ISKCON Vrindavan 10 Important Things You Should Know

ISKCON Vrindavan - Krishna Balaram Mandir

Table of Contents

10 Things You Should Know About ISKCON in Raman Reti, The World’s Most Important Hare Krishna Temple
What does ISKCON mean?
The Hare Krishnas and other groups at Vrindavan.
Where is the best place to see the sunrise at Vrindavan?
12 Things You Shouldn’t Miss While You’re Visiting ISKCON Vrindavan.
Final Words
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10 Things You Should Know About ISKCON in Raman Reti, The World’s Most Important Hare Krishna Temple

Swami A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada (founder-acharya of International Society of Krishna Consciousness) dreamed of the Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir in Vrindavan, India, where Krishna and Balaram, the two brothers, are believed to have lived. It is now one of Vrindavan’s most popular temples.

The temple attracts crowds of devotees from Delhi and across the world daily. Visitors are enthralled by Aarti and Bhagavad Gita classes.

Radha Shyamasundar ISKCON Vrindavan — Radha Shyamasunar & Lalita Vishaka

The altars are dedicated to Shri Sri Gaura Nitai, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda, Shri Krishna and Balaram, and Sri Sri Radha Shyamasundara, along with their sakhis Lalita and Vishakha.

In many ways, Vrindavan is the heart of ISKCON. It’s where Krishna appeared to His beloved cowherd friends and where He lives as the Supreme Personality of Godhead today. In other words, it’s a place filled with love and devotion—the very things that constitute the essence of Krishna Consciousness.

Luckily for us, Vrindavan is also a place brimming with fascinating facts about this sacred city, temple, and its inhabitants. Read on to find out everything from how many people live there to how it came to be and the role of dance in ISKCON.

What does ISKCON mean?

The word “ISKCON” stands for ‘International Society of Krishna Consciousness’ ISKCON is not just a society, but a way of life based on the teachings of Krishna in the Bhagavad-gita. Members believe that the Chapter Fourteen verse of the Gita, which says that those who live in love and happiness are called “ksatriyas in Krishna’s service,” is the true path to liberation. Therefore, members of strive to be a living example of what it means to be a devotee in Krishna’s service, and devote their lives to the exclusive service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

The Hare Krishnas and other groups at Vrindavan.

Vrindavan has been the home of many different Krishna groups. Hare Krishnas from the west first arrived in Vrindavan in the 1960s, and they have been based there ever since. Many other Vaiṣṇava groups have also been based in Vrindavan, including Sri Gaudiya Math, Sri Vedanta Society, and the Hare Rama Hare Kṛṣṇa movement in general. All of these groups have contributed to the spiritual and musical culture of Vrindavan.

Where is the best place to see the sunrise at Vrindavan?

The traditional sunrise in Vrindavan is at the Badrinath Temple, located just northeast of Vrindavan. The sunrise color at Badrinath is pink-orange, and depending on the season and the time of day, it may also turn blue. The Badrinath Temple is open 24 hours a day, and you can climb the stairs to the temple’s roof for a beautiful sunrise view. Visitors are advised to be respectful of the temple, as this is a very religious place. Alternatively, the sunrise at the Madan Mohan Temple is also very beautiful. This temple is located just to the south of Vrindavan, and the sunrise here is on the blue side of orange.

12 Things You Shouldn’t Miss While You’re Visiting ISKCON Vrindavan.

Visit Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami’s Samadhi
Visit the Radha Raman Temple
Visit the Radha Damodara Temple
Visit the ISKCON Museum
Visit ISKCON Art Gallery
Visit the ISKCON Library
Visit ISKCON Education Center
Visit ISKCON Book Publishing House
Visit the ISKCON Guest House
Many ask, ‘Can we stay in ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan’? or ‘How can I join ISKCON Vrindavan’?
To answer, There is a Guesthouse on the temple grounds.
Visit Srila Prabhupada’s house
Visit MVT Guesthouse
Visit Keshi Ghat

Final Words

Vrindavan is the perfect example of how a temple can become the central heart of a spiritual movement. ISKCON Vrindavan temple is one of the most spiritual places in the world, and it’s packed with devotees from all over the world who are inspired by the love they see in the ISKCON community. From the sunrise at Badrinath Temple to the beautiful sunrise at Madan Mohan Temple and is a place to soak in the spirit of devotion and love.