By chanting Krishna’s holy name,
One cleanses all the dust,
From the mirror of one’s consciousness.
~ Srila Prabhupada.
Strains of melodious Kirtan (holy hymns) and gregarious chants pierced through the air as I hurriedly paced across the corridor through the modestly set courtyard of the Sri Radha Kunjbihari ISKCON Temple in the camp area of Pune. After paying my reverence to Shri Ram at Tulsibaug and Lord Ganesha at Dagduseth in the morning, it was time for me to catch a glimpse of Lord Krishna and His beloved Radha and with the arti resounding in the environs… bliss was instant; it felt like peace descending from the skies above.
... I had been summoned at an opportune time.
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| Welcome to ISKCON Temple, Pune: HIS home! |
Sri Sri Radha Kunjbihari Mandir is one from amongst the twin ISKCON temples situated in Pune, this being the elder of the two. Located in the central city Camp area, the temple has been a spiritual retreat for the devout and a loving home for the deities since the last 27 years.
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| Entrance gate to the ISKCON Temple, Pune |
Set in a humble setting, the temple proceedings are led by IITian Radheshyam Das as the President and is inhabited by monks - youths, seniors and children alike - followers of the Hare Krishna movement, who dedicate their life towards spreading the message of recognizing the absolute truth, the Supreme Godhead, the all pervading, Krishna.
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| The Absolute Truth, the all pervading, Krishna. |
This is the same message that was first prescribed by their mentor, Srila Prabhupada, almost a century ago which gradually snowballed into the massive Krsna consciousness movement worldwide, today widely known as the Hare Krishna movement.
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| Wisdom from the Vedas: Shrimad Bhagvadam classes in ISKCON |
The temple houses two Kutirs, small shaded canopied rooms – Krishna Kutir and Balaram Kutir – which cater to various educational and cultural in-house programs like the Shrimad Bhagvatam classes for children among others.
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| Krishna Kutir: The center for conducting spiritual programs and activities. |
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| Little kids attentively listening to Krishna playtime stories. |
Further attractions in the courtyard include a snack counter, Govinda's Restaurant serving pure vegetarian delicacies for the visitors,
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| Pure vegetarian meals at Govinda's - ISKCON center, Pune |
... the Harinam Mandir - a monument solely dedicated to the power of prayers, expressed by writing 108 Hare Krishna Mahamantra in the Harinam book,
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| 'Harinam Temple' dedicated to the power in our prayers. |
... and a gift shop – selling Tulsi beads, Vedic books, cow products and other religious paraphernalia.
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| Gift shop, just adjacent to the main temple hall. |
I struggled to set foot in the main temple hall as it was jam packed with devotees, most of which stood transfixed in a trance swaying to the tunes of the Krishna arti. Nevertheless, I found a comfortable position such that, even from a far distance, I could fix my gaze at the loving eyes of the Master.
The yellow light of the diya (prayer lamp) billowed gently as the priest swayed it to and fro several times, only once coiling it to a complete orb and then repeating the entire cycle again. The arti united the expressive Radha - playful Krishna in a splendid luminous halo that I devoured through my small, empty, dreamy eyes...
… the soothing chant of Hare Krishna nestled in my heart …
Traveler Tips and Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How many ISKCON temples are there in Pune?
ISKCON NVCC Shri Radha Vrindavanchandra is the name of the other ISKCON temple in Pune and apparently it’s spread in a larger area than this one. It’s ranked very high by a lot of travelers too. With so much recommendation floating around and the beautiful pictures that I have seen, I am sure I will be trying to visit it the next time around. You too, make sure to visit it while you are there.
2. I want to stay at ISKCON Temple in Pune. Is the guest house facility available?
The guest house facility is not available at Sri Sri Radha Kunjbihari Temple in Pune Camp.
ISKCON NVCC Shri Radha Vrindavanchandra is the name of the other ISKCON temple in Pune and apparently it’s spread in a larger area than this one. It’s ranked very high by a lot of travelers too. With so much recommendation floating around and the beautiful pictures that I have seen, I am sure I will be trying to visit it the next time around. You too, make sure to visit it while you are there.
2. I want to stay at ISKCON Temple in Pune. Is the guest house facility available?
The guest house facility is not available at Sri Sri Radha Kunjbihari Temple in Pune Camp.
