Perched atop the tranquil Hare Krishna Hill in Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, the ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra Temple is much more than just a place of worship—it is a harmonious blend of divinity, architecture, and community service. Whether you’re a devotee, a spiritual seeker, or a traveler fascinated by India’s rich temple culture, this iconic temple offers an experience that’s deeply moving and unforgettable.
| Location | Hare Krishna Hill, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Inauguration Year | 1997 (by then President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma) |
| Main Deities | Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra, Krishna Balarama, Nitai Gauranga, Srinivasa Govinda, Prahlada Narasimha, Srila Prabhupada |
| Architectural Features | Gold-plated Dhwaja Stambha (17m), Kalash Shikhara (8.5m), blend of modern and traditional temple design |
| Daily Rituals | Mangala Arati (4:30 AM), Tulasi Puja, Japa Meditation, Evening Arati with kirtans |
| Free Offerings | Prasadam (sacred meal) served to all visitors |
| Major Festivals Celebrated | Krishna Janmashtami, Rama Navami, Radhashtami, Ratha Yatra, Narasimha Jayanti, Gaura Purnima, etc. |
| Key Social Initiative | Akshaya Patra Foundation – Mid-Day Meal program feeding 1.6+ million school children daily across India |
| New Development | ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill Temple (2022), inspired by Tirupati Temple, located on Kanakapura Road |
| Visitor Tips | Open daily, modest attire recommended, early morning best time to visit, photography restricted near sanctums |
| Entry Fee | Free (donations welcome) |
| Website | www.iskconbangalore.org |
| Why Visit? | Spiritual atmosphere, architectural beauty, cultural richness, free meals, vibrant festivals, and impactful social outreach |
A Grand Beginning
The Bangalore branch of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was officially inaugurated in May 1997 by the then President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma. Since then, it has evolved into one of the largest ISKCON temples in the world, drawing thousands of visitors every day.
The temple was envisioned by Madhu Pandit Dasa, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON. What began as a modest gathering place for devotees quickly turned into a magnificent complex known for its spiritual ambiance and charitable outreach.
Architectural Excellence
One of the most striking aspects of the ISKCON temple in Bangalore is its unique architectural style. The structure combines traditional temple elements with modern construction techniques, making it both spiritually uplifting and visually stunning.
At the entrance, you’ll notice the tall Dhwaja Stambha (flag post) covered in gold, soaring to a height of 17 meters. Above the sanctum stands a majestic gold-plated Kalash Shikhara, adding grandeur to the temple skyline.
Inside, the temple complex houses six separate shrines dedicated to:
Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra (main deities)
Sri Krishna Balarama
Sri Nitai Gauranga
Sri Srinivasa Govinda
Sri Prahlada Narasimha
Srila Prabhupada
The sanctity of the place, combined with melodic chants and the aroma of incense, creates a profoundly peaceful atmosphere.
Spiritual Routine and Daily Sevas
Every day at ISKCON Bangalore starts early—well before dawn. The first ritual, Mangala Arati, begins around 4:30 AM, followed by Tulasi puja and Narasimha Arati. These early morning hours are considered highly auspicious for spiritual activities.
The temple encourages all visitors to participate in Japa meditation (chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra), and offers regular classes on the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. In the evenings, the temple comes alive with kirtans (devotional singing), which uplift the mind and soul.
A key highlight is the free prasadam distribution—a sacred meal offered to all visitors, regardless of caste, creed, or nationality. This act of hospitality underlines ISKCON’s core philosophy of service to humanity.
Festivals That Light Up the Calendar
If you’re lucky enough to visit during one of the major Hindu festivals, you’ll witness ISKCON Bangalore in its most vibrant form. The temple is known for its grand celebrations of:
Sri Krishna Janmashtami
Rama Navami
Radhashtami
Gaura Purnima
Narasimha Jayanti
Ratha Yatra (Festival of Chariots)
These festivals are marked by elaborate decorations, cultural performances, discourses, and special aratis. Thousands of devotees from around the world gather here during Janmashtami, staying up till midnight to witness the Lord’s birthday celebration with kirtans and bhajans echoing through the night.
ISKCON’s Social Mission: Feeding Millions
One of the most remarkable contributions of ISKCON Bangalore to society is through The Akshaya Patra Foundation, a massive initiative that began in 2000. It is now the world’s largest NGO-run school meal program.
Operating in partnership with state governments, Akshaya Patra delivers freshly cooked, nutritious meals to over 1.6 million schoolchildren across 11 Indian states every day. The goal is to eliminate classroom hunger and encourage children to stay in school. What started with just a handful of schools has now become a national movement—and it all began from the kitchens of this very temple.
A New Chapter: ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill
Adding to its spiritual footprint, ISKCON Bangalore opened a second grand temple in 2022 on Vaikuntha Hill along Kanakapura Road. This temple is dedicated to Lord Srinivasa Govinda, and is inspired by the world-famous Tirumala Tirupati Temple.
Built in classic Dravidian style, this new temple features intricately carved pillars, a towering gopuram (gateway), and separate sanctums for deities like Lakshmi Narasimha, Mahalakshmi, Hanuman, and Garuda. The spiritual vibes and natural setting of Vaikuntha Hill make it a perfect place for meditation and quiet reflection.
Tips for Visitors
Timings: The temple is open all days of the week, usually from early morning (around 4:15 AM) until 9:00 PM. However, specific darshan hours may vary.
Entry: There is no entrance fee, but donations are welcome.
Photography: Allowed in most parts of the complex but restricted near the sanctums.
Best time to visit: Early mornings and festival days (arrive early to avoid crowds).
Dress code: Modest, temple-appropriate attire is advised.
Getting there: The temple is located in Rajajinagar, about 6 km from Bangalore City Railway Station and 35 km from Kempegowda International Airport.
