ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple, Ahmedabad - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple

At a distance of 13 Km from Ahmedabad Junction, ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple located on Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Also known as Sri Radha Govind Dham, the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his beloved lover Radha. It is one of the temples built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness abbreviated as ISKCON, a spiritual organization that was established by A.C. Bhakti Vedanta Swami Prabhupada in the July of 1966 in New York. The temple is one of the top places of pilgrimage in Gujarat and among the must-include places in the Ahmedabad pilgrimage packages.

History of ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple

The temple was opened in 1997 on the orders of A. C. Bhakti Vedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the ISKCON Society. The temple has much significance as it is still considered as the most popular temples in Ahmedabad. The idols of Lord Krishna & Radharani are attractive and many people come here for worshipping Lord Krishna to fulfill their needs.

Architecture of ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple

Sprawling over an area of 4 acres, the architecture of the temple is a blend of Gujarati-Sompura and Rajasthani-Khamira style. It is crowned with three impressive stone domes, each reaching a diameter of 50 feet. Visitors can admire the intricate marble craftsmanship, stunning murals, elegant columns, luxurious marble flooring, and artistically designed walls throughout the temple. The ceilings and walls are adorned with murals depicting narratives from the life of Krishna.

The temple houses the deities of Radha - Govinda, Nitai-Gauri, Rama, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, Jagannath Baldev, Sri Nathji, Subhadraji and idols of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati. Notably, the temple boasts the largest temple halls in India, capable of accommodating approximately 4000 devotees. Another remarkable aspect of this magnificent temple is its harmonious chandeliers.

The temple complex also includes a library, restaurant, hostel, and a meditation room, among other facilities. The atmosphere is filled with the chants of Hare Krishna during prayer sessions. Devotees conduct sessions in various institutions and corporate settings to impart techniques for integrating spirituality into daily life. The temple is impeccably maintained, reflecting a high standard of cleanliness.

Festivals of ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple

The ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple in Ahmedabad celebrates a variety of festivals annually, such as Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Ratha Yatra, Gaura Purnima, and Holi. During these occasions, the temple organizes special events and programs that draw a significant number of devotees. Additionally, Nand Mahotsav is another prominent festival celebrated at the temple each year.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple

ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple in Ahmedabad does not enforce a strict dress code; however, it is advisable to wear modest attire that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect. Men are encouraged to don a dhoti or pajama along with an appropriate upper garment, or to wear formal trousers and shirts. Women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is recommended to avoid modern clothing such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.

ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds who are seeking spiritual enrichment.

ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple Timings

Monday: 4:30 AM - 1 PM, & 4 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 4:30 AM - 1 PM, & 4 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 4:30 AM - 1 PM, & 4 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 4:30 AM - 1 PM, & 4 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 4:30 AM - 1 PM, & 4 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 4:30 AM - 1 PM, & 4 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 4:30 AM - 1 PM, & 4 PM - 9 PM

ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple

The ideal period to visit ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple is from October to February, when the weather is mild, and suitable for exploring the temple. For those wishing to partake in the celebrations, planning a visit during Janmashtami, and Holi is highly recommended. These revered festivals are marked by vibrant celebrations, attracting a large number of devotees. However, visitors should be aware that this is also the peak season, resulting in larger crowds. Alternatively, for a more peaceful experience, the months of September and October, following the monsoon, offer a beautiful, verdant landscape. It is best to avoid visiting during the summer months due to the extreme heat.

How to Reach ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is the nearest airport which is about 10 km from Ahmedabad. It has flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Cochin, and Lucknow. Ahmedabad Junction is well connected by trains with Mumbai, Allahabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Puri, Chandigarh, Tirunelveli, Kutch, New Delhi, Okha, Kolkata, Bangalore, Jodhpur, Lucknow, Rameswaram, Ajmer, Jaipur, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Dwarka, Bhavnagar, Vishakhapatnam, Bikaner, Mysore, Trivandrum, Kochi, Surat, Vadodara, and Jaisalmer. Ahmedabad Bus Stand is well connected with buses from New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Agra, Jaipur, Gandhinagar, Gandhidham, Amreli, Junagadh, Bhavnagar, Mount Abu, Udaipur, Surat, Jamnagar, Bhuj, Porbandar, Anand, and Vadodara. Travelers can reach the ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple by taking a bus or hiring an auto-rickshaw or cab from all parts of the city.