Iskcon Temple Kanpur

ISKCON Temple, Kanpur Overview

The ISKCON temple is yet another international spiritual tourist attraction dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is located on Mainavati Marg, Bithoor Road, about 4 km from Kanpur. The best time to visit is in August and September due to Krishna Janmashtami and Radhashtami respectively.

The deities here receive an annual Maha-Abhishek, which is the traditional bathing of the holy idols, at the Royal Gold Leaf Shrine. In addition to customary rituals, there are three festivals that mark this significant custom. The avatars of Lord Krishna, Sri Sri Radha Madhav, Sri Sri Nitai Gaursundar and Sri Sri Janakai Janaki Vallabha Laxman Hanuman are conventionally decorated and preserved.

How To Reach ISKCON Temple Kanpur

The temple is situated on Mainawati Marg, Bithoor which is 4 km from Kanpur. This distance can be covered using shared tempos, buses and private taxis.

Shared tempos can be taken, the cost of which is as follows:
Ghantaghar to Gurudev - INR 12
Gurudev to Mainawati Marg -INR 5

If travelling by train, it is easier to get down at Kanpur Central Railway Station and take a tempo to Jain International School, Mainawati Marg. The temple stands at a walkable distance from the school. The distance needed to be covered is 15 km and would take 30 minutes. The estimated fare is INR 200.

The buses stop at Jhakkarkatti Bus Stop and it is easier to catch an auto from the stop to Jain International School, Mainawati Marg. the temple is located at a walkable distance from the school. The estimated fare is INR 200.

ISKCON Temple Facilities

The ISKCON temple also has a Goshala or cowshed of its own. Here, these cows that represent the Earth according to the Vedas, are served and worshipped. The milk from these cows are used for spiritual offering to the devotees as Prasada. It is also used to wash the idols during the process of Abhishek or Abhishekam.
There is an in-built Govinda restaurant that serves thalis (Indian cuisine platter) and other vegetarian dishes.
There are various bhajans, kirtans, courses and festivals organised by the temple as discourses for spreading the divinity of Lord Krishna.

Festivals at the ISKCON Temple

Several festivals related to Lord Krishna that are here celebrated are:

Janmashtami

Sri Krishna Janmashtami marks the birthday of Lord Krishna. The date varies according to Tithi in the Hindu calendar, but it usually occurs in August. The entire temple is white-washed and cleaned before this occasion, and it is the most crowded on Janmashtami. The idols are bathed in fragrant oils and other essentials like turmeric powder, milk, ghee, saffron, yoghurt and fresh fruit juices. They are then dressed in new attires and jewellery and provided with Chhapan Bhog (a form of a multi-ingredient platter) as prasad or holy offering.

Radhashtami

The birth of Srimati Radharani is celebrated in September with dates varying according to the Hindu calendar. On this day, the entire temple is decorated with garlands and flowers, with a grand bathing ritual carried out in the goddess's name. The statue of Srimati Radharani is further served with the traditional platter or Bhoga that is made at the temple itself.

ISKCON Temple History

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) started as a spiritual movement in 1966 by Acharya A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to spread peace, harmony and prosperity using the teachings from Vedic literature. It is a non-profit welfare organisation and a charitable trust to promote values of the Vedas.