Iskcon Temple in Ahmedabad – A Paradise of Serenity, Spirituality and Devotion -

There are many world recognised destinations in Ahmedabad to satisfy your religious inclination towards the supreme power. ISKON Temple is one of these rare holy shrines. No one today needs any introduction to ISKON Temple as these holy institutions are not limited to India’s boundary but are spread over all over the world. But still let me brief you about this holy place. ISKON stands for “International Society for Krishna Consciousness”. This temple is also popular by the name of Hare Krishna Temple among devotees. Krishna is a Hindu God and must say that he the most popular among Hindu devotees because of his colourful life events and charisma to influence anyone in the world. Kids love his cheerful, naughty childhood, youngsters love his adulthood with magnificent Raslilas with Gopies and His companion Radha while seniors pay their devotion to his almighty god form. What else we can ask for when a one God represents all the colours of life in his own life. Everyone can draw inspiration from this vibrant God, Krishna. The ISKON Temple in Ahmedabad is one of the most spectacular holy shrines in the city. With main deity Lord Krishna and his beloved companion Radha, the place is symbol of spirituality connected to life. It is located close to the Gujarat Samachar Press near Big Bazar at Sarkhej Gandhinagar Highway in Ahmedabad. The ISCON Temple of Ahmedabad was established on 16^th and 17^th of April in the year 1997 on the oauspicious day of Ram Navami by His Holiness Srimad Bhakti Vaibhav Puriji Maharaj, Aacharya of the Mayapur Gurukul.

The very attractive idols of Lord Krishna and Radha with vibrantly decorated clothing are able to engage your attention for longer time and you may not be able to blink your eyes. The atmosphere here is so peaceful, calm and spiritual that you cannot resist the charm of spirituality once you get here. A perfect opportunity to meditate in this serene ambience can be grabbed as you won’t find such a tranquil place outside. You are allowed to indulge in the heavenly atmosphere to experience the mental bliss. Countless number of devotees visits this holy shrine during special occasions. There is no limit of daily visitors who have firm faith in this spectacular God. Having faith in God does boost your self confidence as you always know there is someone who is giving blessings to you when you are in difficult times and no one is there to raise a helping hand. it is actually a fact not a myth, believe me. You just need to have strong but honest faith in any form of God to tackle the most difficult times of your life. This temple is very neat and clean and each and every visitor is supposed to maintain the cleanliness in the premises. You can enjoy prayers offered to Lord Krishna twice, one in the morning and the other in the evening. During these time people chant special devotional lines and songs. These are known as Bhajans and Kirtans. These devotional songs are quite melodious. Two special occasions when the temple attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country are Janmashtami and Nand Mahotsav.

Janmashtami is the day of birth of Lord Krishna. On this day the entire temple comes alive and being decorated with bright lights and other decorative items. In the evening a big Aarti is organised. It is called Mangal Aarti which is very auspicious prayer among all. Bhagvad Gita discourse is also one very important part of the evening and it is attended by a large number of devotees across the country. Bhagvad Gita is the Holy Book of the Hindus having all the teachings of Lord Krishna. I find it very scientifically religious. Flowers, sweets, incense, fruits, etc. are being offered to Lord Krishna by devotees. After Krishna’s birthday celebration the occasion of Nand Mahotsav arrives. During this Mahotsav people come to get the glimpse of Lord Krishna and his consort Radha along with offering prayers. On this big day a delicious lunch is being organised by the temple trust for all the devotees who come to visit.

The premises include spacious halls with huge decorative lighting chandeliers. These halls are used for bhajan and kirtan sandhyas. The surrounding campus is also very large blooming with colourful flower plants and trees. Again I would like to mention here that the entire campus and the temple building are quite clean and does make you feel heavenly from the time you enter the premises. For social, religious, spiritual and soulful experience visit this holy shrine of Lord Krishna while exploring Ahmedabad. It is more than worth paying a visit. The lines chanted by everyone here are