Tour the shrines, halls and temples of the ISKCON Temple, a vast cultural centre dedicated to Lord Krishna. This complex is spread across a 7-acre (2.8-hectare) hill and is celebrated for its architectural grandeur.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Temple was opened in 1997 and is visited by thousands of devotees every day. It is one of the largest temples of its kind in the world.
As you walk up the long flight of steps to the entrance, pause to look up at the spectacular Rajagopuram. This is the temple’s main tower and is covered by hundreds of statues of Hindu gods.
One of the first sights to greet you on entering the site is the gold-plated dhvaja-sthamba. This is a 56-feet (17-metre) tall column, topped by a figure of the Deity of Garuda.
Step into the spacious main hall and admire the exquisite ceiling murals and the golden chandelier. Go to the main shrine with its beautiful idols of Krishna and Radha. The two figures are dressed in bright colourful robes and surrounded by gold-covered wooden carvings. Then visit the temple’s other shrines, which are dedicated to different gods.
If you are visiting the ISKCON Temple with children, take them to the Animation Theatre where they can watch an episode of Little Krishna. This animated series is about the childhood pastimes of Lord Krishna. Stop by the Multi Vision Theatre to see if there are any cultural performances in progress.
Take advantage of the landscaped gardens and go for a scenic walk. Dine in the food court, which includes a restaurant with meals based on the Sattvic diet. It consists of simple organic foods grown without chemical fertilizers and sprays.
The ISKCON Temple is in north Bangalore and is well connected to the city centre by several bus routes. The train is also an option, with the nearest station being a short taxi ride away from the temple.
The temple opens every day, although it closes for a few hours during the middle of the day. Admission is free.
