About ISKCON Temple Chennai
ISKCON Temple Chennai, also known as Sri Sri Radha Krishna Mandir, is a Gaudiya Vaishnavism temple located near Hare Krishna land in Sholinganallur, just off the East Coast Road. The temple is dedicated to Hindu Gods Radha and Krishna. It was officially inaugurated on 26 April 2012. The deities worshipped in the temple include Radha Krishna, Lalita Vishaka, Jagannath Baladev Shubhadra and Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga.
Built on 1.5 acres of land, ISKCON temple of Chennai is the biggest Radha krishna temple in Tamil Nadu. It’s part of a larger organisation called the International Society for Krishna consciousness (ISKCON). This Organisation was started by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in the United States during the 1960s. ISKCON temples all over the world, including the one in Chennai, aim to teach people about Bhakti yoga and spread love and devotion towards Lord Krishna. There are over 500 ISKCON centres worldwide.
The ISKCON Temple in Chennai is one of the many temples managed by the ISKCON society, which oversees more than 40 temples across India. It’s also one of the most popular temples in Chennai, with thousands of people visiting it regularly. The main festival celebrated here are Janmashtami and Rath Yatra. The prayers at this temple are often done by chanting “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.”
Architecture Of ISKCON Temple Chennai
The ISKCON temple in Chennai has a mix of modern and traditional style in its architecture. The temple is made of white marble and has detailed carvings and colourful paintings showing stories from Lord Krishna’s life. The main deity in the temple is Lord Krishna in his childhood form. The temple is spread across 1.5 acres and has five levels. There is a 7,000 square foot big hall for worship in the first hall, the ground hall has an auditorium with the space for cultural events and the basement has a prasadam hall.
Inside the temple, there are three wooden altars which house the deities of Lord Krishna and Radharani with their friends Lalita and Subhadra, Lord Chaitanya with Lord Nityananda and Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra. The idols of the temple are very grand and beautifully decorated, and have been made in Jaipur and Orissa under the guidance of His Holiness Bhanu Swami. The temple’s design is inspired by ancient Vedic scriptures and the architecture of Pallava and Kalinga.
At the entrance of the temple, there’s a special design on the floor showing the universe according to ancient vedic beliefs. There’s also a realistic statue of a cow and calf. There is a colourful chandelier inside the temple representing the transformation from materialism into spiritualism. It has 500 quartz crystals which enhance the spiritual atmosphere. The temple also follows principles from Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural guide.
The people can get free prasadam from the temple at the exit in the evening. The temple also has toilet facilities and also a cafeteria. There is a space for meditation and a small playground for kids. Visitors can buy books and souvenirs about spirituality and Hinduism.
The ISKCON Chennai has been built with donations from the people of Chennai. It has got contributions from 8,000 supporters and devotees. The entire temple, built on 45,000 square feet of land, cost 10 crores.
Things To Do At ISKCON Temple Chennai
- Attend the Darshan: Participate in the daily rituals and prayers, experiencing the spiritual ambiance of the temple.
- Join Kirtan Sessions: Engage in the melodious and uplifting practice of Kirtan, involving devotional singing and chanting of Sacred Mantras.
- Attend Spiritual lectures: Enhance your knowledge of Vedic philosophy by attending lectures and discourses conducted by learned scholars and spiritual leaders.
- Explore the Temple Complex: Admire the architecture, intricate carvings and vibrant paintings that adorn the temple premises, reflecting the rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
- Visit the Main Sanctrum: Pay homage to the central deities, Sri Sri Radha Krishna and witness the beautifully adorned statues of Lord Krishna in his childhood form.
- Participate in Cultural Programs: Experience the richness of Indian culture by attending cultural events, dance performances and festivals hosted by temple.
- Meditate in Peaceful Spaces: Take advantage of the serene atmosphere within the temple premises for quiet meditation and introspection.
- Enjoy Prasadam: Relish the sanctified vegetarian meals offered as prasadam, partaking in the spiritual and communal aspect of shared meals.
- Explore the bookstore: Browse through books and literature on spirituality, Hindu philosophy and related topics available in the temple’s bookstore.
- Volunteer for Service Activities: Contribute to the temple’s community service initiatives by Volunteering in various activities, fostering a sense of selfless service and community engagement.
ISKCON Temple Chennai Ticket Price/Entry Fees
There is no entry fees at ISKCON Temple of Chennai. Entry is absolutely free!!
Timings Of ISKCON Temple Chennai
The ISKCON Temple Chennai opens from 7:30 AM To 1 PM and then 4 PM To 9:15 PM all days of the week. The opening time of ISCKON Chennai in morning is 7:30 AM and in afternoon is 4 PM and the closing time in afternoon is 1 PM and evening is 9:15 PM. The ISKCON Chennai is closed from 1 PM to 4 PM everday.
