Iskcon Vrindavan or ‘Krishna Balarama Temple’, is a place where spirituality and devotion merge seamlessly with the rich cultural heritage of India. Nestled in the picturesque town of Vrindavan, this magnificent temple is a testament to the eternal love and devotion of Lord Krishna and his devotees. With its intricate architecture, vibrant colors, and divine atmosphere, Iskcon Vrindavan is a true oasis for anyone seeking peace, serenity, and a deeper understanding of the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. Iskcon Vrindavan stands tall as a symbol of spiritual and cultural heritage, established by the revered founder of Iskcon – A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada. As you step into the temple, the divine aura immediately engulfs you, as if beckoning you to leave the material world behind and immerse yourself in the devotion and love for Lord Krishna.
Deities of Iskcon Vrindavan
The main deities of the temple are the magnificent Sri Sri Krishna Balarama, Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar, and Sri Sri Gaur Nitai. As you walk along the temple corridor, you will be awe-struck by the exquisite beauty and intricate craftsmanship of the deities. Adjacent to Sri Sri Gaur Nitai, you will find the deities of Srila A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada – the spiritual master of the former. With a 24-hour kirtan going on, the main temple hall is abuzz with the enchanting chants of the devotees, adding to the mystical charm of the temple. As you sit in the hall, the divine vibrations of the music and the chants will leave you mesmerized and evoke a sense of divine ecstasy.
History of Iskcon Vrindavan
Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir in Vrindavan stands on hallowed ground where Lord Krishna and Balarama used to frolic with their sakha friends in the soft sands of this sacred land. Therefore, it is only fitting that the central deities in this magnificent temple are of Krishna Balarama. The visionary behind this awe-inspiring temple was Srila Prabhupada, who conceptualized and inaugurated it on the eve of Rama Navami in 1975. His personal involvement in the construction and development of this temple ensured that every detail was perfect. This was the first temple that Iskcon had built in India.
One of the most popular incidents associated with the temple involves the arrival of the deities. As the truck carrying the deities entered Vrindavan, the weather changed dramatically, and the environment became a beautiful symphony of singing birds, meowing cows, jumping monkeys, and strutting peacocks. Devotees were left in awe of this magical transformation that took place at midnight. It was later realized that the deities had arrived, and their presence had transformed the entire atmosphere. The deity of Radha here in this temple is portrayed in a slightly different pose than usual, as Srila Prabhupada personally posed for her, providing a brief on how Radharani should be depicted in this temple. He believed that as long as She danced, the Hare Krishna movement would continue to flourish.
Iskcon Vrindavan is more than just a temple
As visitors approach the temple, they are greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of Srila Prabhupada’s samadhi, an architectural marvel featuring winding peacock stairways and intricately carved walls and domes. Passing under the brilliant white marble archway, visitors enter through the gigantic wooden doors and are immediately transported to another world.
The palace of Krishna Balaram, with its sunken black and white checkered marble courtyard and living tamal tree, is a sight to behold. The air is thick with the music of the kartals, mrdanga, and sweet harmonium of the 24-hour kirtaniyas, filling the hearts of all who enter with a sense of joy and ecstasy. It’s impossible to resist the urge to raise one’s arms and dance along with the crowd, regardless of age.
As visitors ascend the courtyard steps, they are greeted by the effulgent and gorgeous forms of the presiding Lords Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Krishna Balaram, and Radha Shyamasundar. The spectacle is nothing short of dazzling, as pilgrims stand transfixed with open eyes and folded hands, drinking in the beauty and grace of the Lord. No expense or effort has been spared in decorating the temple, making it a true feast for the eyes.
But the temple complex is much more than just a place of worship. It is a busy preaching powerhouse, comprising thirty departments that cater to the needs of the community. From the guesthouse and welcome center to the Samadhi museum, ten book stalls, bakery, restaurant, broadcast studio, residential Brahmacari ashram, and Deity department with one of the highest standards of worship in the world, every aspect of the temple is meticulously managed by over one hundred devotees who engage in seva every single day.
How to Reach
Iskcon Vrindavan is located on Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg in Raman Reti, a tranquil and picturesque neighborhood in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. If you’re traveling from Delhi, the best way to reach the temple is by road. You can hire a private taxi or take a bus from the capital city, which is approximately 150 km away. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.
If you’re traveling from Agra, which is around 75 km away, you can take a taxi or bus and reach the temple in 2-3 hours. The roads are well-maintained, and the journey is relatively smooth.
For those traveling by train, the nearest railway station is Mathura Junction, which is around 12 km away from the temple. You can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from the station to reach the temple in around 30 minutes. Mathura is well-connected to major cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
If you’re traveling by air, the nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which is around 150 km away. From the airport, you can hire a private taxi or take a bus to reach the temple in around 4-5 hours.
Once you reach Raman Reti, finding the temple is easy. The ISKCON Krishna Balaram Mandir is located on Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, and there are ample signboards and directions to guide you. The temple is also easily accessible by foot, and you can take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Raman Reti to reach the temple gates.
Overall, reaching the ISKCON Krishna Balaram Mandir in Vrindavan is a relatively easy and hassle-free journey, and the spiritual rewards that await you at the end of the road are well worth the effort.