About ISKCON Temple :
There are several religious trusts and religious orders in India. One of the most popular is the International Society for Krishna Consciousness i.e. ISKCON. The ISCKON society was founded by his divine grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, in the year 1966. The society focuses on Krishna devotion worldwide. In the last 43 years, it has developed into a worldwide confederation. The chain of ISCKON presently owns 10,000 temple devotees and 250,000 congregational devotees throughout the world. Popularly known as the Hare Krishna movement, the ISCKON society has 350 centers, 60 rural communities, 50 schools and 60 restaurants worldwide. The international headquarter of the society are based at Mayapur near Kolkata. It takes approx 3 hours to reach Mayapur from Kolkata, by road. Through its headquarters at Mayapur and other centers, ISCKON society spreads its mission of its unsectarian, monotheistic movement. It is stated to be meant for the well being of the entire humanitarian society, preaching them the holy science of Bhagavad Gita and other ancient scriptures. The ISCKON society plans to build its largest temple in Mayapur. The construction of this marvelous building has started in the city. When complete, this temple would be surrounded by the ISCKON society city and will also have its own Vedic planetarium. Right now, the city houses an ISKCON temple with Radha Madhava deities. The idols are surrounded by eight gopis, four on either side. The idols of Narasimhadeva and the Pancha-tattva can also be seen here. It is one of the most visited religious places in the city.
General Information about ISKCON Temple :
Location: Kolkata
State: West Bengal
Capital: Kolkata
Language: Bengali, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 42˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)
Best Season: September to March
How to Reach ISKCON Temple :
By Air:
Kolkata is well connected by airways, to all the major countries in the world as well as to the key Indian cities. There are regular flights from all the major cities of India, like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai, to the place. Even international destinations, in France, Britain, Holland, Bangladesh, Japan, Singapore, Nepal, Jordan and Thailand, are connected to the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport of Kolkata. This airport is located at Dumdum, about 15 km away from the main township.
By Rail:
The rail connectivity of Calcutta is also very good. Trains connect the city with all the major cities of India. Super fast trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express ply between Kolkata and Delhi and other nearby places. Kolkata has two major railway stations; one is located in Howrah and the other is at Sealdah, with the former being the stop for majority of the interstate trains.
By Road:
The road connectivity of Kolkata to adjoining areas is also wisely planned. The Esplanade Terminus is the main bus terminal that lies in the heart of the city. From here, you can easily get a bus as well as taxi for travelling to the cities within West Bengal as well as in the neighbouring states. Even road connectivity to Bangladesh is smooth and comfortable, with frequent Bus service.
How to Travel in Kolkata:
For the international tourists, it is always advisable to carry their Indian visa, as it is cumbersome to get one after arriving Carry all your important documents and money If you are travelling alone, don’t publicize it. Incase you happen to lose your passport, immediately lodge a complaint at the police station and also inform your country’s embassy. It is advisable to carry adequate photocopies of your passport, traveller’s checks and insurance. Beware of touts and agents. Make sure that your hotel reservation is done and it is confirmed. To secure your belongings, use a combination lock.