3. What are the Pooja and Arti Timings of ISKCON Pune?
4:30 am : Mangala Arti
5:15 am : Tulsi-Puja
7:30 am : Sringar Darshan
7:40 am : Guru Puja
8:30 am : Srimad Bhagavatam Discourse
8:30 am : Dhoop Arti
12:30 pm: Raj Bhoga Arti
4:30 pm : Pushpa Arti
6:45 pm : Sandhya Arti
8:50 pm : Shayana Darshan
9:00 pm : Temple Closes
Temple shall remain closed at the following timing:
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm and
9:00 pm - 4.30 am
4. What is the contact number, address, email-id of ISKCON Temple, Pune?
Address:
Sri Sri Radha Kunjbihari Temple: No. 4, Tarapore Road, Beside Dastoor Boy's School, Camp, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Sri Sri RadhaVrindavanchandra Temple: ISKCON NVCC Temple, New Vedic Cultural Center, Katraj-Kondwa Bypass, Pune.
Sri Sri Radha Kunjbihari Temple: No. 4, Tarapore Road, Beside Dastoor Boy's School, Camp, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Sri Sri RadhaVrindavanchandra Temple: ISKCON NVCC Temple, New Vedic Cultural Center, Katraj-Kondwa Bypass, Pune.
Contact Numbers: 020 - 410 332 22 / 23 / 10 / 00
Email: nvcc@iskconpune.in
28 Comments
wow lovely clicks and you brought Iscon temple and lord Radhe Krishna images to us.....Beautiful post Arti thanks for taking me to divine tour through your lens ...hugs Sushma :)
ReplyDeletethe temple look quiet green and calmy compare than other ISCKON :), the first picture it's ganesha with ladoo? or what's that arti?
ReplyDeleteEven after being in Pune I have never visited this place. These pics tell me that I must pay a visit one day.
ReplyDeleteIt is a Laddu Gopal (Lord Krishna,) Mareta. Lord Krishna is the deity that is worshiped in ISKCON Temples.
ReplyDeleteThe only iskcon temple I have been to is Bangalore .... I agree, the environment is indeed divine
ReplyDeleteBeautiful place. ISKCON temples are serene. Those kutirs are new. Haven't seen in any of the ISKCONs I have visited so far.
ReplyDeleteSurprised to see so much greenery these days. Now I understand..this is the other ISKCON temple, right...that's why may be..thank you for the tour, Arti. For I know, I won't be able to visit all these places. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures Arti :) I have been to ISKCON bangalore and found it so peaceful . Someday will visit Pune .
ReplyDeleteI have always loved visiting ISKCON temples. I have , in fact , stayed at ISKCON-Pandarpur and had an unforgettable time. Your post is just as useful and awesome as it can ever be,.. thanks
ReplyDeleteNice to see kids at a story-telling session. Does they have that at all ISKCON temples?
ReplyDeleteNice progressive on your visit to ISKCON! There’s a temple in Chennai as well and I have heard the temples were talked for their marvelous architecture and ambiance. But the temple you visited here is very simple.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and great post , Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete@ D. Nambiar - I don't know exactly but ISKCON does have these classes in all their Temples.
ReplyDeleteI love ISKCON temples... especially the way they dress up Lord Krishna :) Have you been to the one in Mumbai?
ReplyDeletehttp://everythingthatclicks.blogspot.com
Yes, Rosh :) I have been to their temple in Juhu and it's a really grand and gala state of affairs ther - must visit if you are in the vicinity sometime!
DeleteSplendid pictures and very clear information about the place.Very nice Arti ji.
ReplyDeleteHi Arti: You always bring the essence and the true spirit of the places you visit and share with us. I felt I am standing in the temple and listening to the chants all around me. Beautiful post....
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful temple! Your photos are lovely . I love how colorful everything is and it's always a pleasure to learn all of these from you, Arti.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of the temple and useful information.
ReplyDeleteI'll surely visit when I visit Pune.
The photos and the narration together bring out the essence of the ISKCON Temple, Pune. I've visited the ISKCON Temple of Mayapur and can relate with your feelings completely! It's instant bliss indeed. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love ISKCON Temples. Haven't visited the Pune one though. Thanks for the virtual darshan, Arti :)
ReplyDeleteVery good & informative blog post about ISKON Temple in Pune.
ReplyDeleteJai Shri Radhey ! Radhe Radhe ! very informative post with Time of Arti ( not u ) . Nice pictures as well.
ReplyDeleteTHose are some beautiful pictures .. but i have one question and that is for all religions and for all holy places why do we need to spend so much money on making temples ..
ReplyDeletethat money can be spend to make human life more valualbe As all the gods and prophets have been teaching ..
Bikram's
Nice article and amazing pics! Keep travelling
ReplyDeleteIts Really Great Place to visit in Pune. And post looking awesome and nicely summaries with excellent images.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the rate of living in iskcon temple per day?
ReplyDeleteI feel so happy. I am leaving for Pune tomorrow morning and would absolutely love to be here. I like the calmness and serenity of this place ❤
ReplyDeleteDelighted you stopped by... Your suggestions, feedback are really appreciated. Thanks a lot :) Hope you visit again!
If you have asked a question, please give me at least 2 days to reply back. Thank you :)