About ISKCON Vrindavan
ISKCON Vrindavan, also called the Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, is in the Raman Reti area of Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. Built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, it welcomes devotees from across India and the world. The main altars hold Krishna and Balaram, Radha-Shyamasundar, and Gaura-Nitai (Sri Chaitanya and Nityananda). The temple is known for its clean, peaceful atmosphere and the almost continuous chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra in its hall.
The temple was founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, and opened on Ram Navami in 1975. Prabhupada chose Raman Reti because it is associated with the childhood pastimes of Krishna and Balaram. He spent his final days here and left this world in Vrindavan in 1977. His samadhi, a beautiful white marble memorial, stands next to the temple and is visited by many pilgrims.
The temple is built of white marble with three domes over the altars and a courtyard with a tamal tree. Devotees gather in the main hall for aarti, kirtan and talks. Next to it stands the Srila Prabhupada Samadhi Mandir, decorated with fine carvings and paintings. The complex also has a guesthouse, a vegetarian restaurant and a bookshop.
ISKCON Vrindavan timings & aarti
Usually open about 4:10 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:45 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | About 4:10–4:30 AM |
| Shringar Darshan Aarti | About 7:15 AM |
| Rajbhog Aarti | About 12:00 PM |
| Sandhya Aarti | About 6:30 PM |
| Shayan Aarti | About 8:30 PM |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach ISKCON Vrindavan
By air
Agra Airport – about 70 km; Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport – about 160 km.
By train
Mathura Junction – about 12 km.
By road
The temple is on Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg in Raman Reti, easy to reach by e-rickshaw, auto or taxi from Mathura and other parts of Vrindavan.
Festivals at ISKCON Vrindavan
- Krishna JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- RadhashtamiAug/Sep
- Kartik month (Damodar Maas)Oct/Nov
- Gaura PurnimaFeb/Mar
- Ram Navami (temple anniversary)Mar/Apr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Entry is free and open to everyone, including visitors from all faiths and countries.
- Attend the early Mangala Aarti for a deeply peaceful experience.
- Watch out for monkeys; keep glasses, phones and bags secure.
- Try the temple's prasadam and vegetarian restaurant.
- Visit Srila Prabhupada's samadhi next to the temple.
- Stay for the evening kirtan, which is lively and welcoming.
Places to visit near ISKCON Vrindavan
- Banke Bihari TempleVrindavan's most famous Krishna temple, about 3 km
- Prem MandirWhite marble temple with evening light shows, about 2 km
- Radha Raman TempleHistoric temple of the Gaudiya tradition, about 2.5 km
- Krishna Janmabhoomi, MathuraTraditional birthplace of Lord Krishna, about 12 km
Frequently asked questions
What are the ISKCON Vrindavan aarti timings?
Mangala Aarti is around 4:10–4:30 AM, Shringar around 7:15 AM, Rajbhog around noon, Sandhya around 6:30 PM and Shayan around 8:30 PM.
Who founded ISKCON Vrindavan?
It was founded by Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and opened in 1975.
Is there an entry fee at ISKCON Vrindavan?
No, entry is free and open to all.
Is Srila Prabhupada's samadhi at ISKCON Vrindavan?
Yes, his marble samadhi mandir stands right next to the Krishna Balaram Mandir.
How far is ISKCON Vrindavan from Mathura station?
About 12 km by road.
Is there a dress code at ISKCON Vrindavan?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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