ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Krishna Temples are located all over the world. Although, in almost every important city of India, there is an ISKCON Temple, ISKCON Temple in Tirupati is especially popular. Its architecture and location makes it is even more attractive to the devotees.
The idea for this temple germinated in the year of 1974 – 1975, when his holy Srila Prabhupada visited Tirumala- Tirupati on the request of Andhra Pradesh Government. Impressed with the spiritual atmosphere of the place and after seeing thousands of devotees visiting every day, he saw this Tirupathi as an ideal place to promote the teachings of Bhagwat-Gita and Lord Krishna while in turn creating an environment of amity throughout the world.
It in the year of 1982, this idea started taking a physical form while in 1983; a small Brahmachari ashram was established. Located at the foot of Tirumala Hills, in 1984, a small temple was inaugurated with the installation of the idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. In 2005, this temple was opened to everyone.
One of the most important places to visit in Tirupati, ISKCON Temple is one the largest ISKCON temples in the world. Idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha at the temple are mesmerising and are adorned richly. Its architectural beauty is equally enticing. There are also many paintings and sculptures in the temples, each depicting various episodes from the life of Lord Krishna.
ISKCON Temple of Tirupati not only offers a divine darshan of the Lord but also presents various kinds of assistance to the devotees. ISKCON Tirupati Guest House is one such facility, offering visitors the opportunity to stay within the premises of the temple. Amid the chanting of “hare Rama, hare Krishna” and the serene environment of temple, devotees can spend a few days in peace. It also has an audio visual theatre, equipped with the latest technology.
Food relief foundation, a part of ‘food for life’ programs, is another important activity of ISKCON Temples. Here healthy and carefully prepared vegetarian food is distributed for free to everyone. According to the belief, the food that is offered not only satiates one’s hunger but also assist in cleansing his or her soul as the food comes with the blessing of Lord Krishna and is prepared with pure dedication by the devotees. The official website of ISKCON Tirupati also offers detailed information on the temple activities and programs.
Goshala is another important feature of this temple. Located just behind the ISKCON Tirupati Temple complex, it houses more than 100 retired cows and oxen. There is a vegetarian restaurants Govinda, offering healthy vegetarian food in a hygienic environment.
Popularly also known as Hare Rama Hare Krishna temple, located in the Ramachandra Nagar, on the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Road, ISKCON Tirupati Temple is easily accessible.It is about 4 km away from Tirupati Bus Stand and at a distance of 5 km from Tirupati railway station. Daily darshan at ISKCON Tirupati Temple starts from 4.15 AM to 5:00 AM & 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM.