ISKCON, known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is a worldwide spiritual institution.
History:
ISKCON was founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (Srila Prabhupada) in New York City in 1966. The organization promotes Bhakti Yoga or Krishna Consciousness, with members dedicating their actions to pleasing Lord Krishna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead as revealed in Vedic scriptures.
In ISKCON’s incorporating document, Srila Prabhupada imparts the “Seven Purposes of ISKCON” as follows:
1. To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.
2. To propagate a consciousness of Krishna (God), as it is revealed in the great scriptures of India, Bhagavad-gita, and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
3. To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus developing the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).
4. To teach and encourage the sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy name of God, as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
5. To erect for the members and for society at large a holy place of transcendental pastimes dedicated to the personality of Krishna.
6. To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life.
7. With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings.
Today:
Over the past 53 years, ISKCON has expanded globally, establishing many temples, centers, and rural communities. Additionally, it has initiated projects like vegetarian restaurants, free food distribution programs (The Akshaya Patra Foundation), eco-villages, and scientific research through the Bhaktivedanta Institute (B.I.), aiming to explore life and nature origins with Vedic insights. Overall, ISKCON remains a thriving spiritual movement, spreading the message of Bhakti Yoga and Krishna Consciousness worldwide through diverse initiatives and activities.
ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Temple, Bengaluru.
ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Temple is renowned for its rich history and intricate architecture, it also serves as a prominent tourist destination, attracting a significant influx of visitors annually.
ISKCON Bangalore has been involved in various spiritual, cultural and humanitarian activities since its inauguration in 1997. The heritage complex has made a positive difference in the lives of people irrespective of caste, creed, or any other considerations for over two and a half decades. Festivals are an integral part of the temple that evokes joy and happiness in everyone and brings them together to serve the Lord.
Temple History:
The Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Bengaluru, also known as ISKCON Bangalore, has a rich history dating back to the late 1970s. Inspired by the vision of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the temple was established under the guidance of Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa. It was envisioned as a serene sanctuary for Gaudiya Vaishnavism atop Hare Krishna Hill, providing devotees and visitors with a peaceful retreat in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle.
Architecture: The architecture of the Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Bengaluru beautifully blends traditional Indian temple design with modern elements:
Main Temple Structure: Adorned with intricate sculptures, it follows South Indian temple architecture with towering gopurams, pillared halls, and sanctums for various deities.
Sanctum Sanctorum: The temple houses Sri Radha Krishnachandra, Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Krishna Balarama, Sri Srinivasa Govinda, Sri Prahlada Narasimha, Sri Hanuman, Sri Garuda and Srila Prabhupada. The Deities are adorned with traditional garments, attracting devotees seeking blessings from all over the world.
Prayer Halls: Spacious halls facilitate congregational chanting, bhajans, and spiritual discourses, providing a serene environment for meditation and prayer.
Gardens: Lush surroundings offer devotees a tranquil retreat amidst urban life, enhancing the temple’s aesthetic appeal. The temple serves as a spiritual oasis for seekers of all backgrounds, fostering inner peace and joy.
Food Distribution Programmes of ISKCON Bangalore
- Anna Sri – Feeding meals to family attendants of patients in government hospitals
- Nitya Annadana – Serving a complete lunch meal to every visitor at the temple at noon daily
- The Akshaya Patra Foundation – World’s largest NGO feeding 2.2 million students in government schools
- Kichadi Prasadam distribution – Every visitor to ISKCON Bangalore receives a leaf-cup of Kichadi Prasadam.
Spiritual Education Programmes of ISKCON Bangalore
- ISKCON Samskriti – Value added programs for children
- Sadhika – spiritual education programs for women
- FOLK (Friends of Lord Krishna) – youth empowerment initiative of ISKCON Bangalore
- Krishna Ashraya – Spiritual programs for families and working professionals
- Krishna Life – Spiritual programs for gated communities
Significance of Sri Brahmotsava 2024
Sri Brahmotsava is an annual festival celebrated in Chaitra-masa (April – May) to commemorate the appearance of Their Lordships on Hare Krishna Hill. It is one of the grandest festivals of the ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Temple; this year, the celebrations will span 13 days, from 21 April to 3 May 2024.
Brahmotsava is an important festival of ISKCON Bangalore that commemorates the installation of the Deities in the temple on Hare Krishna Hill. Spiritual leaders, distinguished guests and lakhs of devotees from all over India will participate in this 13-day event.
Duration and Festivities
The Sri Brahmotsava celebrations last for 13 days, emphasizing the significance of the occasion. Throughout this period, the temple is filled with joyful chanting, melodious bhajans. The festivities include sacred rituals, cultural events, and community gatherings, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.
Mantra Kalasha Abhisheka to Sri Radha Krishnachandra
A majestic ceremonial bathing of one thousand and eight kalashas of sanctified water and auspicious items will be offered to the utsava murtis of Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra accompanied by chanting of Veda mantras and grand kirtans on 21 Apr 2024.
Brahma Rathotsava
Brahma Rathotsava, the anniversary of the appearance day of the Deities, will be celebrated on 1 May 2024. Sri Radha Krishnachandra will ride on a specially carved wooden chariot known as Brahma Ratha on this auspicious occasion. They will be offered a churna abhisheka (an elaborate ceremonial bath) and theppotsava (boat ride) on the following days. The festival will conclude with Dhvaja Avarohana ceremony (lowering of the Garuda flag) on 3 May 2024.
Maha Kumbhabhisheka Ceremony
Among the many festivities planned, the Maha Kumbhabhisheka on 2 May 2024 stands out as a momentous and pivotal event, imbued with profound significance and greatness. This elaborate ceremony, conducted once every 12 years, involves the sacred abhisheka for all the mula vigrahas of the temple, Sri Radha Krishnachandra, Sri Krishna Balarama, Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Srinivasa Govinda, and Sri Prahlada Narasimha.
Spectacular Cultural Programs and Community Gatherings:
Sri Brahmotsava features cultural events and community gatherings. Distinguished artists will present cultural performances during the entire festival duration. Devotees participate in ecstatic kirtans, classical music and dance performances, dramas depicting Lord Krishna’s pastimes, and enlightening spiritual discourses. These events deepen understanding of teachings of Lord Krishna.
| 22-04-2024, Monday | Bharatanatyam by Smt Priyadarsini Govind |
| 25-04-2024, Thursday | Sangita Seva – Kavita Krishnamurthy & L Subramaniam |
| 26-04-2024, Friday | Musical Dance Program – Kathaastra by Prabhat Academy of Arts |
| 27-04-2024, Saturday | Music Program – Aruna Sairam |
| 28-04-2024, Sunday | Kathak – Nirupama & Rajendra |
| 29-04-2024, Monday | Music Program – Unnikrishnan |
| 30-04-2024, Tuesday | Bharatanatyam – Spanda (Leela Samson) |
| 01-05-2024, Wednesday | Music Program – Rajani Gayatri |
Feasting and Distribution of Prasadam:
Prasadam, sanctified food, is integral to ISKCON festivals. During Sri Brahmotsava, volunteers lovingly prepare sumptuous vegetarian meals offered to the Deities. Prasadam is then distributed to all attendees, symbolizing divine grace and abundance.
In essence, Sri Brahmotsava is a time of spiritual significance and celebration, where devotees express their devotion and gratitude to the presiding Deities on Hare Krishna Hill fostering an enduring legacy of love and devotion.