MAYAPUR ISKCON TEMPLE – EMBARKING ON A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

The Mayapur ISKCON Temple, also known as “Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir” is a famous temple dedicated to the Lord Krishna and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Mayapur, West Bengal, India. Mayapur is one of the holiest places for the followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is regarded as an incarnation of Lord Krishna and a central figure in the “Bhakti movement”. This holy shrine is a place of spirituality, devotion, and cultural heritage; and therefore, attracts people from all over the world to experience the teachings of Lord Chaitanya and Lord Krishna in a serene and spiritually charged environment. The temple is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and it is open to all irrespective of their caste, creed, religion and gender.

LOCATION

The Mayapur ISKCON Temple is situated on the banks of the River Ganges in Mayapur – a small town in the Nadia district of West Bengal, India. Mayapur is located at the confluence of the Jalangi River and the Bhagirathi, a tributary of the Ganges. The distance between Mayapur and Kolkata (the capital city of West Bengal) is around 130 Kms. and it is connected with excellent road and rail networks, making it easily accessible for both domestic and international tourists.

FOUNDER

ISKCON was founded by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (Srila Prabhupada) in 1966. He played a pivotal role in spreading the Hare Krishna movement worldwide and translating important Vedic texts into English.

ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY

The Mayapur ISKCON Temple is indeed known for its magnificent architecture. It is a grand, marble structure with intricate carvings and designs. One of the most prominent features of the temple complex is the “Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir”, which is dedicated to the worship of Radha and Krishna, and stands as a symbol of devotion and architectural grandeur.

The temple complex includes Chandrodaya Mandir, Temple of Vedic Planetarium (TOVP), Srila Prabhupada’s Bhajan Kutir, Goshala, Mayapur Institute for Higher Education (MIHE), Bhaktivedanta Academy (Boys’ Gurukul) and Sri Mayapur International School. In addition to these, there are several guesthouses, restaurants, and shops for day to day needs. Inside the temple campus, you may also find Srila Prabhupada’s Pushpa Samadhi Mandir (memorial shrine), which is dedicated to Srila Prabhupada – the founder of ISKCON, where his remains are interred.

RECOGNIZABLE FEATURES

• The most recognizable feature of Mayapur ISKCON temple is the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.” This mantra is believed to have a purifying and spiritually uplifting effect.

• Mayapur ISKCON temple promotes the practice of Bhakti Yoga, which is the path of devotion to God. This temple places great emphasis on distributing and studying sacred texts, including the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam. Srila Prabhupada’s translations and commentaries on these texts are widely read and studied by the followers.

• A key tenet of Mayapur ISKCON temple is a strict vegetarian diet. Devotees abstain from consuming meat, fish, and eggs, and they offer vegetarian food to the deities as an act of devotion.

• Mayapur ISKCON temple is often involved in various community outreach programs, including food distribution, educational initiatives, and cultural festivals. These programs strive to serve and inspire people from all walks of life.

CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

• The Mayapur ISKCON temple is a significant pilgrimage site for the devotees of Lord Krishna. It is an important centre for the practice of Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) and also serves as the headquarters for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

• The main deities worshiped here are: Sri Sri Radha Madhava. Additionally, the Pancha-tattva, which refers to the combined forms of Lord Chaitanya and His associates are also worshiped in this temple.

• Throughout the year, the temple hosts various festivals and celebrations, with the most prominent being Gaura Purnima that commemorates the appearance of Lord Chaitanya. During the festivals, thousands of devotees from all over the world gather to participate in kirtan (devotional singing), lectures, processions, and feasts.

TIMINGS OF THE PROMINENT DAILY EVENTS AT ISKCON TEMPLE

• Mangal Arati: 04:30 AM
• Darsan Arati – 07:00 AM
• Bhagavatam Class (English and Bengali separately) – 08:00 AM
• Dhupa Arati – 08:30 AM
• Bhoga Offering – 11:45 AM
• Bhoga Arati – 12:00 Noon
• Dhupa Arati – 04:00 PM
• Sandhya Arati – 06:00 PM
• Gita Class – 07:30 PM
• Shayana Arati – 08:15 PM

TEMPLE REMAINS CLOSED

• 05:30 AM – 07:00 AM
• 01:00 PM – 04:00 PM
• 08:30 PM – 04:30 AM

WHY TO VISIT MAYAPUR

• Mayapur also known as The “Land of Golden Avatar” is considered as one of the nine islands, or “Navadvipa,” which resemble the petals of a lotus flower. These nine islands are sacred in Gaudiya Vaishnavism. This place is especially revered as the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486–1534), who is regarded as an incarnation of Lord Krishna.

• Mayapur is known for its vibrant cultural and artistic traditions, often expressed through devotional music, dance, and festivals. At temple complex, you can engage yourself in various cultural activities to express your love and devotion to the divine.

• The serene surroundings and reverent ambiance of this place will calm your racing thoughts. If you spend a day or two in Mayapur along with a temple tour and take a dip into the holy River Ganges, you will be instantly freed from the stresses of daily life. Several attractions make            this place a uniquely rewarding destination to visit with your family for a weekend getaway.

HOW TO REACH MAYAPAUR

Nearest Airport	Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (Approx. 116 Kms)
Nearest Railway Station	Nabadwip Dham Railway Station in Nabadwip (Approx. 12 Kms)
Roadways	Mayapur has a good system of roadways, which connect it to different parts of West Bengal.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

Local Transportation	In Mayapur, local transportation includes cycle rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and local buses.
Accommodation	Mayapur is a pilgrimage destination, and accommodation options are available. It’s advisable to book your stay in advance, especially during festivals or special events.
Weather Consideration	Consider the weather conditions, especially during the monsoon season, as it may affect travel plans.