About Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir
The Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir is the main temple of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) at Mayapur, in Nadia district, West Bengal, near the meeting of the Ganga (Bhagirathi) and Jalangi rivers. Mayapur is revered in Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition as the birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the 15th-century saint who spread the chanting of the names of Krishna. The campus is ISKCON's world headquarters, and devotees from India and many other countries come here to stay, study and take part in kirtan and festivals.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was born in 1486 in the Nabadwip area; Gaudiya Vaishnavas identify his birthplace with Mayapur, while some local traditions place it in present-day Nabadwip town across the river, so views differ. ISKCON's founder, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, acquired land at Mayapur in the early 1970s and began building the centre. The Chandrodaya Mandir grew from this beginning into a large temple, and over the decades guesthouses, schools, gardens and other buildings have been added. Next to it, the much larger Temple of the Vedic Planetarium has been under construction since 2009.
The temple hall is wide and colourful, with the altar running along one side. On it are Radha Madhava with the eight principal gopis (ashta-sakhis), a large set of images of the Pancha Tattva, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu with his four main associates, and a separate shrine to Lord Narasimha. Kirtan and arati are held through the day, beginning with mangala arati before dawn. The campus has gardens, a samadhi memorial to Prabhupada, and boat ghats on the river. Pilgrims also visit the many sites linked with Chaitanya's life around Navadvipa.
Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir timings & aarti
Usually open from about 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala arati | Around 4:30 AM (approx.) |
| Darshan arati | Around 7:30 AM (approx.) |
| Raja bhoga arati | Around noon (approx.) |
| Sandhya arati | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir
By air
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, is about 130 km away.
By train
Krishnanagar City Junction is about 20 km away; Nabadwip Dham station is across the river, reached by ferry.
By road
Mayapur is about 130 km from Kolkata by road, roughly four hours. Buses run from Kolkata and Krishnanagar, and ISKCON runs buses from Kolkata on many days.
Festivals at Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir
- Gaura PurnimaFeb/Mar
- Narasimha ChaturdashiApr/May
- Ratha YatraJun/Jul
- JanmashtamiAug/Sep
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is expected. Shoulders and knees should be covered; traditional Indian clothes are welcome but not required.
- Entry
- Free entry for darshan.
- Attend mangala arati before dawn to experience the temple at its most devotional.
- Book guesthouse rooms on campus early for Gaura Purnima.
- Photography rules vary by area; ask before photographing the altar.
- Take the ferry across the Ganga to visit Nabadwip's temples.
- Leave footwear at the stand outside the temple hall.
Places to visit near Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir
- YogapithaTemple marking Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's birthplace in Gaudiya tradition, about 1 km away
- Srivas AnganSite linked with Chaitanya's early kirtans, about 1 km away
- NabadwipHistoric town of Chaitanya's youth across the river, about 5 km away
- KrishnanagarTown known for clay doll craft and its rajbari, about 20 km away
Frequently asked questions
Where is ISKCON Mayapur?
It is at Mayapur in Nadia district, West Bengal, about 130 km north of Kolkata, near the meeting of the Ganga and Jalangi rivers.
Which deities are worshipped at Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir?
Radha Madhava with the ashta-sakhis, the Pancha Tattva, and Lord Narasimha.
What are the ISKCON Mayapur timings?
The temple usually opens around 4:30 AM for mangala arati and closes around 8:30 PM, with an afternoon break. Check locally before visiting.
How to reach Mayapur from Kolkata?
Mayapur is about 130 km by road, roughly four hours. Trains run to Krishnanagar, about 20 km away, and buses run from Kolkata.
What is the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium?
It is a very large new temple being built next to the Chandrodaya Mandir on the ISKCON Mayapur campus, under construction since 2009.
What is the aarti time at Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir?
Mangala arati: Around 4:30 AM (approx.); Darshan arati: Around 7:30 AM (approx.); Raja bhoga arati: Around noon (approx.); Sandhya arati: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir?
Modest clothing is expected. Shoulders and knees should be covered; traditional Indian clothes are welcome but not required.
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