ISKCON Temple on the banks of the Hooghly River in Mayapur, Nadia, West Bengal, stands as a holy shrine for Lord Krishna and Radha, worshipped as Sri Sri Radha Madhava. Founded in 1972 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, it is the global headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
The complex houses the grand Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, a central temple devoted to the worship of the Pancha Tattva, Radha Madhava with the Ashta-sakhis, and Lord Narasimha. Once completed, it is set to become the largest religious monument on Earth, with its inauguration expected in 2026. The project is led by Ambarish Das (born Alfred Brush Ford), a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and the great-grandson of industrialist Henry Ford.
Key Highlight: The temple’s 8-foot Radha Madhava idols, white marble with gold and colorful cloth, mark it as ISKCON’s spiritual hub, its vast campus hosting the world’s largest Vedic planetarium.
History of ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Temple, over 50 years old, was founded in 1972 by Prabhupada, who spread Krishna devotion worldwide. Built on land gifted by a local devotee, it grew as a center for Gaudiya Vaishnavism. The main temple, finished in 1977, was followed by the Chandrodaya Mandir complex in 1989. A stone plaque credits Prabhupada’s vision, including plans for a Vedic city. It draws thousands daily, holding a big place in Bengal’s holy world.
Legend of ISKCON Temple
Gaudiya Vaishnava texts say Mayapur is Krishna’s birthplace, where Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, seen as Krishna’s incarnation, appeared in 1486. The temple honors Radha Madhava, Krishna’s eternal consort. Prabhupada, inspired by Chaitanya’s teachings, built the temple to revive Krishna devotion. Called “Chandrodaya Mandir,” it ties to Bengal’s Vaishnava roots. Devotees believe Radha Madhava grant peace and spiritual growth towards the ultimate.
Architecture of ISKCON Temple
The temple complex comprises several important structures, including the Sri Sri Radha Madhava Mandir, Srila Prabhupada’s Pushpa Samadhi Mandir, and his Bhajan Kutir. A major addition currently underway is the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, which is part of the broader Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir grounds.
This temple’s striking blue dome—modeled after the U.S. Capitol Building—incorporates detailed representations of Vedic cosmology, such as Mount Meru and a symbolic “universal chandelier,” blending spiritual philosophy with grand architectural vision. Covering 25 acres by the Hooghly, ISKCON Temple uses modern Vedic style with a 30-meter-high dome, made of concrete and marble. The main shrine, 15 meters by 15 meters, holds Radha Madhava idols. Smaller shrines for Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda, each 5 meters by 5 meters, sit close. A 100-meter ghat meets the river. The entry, a 10-meter arch with floral carvings, opens to a marble yard, 5000 square meters, for thousands. The Pushpa Samadhi, Prabhupada’s memorial, has carved panels of Krishna’s life, painted gold.
Sculptures and Carvings
The main altar of the Sri Sri Radha Madhava Mandir features life-sized deities of Radha and Madhava (Krishna), with Krishna depicted in his iconic flute-playing stance and Radha positioned gracefully to his left. They are encircled by the Ashta-sakhis, the eight intimate gopi companions of Radha. Another altar within the temple is dedicated to the Pancha Tattva—Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his four principal associates. At the heart of the temple stands the deity of Lord Narasimhadeva, installed after a dacoit attack in 1986, symbolizing divine protection.
In the Pushpa Samadhi Mandir, a grand brass murti of Srila Prabhupada is revered. The temple is surrounded by lush gardens and features an elaborate diorama gallery narrating Srila Prabhupada’s life and the challenges he faced in founding ISKCON. The temple’s outer façade is adorned with intricate terracotta panels illustrating scenes from the Srimad-Bhagavatam.
Nearby, the Bhajan Kutir—a restored thatched hut where Srila Prabhupada lived from 1972 to 1973—holds a neemwood deity of Nitai Gaurasundar. Within the grand Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, a beautiful deity of Radha-Krishna is enshrined, portraying the unified divine form of Krishna and his eternal consort, Radha.
Rituals and Worship
Worship starts at 4:30 AM with priests offering flowers, tulsi, and incense. At noon, rice, dal, vegetables, and sweets like laddu are offered. Big pujas happen at Janmashtami, Radhashtami, and Gaura Purnima, with kirtans and night bhajans. On Janmashtami, idols get peacock feather crowns. People offer bhog as well as take prasad with devotion.
Travel Information
Getting to ISKCON Temple
In Mayapur, 130 km from Kolkata, the temple is reached by train, bus, ferry, or taxi, by the Hooghly River.
By Air: Kolkata’s airport, 130 km away, joins Delhi (2 hours), Mumbai (2.5 hours), Chennai (2.5 hours).
By Train: Krishnanagar City Station, 15 km away, links to Sealdah (2.5 hours, ₹30–100). Autos or taxis take 30 minutes, ₹100–200. Nabadwip Dham Station, 10 km away, works too.
By Road: Mayapur joins Kolkata (130 km, 3 hours), Burdwan (70 km, 2 hours), Krishnanagar (15 km, 30 minutes) on NH-12. Buses cost ₹50–150; taxis cost ₹1500–3000. Ferries from Navadwip cost ₹20–50, no steps to enter.
Hours and Entry
Open daily, 4:30 AM–1:00 PM, 4:00 PM–8:30 PM. Free entry; puja costs ₹100–1000. No phones or cameras inside; lockers at temple counters. Wear clothes covering shoulders and knees; women in sarees or suits, men in kurtas or dhotis.
Best Time to Visit
October to March, 12–25°C, is good for visits. Janmashtami (August), Radhashtami (September), and Mayapur Festival (February) bring crowds so better to go at dawn. Skip April–June, 25–40°C, for less heat and fewer people.
Nearby Places
Chaitanya Math, 2 km, 1886 Vaishnava shrine of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Nabadwip Temples, 10 km across the Hooghly, cluster of old Vaishnava sites.
Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, 3 km, 1941 temple with serene grounds.
Ballal Dhipi, 5 km, ancient mound with archaeological relics.
Mayapur Ghat, 1 km, river spot for holy dips.
Final Thoughts
ISKCON Temple in Mayapur, Nadia, West Bengal, is a holy and spiritual kshetra where Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s divine presence dances in every speck of dust and felt through the air. Therefore, it is a must see among India’s sacred sites for both devotees and travelers.
