ISKCON NVCC Temple, Pune - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About ISKCON NVCC Temple

At a distance of 12 Km from Pune Junction, the ISKCON New Vedic Cultural Center (NVCC), or Sri Radha Vrindavanchandra temple is a Gaudiya Vaishnism temple situated in Kondhwa near Pune. ISKCON NVCC is devoted to Lord Krishna and Goddess 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. It the largest temple in the city of Pune as part of the Pune luxury packages.

History of ISKCON NVCC Temple

The first-ever ISKCON Centre in Pune was founded in 1984. As the number of visitors grew, the activities of the temple expanded, necessitating additional space. In 1995, ISKCON guru HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj acquired a 6-acre plot of land at NVCC, and initiated the temple construction under the spiritual leadership of HH Radhanath Swami. The construction took seven years, and the temple was officially inaugurated in 2013 by the then President of India, Pranab Mukherjee on the auspicious occasion of Nityananda Tryodshi. The New Vedic Cultural Center was established at a cost of 40 crore rupees, funded by the ISKCON Temple in Camp and its devoted followers. This temple embodies the principles of Vedic scriptures, including the Bhagavad Gita, and was designed to serve as a space for individuals to delve into Vedic philosophy, practice bhakti (devotion), and participate in community events.

Architecture of ISKCON NVCC Temple

Spanning an area of 6 acres, the ISKCON NVCC Temple complex features two main temples: the Radha Krishna temple and the Venkateswara temple. The design of the Radha-Vrindavanchandra temple is reminiscent of traditional North Indian temple architecture, characterized by grand pillars, a spacious central hall, and beautiful domes, which together create a majestic and peaceful environment.

Nestled among verdant hills, the temple provides a tranquil setting for visitors. Upon entering the prayer hall, one is immediately drawn to the stunning idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha, elegantly dressed in fine garments and vibrant garlands. The dome's ceilings and the temple walls are adorned with colorful artwork, enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Inside, there is a remarkable meditation hall that can accommodate over 1,000 people, along with a cultural hall intended for special events and celebrations.

Additionally, the complex includes a Balaji temple, showcasing exquisite South Indian architectural elements, such as a lotus-shaped dome and intricate carvings. The center also offers Vedic education and training programs for both adults and children, which encompass Sunday school, classes on Hindu scriptures, yoga sessions, and seminars focused on various aspects of spiritual life.

Festivals of ISKCON NVCC Temple

The ISKCON NVCC Temple in Pune celebrates various festivals throughout the year, including Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Ratha Yatra, Gaura Purnima, and Holi. The temple hosts special events and programs during these festivals that attract a huge number of devotees.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of ISKCON NVCC Temple

ISKCON NVCC Temple, Pune 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 NVCC Temple is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds who are seeking spiritual enrichment.

ISKCON NVCC Temple Timings

Monday: 5 AM - 1 PM, & 4:30 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 5 AM - 1 PM, & 4:30 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 5 AM - 1 PM, & 4:30 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 5 AM - 1 PM, & 4:30 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 5 AM - 1 PM, & 4:30 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 5 AM - 1 PM, & 4:30 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 5 AM - 1 PM, & 4:30 PM - 9 PM

ISKCON NVCC Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit ISKCON NVCC Temple

The ideal period to visit ISKCON NVCC 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 NVCC Temple

Pune boasts excellent connectivity through air, rail, and road transport. The nearest airport, Pune International Airport, is located approximately 10 kilometers from the city and offers flights to numerous international destinations, including Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the USA, Europe, and Sri Lanka, as well as domestic routes to major cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kolkata, and Goa. Pune Junction Railway Station provides robust train services linking the city to all significant towns and cities across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Additionally, Pune is well-served by bus routes connecting it to nearly all cities and towns in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. About 12 Km from Pune Junction, ISKCON NVCC Temple can be easily accessed by local bus or by hiring a cab or auto-rickshaw from any area within Pune.