Aarti Timing At ISKCON Temple Chennai
| Timings | Aarti/Seva |
|---|---|
| 4:30 AM | Mangala Aarti followed by Hare Krishna Mantra meditation (Japa) |
| 7:30 AM | Sringara Aarti followed by Srila Prabhuapada Guru Puja |
| 8 AM | Srimad Bhagavatam discourse in English (Darshan Closed) |
| 8:30 AM | Dhoop Aarti |
| 12 Noon | Raj Bhog Offering (Darshan Closes) |
| 12:30 PM | Raj Bhog Aarti |
| 1:15 PM | Darshan Closes |
| 4 PM | Dhoop Aarti (Darshan Open) |
| 6:15 PM | Tulasi Puja (Darshan Closes) |
| 6:30 PM | Japa Meditation Session |
| 7 PM | Gaura Sandhya Aarti |
| 7:45 PM | Bhagavad Gita Discourse |
| 9 PM | Shayana Aarti |
| 9:15 PM | Dieties Rest (Darshan Closed) |
Stay At ISKCON Temple Chennai
The stay at ISKCON Chennai offers a serene retreat. The Guesthouse provide clean, comfortable rooms with basic amenities. Guests can immerse themselves in daily prayers, kirtan and spiritual lectures.
ISKCON Temple Chennai Photos/Images
Things To Keep In Mind While Visiting ISKCON Temple Delhi
- You are advised to dress modestly, covering your Shoulders and Knees.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
- Shoes are not allowed inside the temple complex.
- Liquor is prohibited inside the temple.
- The ISKCON Temple is a place of worship and you should respect the culture and traditions of the temple and its devotees.
- Visitors are welcomed to attend Aarti and participate in Singing and Chanting.
- You can donate voluntarily in the donation boxes located throughout the Temple complex.
Address Of ISKCON Temple Chennai
ISKCON Chennai is situated on Bhakti Vedanta Swami Rd, Akkarai, Sholinganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
How To Reach ISKCON Temple Chennai
ISKCON Chennai is situated on Bhakti Vedanta Swami Rd, Akkarai, Sholinganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is located 24 Km away from Chennai City Centre. It is easily accessible from all modes of transportation i.e. both public and private modes of transportation. Following are the modes of transportation through which you can reach the ISKCON Temple Chennai:
By Bus: The Nearest Bus Stop to ISKCON Chenna is ISKCON Temple Bus Stop which 700m away from the temple. You can take Bus No. 19GCT, 99, 109, 109C, 109CT, 109T & 588.
By Cab: You can easily reach here by cab.
By Personal Vehicle: You can come with your personal vehicle.
Parking Facility At ISKCON Temple Chennai
There is ample space for parking available at ISKCON Temple Chennai. The charges for Car Parking is Rs 30.
Official Website Of ISKCON Temple Chennai
The official website of ISKCON Temple Chennai is https://www.iskconchennai.org/
Contact Number Of ISKCON Temple Chennai
You can contact ISKCON Temple Chennai at 044-24530921/22/23 or mail them at info@iskconchennai.org
Places To Visit Near ISKCON Temple Chennai
Top attractions to visit near ISKCON Temple Chennai are:
- Sri Prathyangira Devi Temple (1.5 Km)
- ECR Beach (1.6 Km)
- VGP Marine Kingdom (1.6 Km)
- VGP Snow Kingdom (1.7 Km)
- VGP Universal Kingdom (1.7 Km)
- Kart Attack (1.8 Km)
- Akkarai Beach (1.9 Km)
- Golden Beach (2.1 Km)
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple (3.6 Km)
- Matsya Narayana Temple (4.4 Km)
- Neelangarai Beach (6.5 Km)
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Location Map For ISKCON Temple Chennai
FAQs
Can I Stay in ISKCON Temple Chennai?
Yes, you can stay at ISKCON Temple Chennai. The temple provides accommodation facilities for visitors who wish to immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere and participate in the temple’s activitiy.
Is Camera allowed in ISKCON Temple Chennai?
Yes, Cameras are allowed inside ISKCON Temple Chennai.
Is Photography allowed inside ISKCON Temple?
No, Photography is not allowed inside ISKCON Temple.
Is ISKCON Temple Chennai open today?
Yes, ISKCON Temple of Chennai is open all 7 days of the week.
Can I Get Married in ISKCON Temple?
Yes, ISKCON Temple of Chennai offers traditional Vedic Wedding Ceremonies for couples seeking to marry according to Hindu Customs.
Is Food free in ISKCON Chennai?
Yes, Prasadam is often served free of cost to visitors at ISKCON Chennai. It’s a customary practice in many ISKCON temple to offer prasadam as a gesture of hospitality and spiritual nourishment to all visitors.
Is there an entry fee for ISKCON Temple Chennai?
No, Entry to ISKCON Temple of Chennai is totally free!!
