The Sri Krishna Balaram Temple is popularly known as the ISKCON Temple (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). It is a global spiritual organization promoting Krishna devotion. Men and women from India and abroad, dressed in traditional Hindu attire, are often seen completely immersed in the temple’s famous chant: “Hare Rama Hare Krishna”. Because of the large number of international visitors, the temple is also sometimes referred to as the “foreigners’ temple”.
The temple was built by the ISKCON Society and is made entirely of white marble. Inside the temple are magnificent and exquisitely beautiful idols of Radha and Krishna, which add immensely to the temple’s aesthetic appeal. It is believed that 5,000 years ago, Lord Krishna, along with his brother Balaram, used to come to this very place to graze cows, play, and perform the Ras Leela with the gopis. The temple stands on this sacred land.
Contribution of Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
The philosophy and practices of ISKCON were originally initiated over 500 years ago by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who was deeply immersed in Krishna devotion and aimed to spread this spiritual movement across the world.
Carrying forward this mission, Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada founded the ISKCON Society in 1966 in New York, giving it a new global momentum. He translated the Bhagavad Gita into English, making it accessible to foreigners. As a result, people from around the world began reading it and developed an interest in Krishna consciousness. Many of them became devotees and started visiting Mathura and Vrindavan.
Through this society, numerous grand temples dedicated to Lord Krishna were built all over the world, greatly promoting Krishna devotion on a global level. ISKCON made it possible for people of other nationalities and religions to understand and immerse themselves in Hindu devotional practices. Devotion to Krishna brings peace and love to the heart, and Lord Krishna himself is the embodiment of divine love, expressed in his unique pastimes.
One of ISKCON’s grandest projects is the construction of the world’s tallest Krishna temple, the Chandrodaya Mandir, in Vrindavan Dham. Swami Prabhupada wanted to build many temples across India, and in 1975, he built the ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan. It soon gained national and international recognition, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Swami Prabhupada passed away in 1977, and his samadhi (memorial shrine) was established within the temple premises, serving as an inspiration for Krishna devotees. A corner of the temple houses Swami Prabhupada’s residence, where his clothes and belongings are preserved. You can also see the herbs and Ayurvedic medicines he used during his life.
Temple Guest House
Near the residence is the ISKCON Guest House, where rooms are provided for visitors from India and abroad. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, and great care is taken to maintain cleanliness. The temple schedule is posted on the wall, and some food services are also available.
Staying here provides a unique experience of peace and spiritual bliss. During the aarti (devotional worship), visitors from all over the world become deeply absorbed in the love of Lord Krishna, forgetting all worldly matters and experiencing unmatched spiritual joy.
Important Information About ISKCON Temple
- Evening aarti is given special significance, with devotees gathering to participate in the worship of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani.
- During Janmashtami, the temple sees a huge influx of visitors. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is considered an ideal time to visit.
- The attire of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani is changed twice a day, drawing large numbers of curious and devoted visitors.
- Besides the main shrine, the ISKCON Temple campus in Vrindavan also includes gardens and sacred ponds (kunds), adding to its charm.
ISKCON Temple Timings
- The temple gates open at 4:00 AM for devotees and close at 12:00 PM.
- In the evening, the gates reopen at 4:00 PM and finally close at 8:15 PM.
- During this time, aartis and various devotional activities are performed.
- The soothing sound of “Hare Rama Hare Krishna” can be heard throughout the temple from opening to closing hours.
Entry Fee
There is no entry fee to visit the ISKCON Temple in Mathura. It is a Hindu religious site that is free for all devotees and tourists from around the world.
How to Reach ISKCON Temple?
The ISKCON Temple is located in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, near Agra. Reaching the temple is quite convenient:
- If you’re traveling by air, the nearest airport is Agra Airport. You can fly into Delhi and then take a connecting flight to Agra. From there, Mathura and Vrindavan are easily accessible by road.
- If traveling by train, the nearest major station is Mathura Junction, which is well connected to major cities across India.
- After reaching Mathura, local transport options are available to reach the ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan easily.
