Siliguri’s Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir, also known as Siliguri Iskcon Temple, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The temple, built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in 1998, is entirely dedicated to Lord Krishna and is a sight to behold.
Iskcon Mandir in Siliguri is renowned for its stunning architecture, lush gardens teeming with colorful flowers, and scenic ponds filled with fish, attracting travelers from all over the world.
As the largest Krishna center in Northeast India, Siliguri Iskcon Mandir has numerous things to offer its visitors. Located on Gitalpara Iskcon Mandir Road, the temple boasts three massive gates, allowing devotees to enter with ease.
The primary temple is at the heart of the extensive complex, surrounded by several small temples dedicated to other Hindu deities. Visitors can explore these temples and learn about the rich history and culture of Hinduism.
Things to see in Siliguri Iskcon Temple
Iskcon Mandir is a serene and peaceful destination that you cannot afford to miss on your trip to Siliguri. This popular tourist attraction offers a plethora of things to see and explore, including a beautiful lake, lush gardens with colorful flowers, several small temples dedicated to Hindu deities, intricate wall paintings, and idols of the Iskcon founder. The temple’s peaceful and tranquil atmosphere is sure to provide you with an enriching and fulfilling spiritual experience.
1. A Magnificent Pond Full of Fishes
The Siliguri Iskcon Temple has a beautiful pond within its premises where visitors can observe various types of fish swimming around. This is a delightful experience for both children and adults alike. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy boating in the tranquil waters of the pond, adding to the overall charm of the temple.
2. The Main Building of Iskcon Temple
Iskcon Mandir in Siliguri is famous for its main temple which is solely dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple floor is made of exquisite marble which gives it a grand look. At the entrance of the temple, you will be greeted by the idol of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of Iskcon, who played a crucial role in spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna across the world.
One of the major highlights of the temple is its beautifully decorated walls. The walls are adorned with several crafted paintings depicting different eras of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Radha Krishna, Ram, Laxman, Sita, and Hanuman. These paintings give a glimpse of the rich Indian culture and heritage, which attracts visitors from all over the world.
3. Temples of Various Deities
The Siliguri Iskcon Mandir boasts not only of the main temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, but also many other small temples in its surroundings which are worth exploring. These temples are some of the major attractions in the Iskcon Mandir complex.
4. Children’s Park
One of the newer attractions at Siliguri Iskcon Temple is the children’s park, which is definitely worth checking out. The park is a great place to watch the lively and adorable children playing, and their energy is sure to brighten your day.
5. Gardens Full of Flowers
Siliguri Iskcon Temple boasts not just one, but several scenic gardens in its premise, each with its own unique charm and beauty. These gardens are adorned with a variety of colorful and fragrant flowers, making them an absolute delight for nature lovers. A stroll through these gardens is one of the must-see things to do in Siliguri Iskcon Temple, and a great way to spend some peaceful and rejuvenating time amidst nature.
Timings of Iskcon Mandir Siliguri
The operational hours of Siliguri Iskcon Mandir are quite flexible and suitable for visitors. The temple opens early in the morning at 4:30 am, allowing devotees and tourists to start their day with devotion and serenity. The Dhoop Arati ceremony takes place in the evening at 4:30 pm, followed by Sandhya Arati at 7:00 pm and Shayan Arati at 8:30 pm. The temple gates remain open for visitors until 8:45 pm, after which the temple premises are closed, concluding another day of spiritual and religious activities at the temple.
Facilities in Iskcon Mandir Siliguri
Iskcon Mandir Siliguri provides many facilities to its visitors. One of the main attractions is the huge auditorium with a capacity of more than 500 people. It is well-equipped and many cultural and religious functions are held here.
For those who want to stay overnight, the newly built guest house in Iskcon Mandir Siliguri is available. Although the rooms are limited, it is undoubtedly a great facility for those coming from other places.
In addition to that, there is a restaurant named Govind’s Restaurant in the temple premises where visitors can relish various delicious foods.
Visitors can also take advantage of the newly opened gift shop which offers a variety of items such as jewelry, books, souvenirs, etc.
How to Reach Iskcon Mandir
Siliguri Iskcon Temple is a well-known destination in the city, making it easy to reach for visitors. Travelers arriving at NJP or Bagdogra can conveniently hire a taxi or toto to get to the temple. The journey to the Iskcon Mandir is a pleasant one, passing through the scenic routes of Siliguri.
Conclusion
Relax your mind and rejuvenate your soul while exploring the peaceful atmosphere of Iskcon Temple Siliguri. You can also explore several nearby attractions from the temple. Some of the popular places to visit near Iskcon temple include Baghajatin Park, Cosmos Mall, Vega Circle Mall, Bengal Safari, and Suryasen Park. These attractions are sure to make your trip to Siliguri a memorable one.
