History, Timing, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of ISKCON Temple, Leicester, United Kingdom
ISKCON is a Hindu shrine managed by the authority of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). ISKCON temple has various branches across the world. The branch in England is located in Leicester. It is the East Midlands section of England. It is one of the sixteen spiritual and enlightening centers managed by the ISKCON authority of the United Kingdom. The temple goes along with the Krishna-centric practice of the Gaudiya Vaishnava value within Hinduism. Their thinking is based on the Sanskrit Texts of the Bhagavat Gita. Different from broader Hinduism, the Gaudiya Vaishnava practice is to believe in one God and worship Krishna as the supreme God. They believe Krishna is the source of all the manifestations of God.
The community of ISKCON started to grow in England, after its successful establishment in The United States. ISKCON founded its first provincial headquarters in London in 1960. Twenty years later they built a temple in 1980, in Leicester along Belgrave Road. The community grew within a short span of time, so the association moved to 21 Thoresby Street in North Evington. Until September 2010 the temple was there until a portion of the building was destroyed in a gas explosion. Earlier to the blast, the building in Thoresby was used as the temple, a quarter for religious guides, and a community center. After the blast, the association kept in holds its entire religious affairs throughout Leicester at different community centers. After a temporary settlement in the East-West Center, the association sought a more stable home to support its growing population.
In November 2010, the association found its interest in the old HSBC Bank of Granby Street. The central position of the property and 15,000 square feet area was enough to develop the temple room and set up itself as a keystone of the community. The association purchased the building from the bank in 2011. During this process, the association came to know that the building was announced as a Grade II listed building. It required some foremost renovations for the heating and lighting system and the roof. The cost of renovation was negotiated with the purchase price. Eventually, the renovation started and the first and second floor was completed by 2016. The inaugural ceremony was performed in August 2016 with the installation of a statue of Swami Prabhupada.
Architecture of ISKCON of Leicester
The ISKCON temple was the modified building of a local bank and has a modern form of architecture. Although, it had a different taste of design contrasting with the traditional designs of other buildings. The French pavilion roofs, the corner porch, and the two-storey tall glass façade were completely different in taste. The interior is also characterized by massive hammer beams which formed a lantern top giving the structure a snooty and imposing ambiance. The pillars are finely hand-carved, which gives a royal touch to the interior.
Festivals celebrated ISKCON of Leicester
Janmashtami is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated in the temple. Janmashtami is the day when Lord Krishna was given birth. Many Krishna devotees from various parts of the country visit this temple during Janmashtami.
The festival of lights is also celebrated here with great zeal. The devotees participate in all the rituals with great fidelity. The temple gets decorated with a completely different look at this time. The local people seem to enjoy this festival a lot.
The Rath Yatra or Chariot festival is the most important festival celebrated in this Radha Krishna temple. It is one of the most significant festivals for the Hindus. The Chariot festival is mostly celebrated by the end of June or the beginning of July. A huge chariot is shown in the way of a procession on the roads. Many people gather to participate in this procession. The roads from where the chariot moves become decorated with flower petals and colors. Rath yatra is mainly the festival of Lord Jagannath and his two siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. The long march is such a beautiful thing to witness.
ISKCON of Leicester Daily Darshan time
The temple remains open from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm every day. Visitors are not allowed to enter after 8.00 pm.
To have any information further, people can contact the ISKCON members directly at info@iskconleicester.org or + 44 7597 786676.
ISKCON has the second largest community in the United Kingdom after the United States. The number of followers is getting bigger day by day. The Leicester branch is one of the most visited divisions of ISKCON.
How to Reach ISKCON of Leicester, Britain.
The Leicester Airport is the closest option for the ISKCON temple. Cab facilities are available outside the airport. Buses or Taxis are also available from the neighboring places to reach directly at the temple.
