About ISKCON Temple, Bengaluru
The ISKCON Temple of Bengaluru stands on Hare Krishna Hill in Rajajinagar, in the north-west of the city, close to the Mahalakshmi metro station. Its main deities are Radha and Krishna, worshipped as Sri Radha Krishnachandra. It is one of the largest temples of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness anywhere, and one of the most visited places of worship in Bengaluru, popular with families, students and visitors to the city. Many people come especially for the evening aarti and kirtan, and the temple is liveliest at weekends.
ISKCON was founded in New York in 1966 by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to spread the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the practice of bhakti in the tradition of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The Bengaluru temple was built through the efforts of the local society and was inaugurated in May 1997 by the then President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma. Devotees linked with the temple also started the Akshaya Patra Foundation, which serves midday meals to schoolchildren across India.
The temple combines modern design with traditional forms: a gold-plated flagstaff about 17 metres tall and a gold-plated kalasha shikhara rise above glass and stone halls with a Dravidian-style gopuram. Visitors climb the hill along a path marked by small shrines and chanting stations before reaching the main hall. There are six altars: Radha Krishna, Krishna Balarama, Nitai Gauranga (Chaitanya and Nityananda), Srinivasa Govinda, Prahlada Narasimha, and Srila Prabhupada. Kirtan, discourses and cultural programmes run through the day, and prasadam is offered to visitors during darshan hours.
ISKCON Temple, Bengaluru timings & aarti
Usually open from about 4:15 AM to 5:00 AM for mangala aarti, and then from about 7:15 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:15 PM to 8:30 PM, with longer hours on weekends. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala aarti | Around 4:30 AM (approx.) |
| Shringar darshan | Around 7:15 AM (approx.) |
| Sandhya aarti | Around 7:00 PM (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach ISKCON Temple, Bengaluru
By air
Kempegowda International Airport is about 35 km away.
By train
Yesvantpur Junction is about 3 km away; KSR Bengaluru City station is about 7 km away. Mahalakshmi metro station on the Green Line is a short walk away.
By road
The temple is on Chord Road in Rajajinagar, reachable by city buses, autos and cabs. Parking is available at the foot of the hill.
Festivals at ISKCON Temple, Bengaluru
- Sri Krishna JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- Gaura PurnimaFeb/Mar
- RadhashtamiAug/Sep
- Vaikuntha EkadashiDec/Jan
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is recommended. Footwear must be left at the counters.
- Entry
- Free; donations and special sevas are optional.
- Use the metro to avoid traffic; Mahalakshmi station is closest.
- Weekends and festivals bring long queues; arrive early.
- Photography inside the main hall may be restricted.
- The climb up the hill is gentle but long; allow extra time for elderly visitors.
Places to visit near ISKCON Temple, Bengaluru
- Gavi Gangadhareshwara TempleAncient cave temple of Shiva, about 9 km away
- Bangalore PalaceTudor-style palace of the Wodeyars, about 6 km away
- Dodda Basavana Gudi (Bull Temple)Temple with a giant Nandi in Basavanagudi, about 10 km away
- Lalbagh Botanical GardenHistoric garden and glasshouse, about 10 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the ISKCON Bangalore timings?
It usually opens for mangala aarti before dawn, then from about 7:15 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:15 PM to 8:30 PM. Check locally before visiting.
Which is the nearest metro station to ISKCON Bangalore?
Mahalakshmi station on the Green Line is a short walk away.
When was ISKCON Bangalore built?
It was inaugurated in May 1997.
Is there an entry fee at ISKCON Bangalore?
No, entry is free.
What is the aarti time at ISKCON Temple, Bengaluru?
Mangala aarti: Around 4:30 AM (approx.); Shringar darshan: Around 7:15 AM (approx.); Sandhya aarti: Around 7:00 PM (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at ISKCON Temple, Bengaluru?
Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is recommended. Footwear must be left at the counters.
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