History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Social & Religious Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of ISKON Temple Dwarka, Delhi, India
“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare“
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness’ [ISKON] temple in Delhi is a lavish abode of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani and undoubtedly the most revered sites in the city. Also known by the name of Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, the temple is one of the most important Vaishnava temples in the National Capital inducted in 1998. Famous for its breath-taking sculptures, galleries, architectural distinctiveness, and the spiritual quotient of Lord Krishna’s blessings, the temple has distinguished itself from any other Vaishnava temple in the city. With no doubts, it is a temple of performing arts as well that brings alive the spiritual culture of India with many cultural performances representing the Indian philosophy of life and religion.
Srila Prabhupada, a very respected Guru who initiated ISKON Delhi thought the city to be of significance for many seeming reasons, as several educated people and foreign influences seen around the city and thought it was necessary to develop and promote ISKON culture here.
Thus, the temple was built to encourage the practice of Bhakti Yoga and Krishna Consciousness. On crossing the major hurdle of obtaining land, fund raising for the temple started, and the managing trust received donations from people of Indian diaspora all over the world.
Both traditional and modern thoughts were brought together in sync with the motto of ISKCON, as is palpable in the fountains and the temple shikharas spreading light all over the complex. Renowned architect Achyut Kanvinde was given the responsibility of the construction and design of the huge complex. The design was mainly planned in the Hindu Temple style, with elements of Brutalist architecture and functionalist approaches in material placing. The complex today houses the temple, a Vedic museum along with a restaurant.
The Krishna Jayanti Park decorates the very entrance of the huge complex, which has been fixed with thriving tall trees up to the direction of the sanctuary. Adorned with multifaceted carvings and stonework, the central lobby with immaculate works of art and scriptures resonate with the radiant tune of “Hare Rama Hare Krishna,” which forms the pivotal mantra in ISKCON Delhi.
It merits a visit with an experience that has the capability of a spiritual transcend.
ISKON Dwarka Dham Delhi, Timings, Aarti Time
The temple remains open on all days of the week, with specific timings for different ‘aartis’(prayer songs). The temple timings are from 4:30 am in the morning till 1 in the afternoon and then it reopen at 4 pm to 9 pm in the evening.
Mangal aarti – 4:30 am
Darshan aarti – 7:15 am
Raj Bhog aarti – 12:30 pm
Usthapana aarti – 4:30 pm
Sandhya aarti – 7:00 pm
Saanya aarti – 8:00 pm
The complex houses the Astounding Bhagavad Gita, which is by fact the most important religious book at any point printed. The book weighs more than 800 kilograms and is the heaviest in the world.
The complex not just houses the main shrine, but also the Glory of India Vedic Cultural Centre that help visitors in learning about Hindu scriptures through a variety of multimedia technologies for presentation of ancient texts.
Philanthropic Engagements of ISKON Dwarka Dham, Delhi
The temple management, ISKON, has always involved itself with philanthropic and social work for the welfare of the society to reduce poverty, provide education opportunities to the neglected sections of the society and put up charitable trusts for Non-Governmental Organsiations for similar purposes. The temple remained active during the Covid – 19 pandemic and collected donations and funds for continuing its social welfare schemes.
How to Reach ISKON Temple Delhi, The Capital of India
The nearest metro station to the temple is Nehru Place, on the violet line of the Delhi Metro Rail Corp. Other major attractions of Kalkaji Temple and Lotus Temple are also situated in close proximity with the ISKON temple. Delhi being the capital of India and largest metropolitan area of India, and major tourist destination, of India where people across the world visits around the year. It is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Delhi has multiple major railway junction from where you can get train to all region of India. Delhi has domestic and international Airport from where you can get flight to all major cities of India and across the globe. You can find private taxi and public transport as well from both airport to reach to city center. Delhi is located at 46 km from Noida, 40 km from Gurugram, 242 km from Agra, 41 km from Gaziabad, 243 km from Chandigarh. You can get direct buses and train from almost all cities to reach Delhi.
