Weather: 10°C - 24°C
Tags: Temple, Spiritual, Cultural, Festivals
Timings: 4:30 AM - 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Time Required: 1 hour
Entry Fee: None
Overview:
Located on Mainawati Marg, Bithoor Road, just 4 km from Kanpur city, the ISKCON Temple is a prominent spiritual destination for devotees and tourists alike. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), founded by Acharya A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1966. It offers a serene environment for prayer, meditation, and learning the divine teachings of the Vedas.
A must-visit, the ISKCON Temple is especially vibrant during Krishna Janmashtami and Radhashtami in August and September, respectively. The temple is also home to several special rituals, including the Maha-Abhishek of the deities and grand celebrations during various festivals.
Aarti Timings:
The temple hosts a series of aartis and devotional services throughout the day, bringing devotees closer to the divine. The key aarti times include:
- Mangal Aarti: 4:30 AM
- Narsimha Aarti: 4:50 AM
- Tulasi Aarti: 5:00 AM
- Sringar Darshan: 7:30 AM
- Srimad Bhagavatam Darshan: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- Raj Bhoga Aarti: 12:30 PM
- Tulasi Aarti: 6:15 PM
- Sandhya Aarti: 6:30 PM
- Bhagavad Gita Class: 7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Note: The temple remains closed between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Facilities at ISKCON Temple:
- Goshala: The temple has its own Goshala (cowshed), where cows are worshipped, and their milk is used for spiritual offerings.
- Govinda Restaurant: An in-house restaurant serving vegetarian Indian thalis and other dishes, allowing devotees to enjoy a wholesome meal.
- Kirtans and Bhajans: Regular devotional singing, kirtans, and spiritual courses are held to spread the teachings of Lord Krishna.
- Festivals: Major festivals like Janmashtami (celebrating Lord Krishna's birth) and Radhashtami (celebrating Srimati Radharani’s birth) are grandly celebrated with rituals, decorations, and prasad distribution.
How to Reach ISKCON Temple:
- From Kanpur City Centre: The temple is approximately 4 km from the city centre, a short 10 to 15-minute drive.
- By Train: From Kanpur Central Railway Station, take a shared tempo or auto-rickshaw to Jain International School on Mainawati Marg (about 15 km or 30 minutes). The temple is a short walk from the school.
- By Bus: Buses to Jhakkarkatti Bus Stop are available, and from there, you can take an auto to the temple (around INR 200).
- By Taxi or Ride-Sharing: Uber or local taxis are also convenient ways to reach the temple directly.
Final Thoughts:
The ISKCON Temple in Kanpur is not just a place of worship, but a spiritual sanctuary offering peace, devotion, and divine teachings. Whether you visit for the aartis, to learn about Lord Krishna's life, or to experience the vibrant celebrations during festivals, this temple is an essential stop for anyone seeking solace and spiritual upliftment in Kanpur.
