ISCKON Temple is the perfect place to get away from the city life.
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is clad in marble and glass and just a few meters away from Juhu Beach. Trust me, you won’t regret incorporating this temple in your weekend plans.
The temple’s impressive architecture and paintings depicting scenes from the Mahabharata will leave you awestruck. Swami Prabhupada, a devotee of Krishna, founded Iskcon when most men would have been seeking the comfort of their homes.
And the gates open at 4:30 in the morning, so don’t forget to set your alarms if you want to catch the deities decorated with flowers.
The ISKCON Temple complex has everything you need to make your visit a comfortable one, from furnished and clean air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms to an in-house cyber cafe and telephone booth. Plus, you can even arrange local sight-seeing through the reception.
But let’s talk about the food! The in-house vegetarian restaurant, Govinda, serves exceptional Saatvik food at cheap rates. Sattva is one of the three ‘gunas’ based on Hindu philosophy, and Saatvik food is believed to contain qualities like truth, peacefulness, and virtuousness. And if you’re in the mood for some south Indian food, head over to Dakshinayan, just opposite the temple.
During major festivals like Janmashtami, Diwali, and Dusshera, the temple is beautifully decorated and definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for crowds!
And if you’re wondering how to get there, the nearest local station is Andheri Railway Station, just 3.4 kilometers away on the western and harbour line. Cabs and Auto Rickshaws are readily available, and city buses ply from Arogya Nidhi Hospital to all parts of the city.
So there you have it, folks! ISCKON Temple is a perfect peaceful escape, with tranquil vibes and delicious food. Don’t forget to chant mantras and enjoy the charged ambiance during the daily morning and evening Aarti, and make sure to check out the Campus Preaching booth for information on temple programs and facilities.
Happy travels!