Reasons Why You Must Visit Iskcon Kanpur Temple
If you couldn’t attend Tanu and Manu’s wedding while on a trip to India, you missed out on a lot. They distributed ‘Thaggu Ke Laddoo’ and went to the ‘Iskcon Kanpur Temple’ after the wedding to get the blessings of Thakur ji.
The attending guests consisted of ‘Bala’, ‘Bunty Aur Bubbly’, and many others, but not the Ambanis, they were busy with the 100th function of yet another wedding in their family.
You must be wondering, what this is all about. We recently visited some amazing places in Uttar Pradesh (where all of the Bollywood films mentioned above, happened to have been shot), and one of those cities is; Kanpur, which made us fall in love with its history, culture, and divinity.
From learning Iskcon Kanpur Temple history to Bithoor’s mythological stories, we couldn’t help but get awe-inspired.
There is so much to explore, so today, with Thakur Ji’s blessings we will cover Iskcon Kanpur Temple and get drenched in the pool of spiritual ecstasy.
Iskcon Kanpur Temple History
ISKCON Kanpur Temple history dates back to 2009 when this place came to life through the hard work of the city’s local followers and the direction of the temple’s senior leaders.
Situated at the city’s core, on the primary street of Bithoor; a significant historical place in India associated with Lord Rama and his two sons, Luv and Kush.
While ISKCON spread across the globe in the 1960s, Iskcon Kanpur temple was constructed several years later, gradually expanding into the impressive structure it is now.
As time passed, it drew in worshippers from every corner of the globe, establishing itself as a central spiritual center in Kanpur.
Iskcon Kanpur temple history is quite interesting. At first, a smaller group of believers in the area would come together for prayer sessions and talks on Vedic teachings. As the congregation grew, the necessity for a bigger, more ornate temple became clear.
With the support of generous donations and the relentless work of committed members, the building of the present ISKCON Temple commenced, eventually offering a splendid place of worship and spiritual learning at the core of Kanpur.
More on Iskcon Kanpur Temple History and Architecture
The religious complex of Iskcon Kanpur Temple spans roughly 2 acres and features a central temple building, guest accommodation, an in-house dining area, a souvenir shop, a reading area, and a garden.
The central temple building stands out as the highlight of the complex, housing the grand effigies of Radha-Krishna, Gaura-Nitai, Sita Ram Laxman Hanuman, and Jagannath-Baladeva-Subhadra on a marble altar.
The interior of the temple building is decorated with stunning artwork, sculptures, chandeliers, and drapes, giving it a truly divine and pious feel.
There is a comfortable space for visitors to sit, chant, meditate, and attend classes at Iskcon Kanpur Temple.
Additionally, the temple building has a large LED screen that shows the live darshan (viewing) of the deities from other ISKCON temples worldwide.
The design of the temple building combines elements of both traditional and contemporary styles, showcasing the majesty and elegance of the divine.
Here is a detailed Iskcon Kanpur Temple guide, which will cover everything from Iskcon Temple Kanpur Aarti Timings to Iskcon Kanpur Temple timings
- Belonging to the renowned organization ISKCON, the temple attracts followers from India and abroad.
- For those wondering how to reach Iskcon Kanpur Temple, then here’s the address: Mainawati Marg, P.O. Kheora, Nawabganj, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India – 208002
- Iskcon Kanpur Temple timings for the morning are 4:30 am to 1:00 pm (Monday to Sunday).
- Iskcon Kanpur Temple timings for the evening are 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm (Monday to Sunday).
- There is no entry fee to visit the temple, however, you are allowed only to enter the premises within Iskcon Kanpur Temple timings.
- It is crucial to stay updated on Iskcon Temple Kanpur Aarti timings as each ‘Aarti’ is unique and worth attending.
- Iskcon Temple Kanpur Aarti Timings are:
- Mangal Aarti-4:30 am
- Narsimha Aarti -4:50 am
- Tulasi Aarti-5:00 am
- Raj Bhoga Aarti-12:30 pm
- Tulasi Aarti-6:15 pm
- Sandhya Aarti-6:30 pm
Whenever you plan on visiting Iskcon Kanpur Temple, make sure you have the updated timetable for the correct Iskcon Temple Kanpur Aarti timings, to be able to be ready and reach the temple within morning and evening Iskcon Temple Kanpur Aarti timings.
- Bhagwad Gita classes are held in Iskcon Kanpur Temple every evening from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm
- Iskcon Kanpur Temple also has a ‘Gaushala’, where devotees can offer their services or sewa and tend to the beloved cows of lord Krishna.
- Don’t go out looking for things to eat near Iskcon Kanpur Temple, as the temple houses ‘Govinda’s Restaurant’ a pure vegetarian cafe, offering ‘Satvik meals’, snacks, and beverages for everyone.
- After you visit the temple you can explore the areas nearby, and try some famous things to eat near Iskcon Kanpur Temple, such as laddoos from ‘Thaggoo Ke Laddoo’, and other famous Kanpuriya dishes from popular restaurants in Kanpur.
- The temple’s beauty and serenity will leave you awestruck. It is a gigantic structure built out of pure white marble and the lush gardens make for perfect photography spots in Iskcon Kanpur Temple.
How to reach Iskcon Kanpur Temple?
The temple is located on Mainawati Marg, Bithoor, 4-kilometer from Kanpur. This journey can be completed using shared taxis, buses, or private cabs.
For those opting for train travel, it’s simpler to disembark at Kanpur Central Railway Station and then take a shared taxi to Jain International School, Mainawati Marg.
The temple is within walking distance from the school, and the total distance is 15 km, which can be completed in 30 minutes.
What’s the best time to visit Iskcon Kanpur Temple?
The best time to visit Iskcon Kanpur Temple is during the aarti time, and when a festival is being celebrated in the temple, such as Janamashtmi, Radhashtmi, and Govardhan Puja.
During these celebrations, the temple is lavishly decorated with flowers and lights, and visitors can find many good photography spots in Iskcon Kanpur Temple during this time. Visiting the Iskcon temple is one of the best things to do in Kanpur during festivals.
What is Iskcon Kanpur Temple known for?
The ISKCON Temple in Kanpur, also referred to as Sri Sri Radha Madhav Mandir stands out for its stunning design, peaceful spiritual environment, and lively community activities. As a branch of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the temple encourages devotion to bhakti-yoga and the awareness of Krishna, attracting numerous devotees and visitors every year.
What are the visiting hours of Iskcon Kanpur Temple?
The visiting hours of Iskcon Kanpur Temple are Morning (4:30 am to 1:00 pm) and evening (4:00 pm to 8:30 pm). The temple remains closed from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
How can one participate in events at Iskcon Kanpur Temple?
To take part in events at Iskcon Kanpur Temple, you must volunteer and give your name to the temple authorities, visit their official website for more details, take part in cultural festivals of the temple, and visit the temple regularly to stay informed.
Is there any accommodation available near Iskcon Kanpur Temple?
There are many accommodation facilities available near Iskcon Kanpur Temple like the Pristine Hotel and Videep Bhawan. However, the best accommodation is the guest house within the temple premises, but it is open only to members.