Iskcon temple is one of the most visited temples in Vrindavan. It is also known as Sri-Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir. This temple is a vision fulfilled by Swami Prabhupada. He is the founder-acharya of ISKCON). He had the vision to build a place of worship for the brothers - Krishna and Balaram - in the same sanctified city where they stayed and played together for years several centuries ago.
ISKCON temple has become the major attraction in the city. It is located in the Raman Reti area of Vrindavan. Devotees from every part of the world throng to the place and pay their devotion. The devotees in the divine temple are enthralled by the Aarti and mesmerised by Bhagavad Geeta classes held every day. The leading deity of the temple, however, is Lord Krishna-Balaram.
The three altars at ISKCON temple at Vrindavan are
• The seats of Sri-Sri Gaura Nitai,
• Shri Krishna and Balaram and
• Sri Sri Radha Shyamasundara together with Lalita & Vishakha.
On the right platform are the idols of their friends while on the left side there is a statue of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu with Nityananda. Krishna-Balaram Mandir or famously known as ISKCON temple implements great consciences of hygiene and divinity adoration in the whole of Vrindavan.
The architecture of ISKCON Vrindavan
One can see the wonderful ISKCON temple just after arriving the holy land of Vrindavan. The temple is created out of white marble and ornamented with bits of stones that grab one's attention at the very first spectacle. The marvellous structure in white is sanctified with three benches. The central bench is devoted to Krishna and Balaram. The other two benches are dedicated to Sri Gaur Nitai and Sri Radha Shyamasundar.
The colonnades of the temple display several pictures of Lord Krishna, portraying numerous romping scenes of his life. The temple has a beautiful verandah. There are wall paintings of Sri Radha-Krishna and Sri Gaur-Nitai hung on them. The main idol of the temple which is the image of Krishna and Balaram is positioned under the central spire of the temple. The pictures of other gods have situated among side the chief shrine and well adorned. The temple is massive with various sections to carry out religious activities day and night. The first floor of the temple is very appealing which has been designed more like a balcony with 108 flowers painted on the floor.
ISKCON Temple Vrindavan Aarti Timings
Morning –
• Aarti Mangla at 5:00 AM,
• Aarti Tulsi at 5:30 AM,
• Guru Pooja at 7:15 AM,
• Pravachan at 7:30 AM,
• Aarti Shringar at 8:30 AM,
• Aarti Rajbhog at 12:00 PM
Evening –
• Aarti Dhoop at 4:30 PM,
• Aarti Sandhya at 6:30 PM,
• Geeta Pravachan at 7:30 PM,
• Aarti Sayan at 8:00 PM
Travellers tips to Iskcon Temple
• Visit the temple in traditional outfits like ghagra-choli, dhotis, sarees and other Indian traditional attires.
• The traditional dresses are easily accessible from the shops inside the temple premises.
• Plan your visit to Iskcon temple in winters as summers are usually scorching.
• Book your stay at the lodges, guest houses or motels in advance as this place is usually jam-packed and housing facility is usually full.
How to reach Iskcon temple Vrindavan?
Vrindavan is in Uttar Pradesh and the Iskcon temple is very well connected by road, air and railways. It is close to Agra which is conveniently connected by bus routes. From Delhi, Yamuna expressway is the direct route towards Agra and Vrindavan is just 76 km away from there.
· Rail: you can deboard at Mathura station from where Vrindavan is 11.9 km away. Taxis and
buses are without difficulty available outside the station.
· Road: Normal state transport buses, as well as other luxury buses, depart from Delhi and Noida to Vrindavan daily.
Best time to visit Vrindavan
The best time to visit Vrindavan is during winters from October to March when the temperature is just perfect for sightseeing. One can simply witness the beauty of Yamuna River and other religious spots.
Other devout tourist spots in Vrindavan
1. Banke Bihari Mandir
2. Prem mandir
3. Radha Raman temple
4. Katyayani
5. Sri Ranganathan temple
6. Shahji temple
7. Gokulnanda
8. Gopeshwar Mahadev temple