Bright, busy and full of religious and cultural highlights, this temple complex is where the International Society for Krishna Consciousness calls home.
The ISKCON Temple, in southern New Delhi, is a colourful and exuberant temple, and one that finds itself in very good company. The even more striking 'Lotus Temple' (Bahai House of Worship) stands close by. So this could be seen as one of best places to connect with India's very-much-alive, modern-day spirituality. The group behind the ISKCON Temple is the International Society for Krishna Consciousness – better known as the Hare Krishnas. It's a strand of the Vaishnava school of Hindu thought, devoted to becoming 'one' with Lord Vishnu. And the temple they've created here, in the parkland of Astha Kunj, has certainly managed to make a 'oneness' from modern and ancient.As is traditional for many temples in Delhi, its shikara (towers) and buildings are marked by the striking contrast of red and white – traditionally made using marble and red sandstone. But here its steel, concrete and glass that have been used, but rendered in the traditional colours – and the effect is eye-catching, to say the least. The ISKON Temple is especially dramatic during Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, when its three curved spires are lit up with a lattice of lights.The Temple was only completed in 1995, but has since become a major attraction. That's thanks to a combination of visitor curiosity, and the open welcome offered to them at its many facilities. There's the Museum of Vedic Culture (the Vedic scriptures being the source of much of Hinduism's beliefs), the Vedic Centre For the Performing Arts (open to a variety of music and dance performances) and some fine vegetarian food at Govinda’s, a restaurant serving 'pure' satvik meals.Inside the Temple itself, the shrines are dedicated to Radha and Krishna, the male and female sides of the Vishnu 'godhead'. The décor is lavish, with rich multi-coloured murals and carvings telling the many stories and myths of the Lord Vishnu. Especially elaborate is the Gaura Nitai shrine, which is venerated and anointed by spiritually pure pujaris. A visit to the ISKON Temple can be seen as an enlightening experience – and also as a fascinating insight into a group that has reached out, and added colour, to the spiritual life in both India, and much of the West.
