ISKCON, or the International Society For Krishna Consciousness, was started by his divine grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The movement he started spread everywhere, and currently, there are more than 500 ISKCON centres worldwide.
Ahmedabad, however, has two ISKCON Centers managed by two different factions within the movement. One is called the “Hare Krishna Movement or HKM” by Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON Bangalore. And the other is governed by GBC or the Governing Body Commission centred in Mayapur. I will not get inside the philosophical side of each ISKCON, but I will talk only about the temple as a tourist destination.
Review
ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Govindji Temple is a beautifully constructed temple with intricate detailing on its walls. The temple was built in Sompura, Gujarati and Marwari architectural styles and looks captivating. The chant of Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra recited within the walls of this temple attracts every visitor to attain inner peace.
ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Govindji Temple also features beautifully painted artistic walls with the depiction of Krishna in various forms. That would be the second highlight when you enter the temple. The main altar also contains paintings on the walls and the ceiling depicting the Rasa Leela dance. The main hall has three sections hosting three different diety forms of Krishna: Sri Krishna Balaram, Sri Radha Govindaji and Sri Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita with Hanuman. Opposite the deities has a small space hosting Srila Prabhupada’s wax model.
The temple also has a vegetarian diner named Govinda’s restaurant serving Krishna Prasadam.
I recommend everyone to visit this temple at least once and take the darshan of their lordships Sri Radha Govinda.
Address
ISKCON Ahmedabad – Sri Sri Radha Govindji Temple
Satellite Road, Sarkhej – Gandhinagar Highway,
Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380059, India
