Krishna Temple (ISKCON)

The Krishna Temple, an initiative by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), stands majestically on a rocky hillock along Chord Road in Rajaji Nagar, Bengaluru. This temple serves as a prominent gathering place for Hare Krishna devotees for worship and has emerged as a very popular religious and tourist destination.

Constructed at a cost of ten crore rupees, the temple features a magnificent five-storey gopuram (dome) that rivals the height of a sixteen-storey building, making it prominently visible from the highway below. The top storey, which houses the main shrine, soars to a height of 24 metres.

Visitors are led to the Mahadwara (Main entrance) via a beautifully paved path, flanked by terraced gardens on either side. Along this path, small mandapams house statues of Hanuman and Garuda, complemented by decorative fountains, enhancing the serene ambiance.

Adding to its amenities, the temple complex includes the 'Govinda Restaurant', part of ISKCON’S international chain, where food is served with the spiritual value of prasadam. An auditorium within the premises conducts impressive computer-controlled shows depicting ten significant events from the life of Krishna, alongside episodes from the life of ISKCON's founder, Prabhupada Chaitanya.

One of the most spectacular architectural features of the temple is the grand dome with its stained glass sides. At night, the hall is illuminated, creating an ethereal incandescence that is truly breathtaking. For the convenience of pilgrims and visitors, huge dining halls and guest houses have been constructed behind the main temple. Regular worship, including arathi and Bhajans, is conducted in both the Krishna temple and the Narasimha temple located below.