Located in the serene neighborhood of East of Kailash in New Delhi, the ISKCON Temple Delhi, also known as the Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, stands as one of the most visited spiritual destinations in India’s capital. Built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), this temple is more than just a place of worship. It is a cultural and spiritual hub where the teachings of Lord Krishna, as narrated in the Bhagavad Gita, come alive through daily rituals, chants, discourses, and festivals.
| Temple Name | ISKCON Temple Delhi (Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir) |
| Location | East of Kailash, New Delhi, India |
| Founded By | Srila Prabhupada, Founder of ISKCON |
| Inauguration Year | 1998 |
| Main Deities | Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi, Sita Ram Lakshman Hanuman, Gaura Nitai |
| Architecture Style | Blend of traditional Indian and modern architecture |
| Key Highlights | Daily Aartis, Vedic Museum, Govinda’s Restaurant, Sunday Love Feast |
| Popular Festivals | Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Gaura Purnima, Rath Yatra, Diwali |
| Spiritual Programs | Bhagavad Gita classes, kirtans, discourses, youth and outreach programs |
| Dining Facility | Govinda’s – Sattvic vegetarian restaurant (no onion/garlic) |
| Timings | Open from 4:30 AM to 8:30 PM (Break from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM) |
| Nearest Metro Station | Kailash Colony (Violet Line) |
| Best Time to Visit | During Janmashtami or weekday mornings for peaceful darshan |
A Temple Rooted in Devotion
Established in 1998, the ISKCON Temple Delhi was inaugurated on the auspicious occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami. It was initiated by Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, whose mission was to spread the teachings of Lord Krishna across the globe. Today, the Delhi temple is one of the most prominent ISKCON temples in India, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists every week.
The temple’s primary deities are Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi, along with Sri Sri Sita Ram Lakshman Hanuman, and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. These beautiful idols are adorned daily with colorful garments and ornaments, and worshipped through intricate rituals performed by resident monks and priests.
Breathtaking Architecture and Ambience
The temple’s architecture blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern elements. The grand red sandstone façade, artistic domes, intricate carvings, and elevated stairways create a majestic atmosphere. As you enter the complex, you are greeted by the melodious chanting of Hare Krishna Mahamantra and the aroma of incense.
The interiors of the temple are equally captivating, with polished marble floors, chandeliers, colorful murals depicting scenes from Krishna’s life, and a peaceful prayer hall that exudes serenity. The beautifully decorated sanctum houses the idols on an intricately carved marble altar, drawing all eyes and hearts.
Spiritual Experience and Daily Rituals
The spiritual journey at ISKCON Temple Delhi begins with Mangala Aarti at 4:30 AM, followed by a series of aartis, bhajans, and scriptural discourses throughout the day. Visitors can also attend Bhagavad Gita classes, kirtan sessions, and spiritual counseling by temple monks.
Every evening, the Sandhya Aarti draws large crowds, especially on weekends. The rhythmic chanting of the holy names, accompanied by traditional musical instruments like mridanga, kartal, and harmonium, creates a trance-like spiritual atmosphere.
One of the major highlights is the Sunday Love Feast, where hundreds of devotees come together for a collective spiritual gathering that includes kirtan, lectures, and a sumptuous prasadam meal.
The Vedic Cultural Center and Museum
ISKCON Temple Delhi also houses a Vedic Cultural Center and Museum, which offers a unique way of understanding Vedic knowledge through high-tech exhibitions. The museum uses audio-visual presentations, life-size statues, dioramas, and animatronic displays to narrate stories from the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.
This center is especially popular among school groups, researchers, and tourists who wish to learn more about ancient Indian wisdom in a modern format.
Govinda’s – The Sattvic Dining Experience
No visit to ISKCON Temple is complete without experiencing Govinda’s, the temple’s own pure vegetarian restaurant. Serving a wide variety of sattvic food (food prepared without onion or garlic), Govinda’s offers thalis, snacks, desserts, and juices that are both delicious and spiritually purifying.
The food is offered first to the deities before being served to guests, which makes it prasadam — sanctified food blessed by Lord Krishna.
Grand Celebrations and Festivals
ISKCON Delhi is known for its vibrant and colorful festivals. The most grand of them all is Janmashtami, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. The entire temple is adorned with flowers and lights, with special aartis, drama performances, bhajans, and midnight abhishekam (ceremonial bathing of the deity).
Other major festivals celebrated include Radhashtami, Gaura Purnima, Rath Yatra, Holi, and Diwali, which see participation from thousands of devotees across the world.
Educational and Outreach Programs
In addition to its spiritual offerings, the temple runs various outreach programs under ISKCON’s banner. This includes food distribution programs under the Akshaya Patra initiative, youth education, counseling sessions, and training courses in Bhagavad Gita studies.
The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust also operates here, distributing spiritual literature in various Indian and international languages.
Getting There
ISKCON Temple Delhi is located in East of Kailash, near the Nehru Place business district. It is easily accessible by:
- Metro: Nearest station is Kailash Colony (Violet Line), just a 10-minute walk.
- Road: Well connected via Ring Road and accessible by cab, bus, or auto-rickshaw.
- Rail/Air: Around 12 km from New Delhi Railway Station and 19 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Best Time to Visit
Though open throughout the year, the ideal time to visit is during Janmashtami or Radhashtami, when the temple is at its festive best. If you prefer a peaceful darshan, weekday mornings are perfect.
ISKCON Delhi Temple Timings
| Activity | Timings |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | 4:30 AM |
| Darshan Opens | 7:15 AM |
| Raj Bhoga Aarti | 12:30 PM |
| Temple Closes (Afternoon) | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Darshan Resumes | 4:00 PM |
| Sandhya Aarti | 7:00 PM |
| Shayana Aarti | 8:00 PM |
| Temple Closes | 8:30 PM |
