More About ISKCON Mayapur

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami (Srila Prabhupada) in the West in 1966. ISKCON belongs to Gaudiya (refers to Bengal) Vaishnavism, a devotional tradition based on the teachings of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.

The precepts and practices of ISKCON were taught and codified by the 15th century saint and religious reformer Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486-1532), his brother Nityananda Prabhu and six of his principle associates, the Goswamis of Vrindavana (Sanatana, Rupa, Jiva, Gopal Bhatta, Raghunatha Dasa and Raghunatha Bhatta.)

The Bhagavad-gita was first put into writing about 5000 years ago. The Gita is the principal scripture of The Hare Krishna Movement™ Organization. Its origins are more than 5000-years-old.

Sri Chaitanya, whom devotees recognize as a direct incarnation of Krishna, gave a powerful impetus for a massive bhakti (devotional) movement throughout India. Under his direction hundreds of volumes on the philosophy of Krishna consciousness were compiled. Many devotees followed in the preceptorial line of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu including, in the 19th century an outstanding Vaishnava theologian, Bhaktivinoda Thakura (1838-1914) who brought Krishna consciousness to a modern audience.

Bhaktivinoda’s son, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami (1874- 1937), became the guru of Srila Prabhupada (1896-1977) and instructed him to spread Krishna consciousness in the West.

ISKCON’s history includes a disciplic succession (sampradaya or guru parampara). It draws its legitimacy from its place in a succession of spiritual teachers and disciples (parampara). There are four major disciplic successions, and ISKCON belongs to the Brahma-Gaudiya-Madhva (referring to Madhvacharya [A.D. 1239-1319]) sampradaya, founded by Lord Krishna Himself. The other three are called the Sri (referring to the goddess Laksmi) Sampradaya, the Rudra (referring to the god Shiva) Sampradaya and the Kumara (referring to the four Kumaras [celibate sages] Sampradaya.

There are many branches to the Brahma Sampradaya. ISKCON belongs to the Brahma-Gaudiya-Madhva lineage founded by Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the 16th century.

How to Reach ISKCON Mayapur? 

• By Air Fly to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata (approximately 90 km away), then hire a taxi to Mayapur.
• By Train From Howrah Station, take a train to Nabadwip Dham; from there, cross the river by boat and proceed to Mayapur.
• By Road Drive from Kolkata via State Highway 6 (SH-6) and STKK Road; the journey is about 4 hours.
• By Bus West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) operates a daily bus service from Esplanade to Mayapur, departing at 6 am.

ISKCON Mayapur Services

ISKCON Mayapur offers a range of services and facilities for visitors

Temple Services

• Daily Darshan Worship deities including Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Pancha Tattva, and Lord Narasimha Dev.
• Puja and Seva Engage in devotional activities; inquire with temple administration for details.
• Festivals Celebrate events like Gaura Purnima, Janmashtami, and Ratha Yatra.

Visitor Facilities

• Accommodation Guesthouses and dormitories available; advance booking recommended.
• Prasadam Free sanctified meals served daily; vegetarian canteens also on-site.
• Guided Tours Explore the temple complex and the upcoming Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
• Educational Programs Participate in seminars and courses on Vedic philosophy and practices.
• Cultural Performances Attend traditional music and dance events depicting Lord Krishna's pastimes.

Additional Services

• Currency Exchange Available at 'Gauradesh' in Room 103, Chakra building; 10 am–5 pm.
• ATM Axis Bank ATM in Room 133, Chakra building; open 24/7.
• Internet Free Wi-Fi for visitors.
• Photocopy Services Room 111, Chakra building; 6 am–9:30 pm.
• Barber Services Behind the Brahmachari building; 10 am–2 pm daily, except Thursdays and Ekadasis; men only.

For more information, visit the official ISKCON Mayapur website or contact their visitor services department.

ISKCON Temple (Mayapur) Aarti Timings

Aarti Time

• Mangala Aarti 4:30 am
• Nrsimhadeva Aarti 5:00 am
• Tulasi Aarti 5:10 am
• Darshan Aarti 7:00 am
• Srila Prabhupada Guru Puja 7:30 am
• Bhoga Aarti 12:00 pm
• Dhupa Aarti 4:00 pm
• Sandhya Aarti 6:30 pm
• Shayan Aarti 8:00 pm

Tourist Places 

Places to see near ISKCON Mayapur

• Srila Prabhupada's Pushpa Samadhi Mandir
• Mayapur Ghat
• Mayapur Museum

Other religious places near ISKCON Mayapur

• Srila Prabhupada's Pushpa Samadhi Mandir
• Mayapur Ghat
• Mayapur Museum

Local Food Speciality of ISKCON Mayapur

• Rice
• Dal (lentil soup)
• Mixed sabji (vegetable curry)
• Seasonal sabji
• Chutney or yogurt
• Papad
• Sweet dish