Welcome to the ISKCON NVCC, the temple that promises to take you on a spiritual journey like no other. Located in the serene area of Kondhwa, near Pune, this temple is a haven for all those seeking solace and inner peace.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha, and as soon as you enter the prayer hall, you’ll be struck by the stunning idols of these deities. The idols are decked up in gorgeous outfits and colourful garlands, making them look like they’re ready to groove. The temple walls and ceilings are adorned with beautiful paintings that bring to life the stories of Indian mythology. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some youth training programmes or Bhagvat Gita reading classes that are held on the premises.
But that’s not all. The ISKCON NVCC temple complex houses not one, but two temples – the Radha Krishan and Venkateswar temple. The Radha-Vrindavanchandra temple is built in the North Indian style, while the Venkateswara or Lord Balaji Mandir takes inspiration from the famous Tirupati temple and represents South Indian culture. The Balaji temple is built using Kota Stone and red marble, and is a sight to cheer.
After you’re done admiring the temple, head to Govinda’s restaurant on the campus, which is famous for its pleasant lacto-vegetarian food. The restaurant is set in a happy religious setting, which will definitely add to your dining experience. And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget to check out Govinda’s Bakery Fresh, which serves up delicious, fresh-baked treats.
Before you leave, make sure to visit the Matchless Gifts Shop, which has a variety of souvenirs and deity materials for sale. You can buy everything from deity statues and holy beads to clothing and religious CDs. And who knows, you might even find the perfect gift for your loved ones here.
Getting to the temple is pretty easy – you can take a taxi or drive yourself via Kondhwa Road, Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road, or the Mumbai Highway. The closest train stations are Sasvad Road, Ghorpuri, and Pune Junction, while the closest international airport is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a bus to the temple – just catch the 43 bus from Katraj towards Wonder City to Katraj Bypass, and then catch the 291 bus towards Hadapsar Depot Gadital to Shatrunjay Mandir. From there, it’s just a short walk to the temple.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your friends, and head to ISKCON NVCC for a spiritual adventure like no other.