ISKCON Bangalore is a Krishna temple on Hare Krishna Hill, off Chord Road in Rajajinagar. It opened in 1997 and combines glass with a traditional gopuram form, marble floors, carved pillars and a gold-plated flag post. Before the main temple, devotees climb 108 steps while chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. Inside, murals cover the walls and ceilings. The complex also has a prasadam hall, vegetarian restaurants and shops for books and puja items. There is no entry fee, and photography is not allowed inside the temple.
How the temple came to be
ISKCON Bangalore is also known as Sri Radha Krishnachandra Mandir. It was started by a charitable society, which asked the government for land. About 7 acres were allotted on the hill that is now called Hare Krishna Hill, on the western side of Chord Road.
Madhu Pandit Dasa, a member of the society, designed the temple and took charge of the construction, which took six years. The temple was inaugurated in 1997 by Shankar Dayal Sharma.
The building is described as neo-classical, with modern and traditional styles joined together. Glass sits alongside a gopuram-style form, and the interior has marble floors and carved pillars. The gold-plated flag post (dhwaja-stambha) is 17 metres tall, and the gold kalash shikharas on the temple are 8.5 metres.
Inside the main temple
The route to the main temple is a gradual climb. Devotees take 108 steps while chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, and the granite steps are carved. A lift is provided for senior citizens.
The main structure is built up in stages, so you pass through several spaces before reaching the sanctum. Murals cover the walls and ceilings. The deities of Lord Krishna, Lord Balarama and Lord Gaura Nitai are displayed in the main temple. The complex also houses Sri Radha Krishnachandra, Sri Srinivasa Govinda and Sri Prahlada Narasimha.
The main deities are richly decorated, and the sanctum is quiet. Fresh flowers, incense and devotional music fill the hall. Photography is not allowed here. Some visitors sit for a while to meditate, and others book a Pushpanjali Seva, which one visitor reports cost ₹500.
Entering: bags, footwear and the queue
There is usually a queue at the entrance. Bags and footwear are left at counters near the entrance. You hand them over, receive a token, then wash your hands and feet before going in. The counters charge a few rupees per pair, and accept both cash and UPI.
Coconut, flower and donation stalls line the way in. Volunteers guide visitors through the crowds, and the temple is run in an orderly way.
The way out goes back down the steps, past prasadam counters, a gift shop and other stalls. Allow extra time for the exit, because the route passes through all of them.
Prasadam, food and shops
Free khichdi prasadam is served near the temple pond, and free lunch prasadam is also given out in the middle of the day. The queue for food is separate from the queue for darshan.
Paid counters and the restaurants in the complex serve vegetarian sattvic food. The snack stalls sell samosas, pani puri, corn, soft serve, puffs and sweets. Sweets are also sold at the exit.
The shops sell books, idols, incense sticks, keychains and puja items. There is a book stall with spiritual titles.
Getting there and access
The temple is near Mahalakshmi Metro Station, about a 450 metre walk. The complex has its own parking, and paid parking is available. The entrance, the restrooms and the parking area are wheelchair accessible.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee for ISKCON Bangalore?
No. Entry to the temple is free. You pay only for extras such as the bag and footwear counters, paid meals, shop items or a seva.
Can you take photos inside ISKCON Bangalore?
No. Photography is not allowed inside the temple. The outside, including the view over the city, is open for photos.
Where do you leave your shoes and bags?
There are bag and footwear counters near the entrance. You hand your items over, get a token, and wash your hands and feet before going in. The charge is a few rupees per pair, and cash and UPI are accepted.
When is ISKCON Bangalore least crowded?
Weekdays are quieter. Weekends, evenings and festival days draw big crowds. The temple closes on weekday afternoons, so arrive early.
How do you get to ISKCON Bangalore by metro?
The nearest station is Mahalakshmi Metro Station. From there it is about a 450 metre walk to the temple.
Can you eat at the temple?
Yes. There are paid counters and restaurants serving vegetarian sattvic food, as well as snack stalls. Free khichdi prasadam is also served near the temple pond.
