftsmen through their work. These products are displayed at "Dakshinakriti" or sculpture showroom.
Being located at the heart of Bangalore Iskcon temple, Karnataka, it is easily accessible to all.
