ISKCON Temple Akkarai Chennai (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images & Information)

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ISKCON Temple, also known as Sri Sri Radha Krishna Mandir, is a Gaudiya Vaishnavism temple in Chennai. Dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna and his consort Radha, it’s one of the 800+ temples under the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) organisation. The temple also has idols of Lalita-Vishaka, Jagannath-Baladev-Subhadra, and Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga.

Beyond being a place of worship, the ISKCON Temple in Chennai is a spiritual hub for devotees and visitors alike. It strongly emphasises bhakti yoga, encouraging devotees to engage not just through rituals, but through conscious living and community service.

Whether seeking solace or a deeper connection with Krishna, the temple offers a peaceful space for the same. Daily prayers and devotional singing in ISKCON Chennai Temple create a spiritual environment that inspires self-reflection.

Where is the ISKCON Temple in Chennai?

ISKCON Temple in Chennai location is in the southern part of the city. It’s in the Sholinganallur locality (in Akkarai) on the East Coast Road (ECR). Spread across 1.5 acres, this ISKCON Temple in Sholinganallur, Chennai, is the largest Radha Krishna temple in Tamil Nadu. It’s also considered one of the largest ISKCON temples in India.

History of Chennai ISKCON Temple, Akkarai

Although the history of the Chennai ISKCON temple goes back to the late 1970s, it was inaugurated in 2012. The first formal centre for ISKCON’s disciples in Chennai was opened at Kilpauk in 1975. When Swami Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON, visited Chennai (then Madras) in 1976, he urged his disciples to construct a gorgeous temple in the city. In the meantime, in 1988, the ISKCON centre moved to T. Nagar, Chennai.

In the late 1990s, under the leadership of Bhanu Swami, devotees identified and acquired the land for Chennai Akkarai ISKCON Temple. This marked a turning point for the temple construction. It commenced in 2002, and it’s funded entirely by donations from devotees and supporters. With the backing of around 8,000 patrons, the main temple building was completed in 2012.

The prana pratishtha and Kumbhabhishekam of ISKCON Temple Akkarai were conducted on 26 April 2012. The deities of Radha and Krishna were installed in the temple hall. The idols from the earlier T. Nagar ISKCON centre were also moved here.

Architecture of ISKCON Chennai

Spread over 1.5 acres, ISKCON Chennai Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple has five floors. The main worship hall is on the first floor, an auditorium for cultural events is on the ground floor, and the prasadam hall is in the basement. The architecture is a mix of modern and traditional styles, taking inspiration from the Kalinga and Pallava styles.

ISKCON Temple Chennai building is built of white marble, with detailed carvings and colourful paintings depicting Lord Krishna’s life. Three wooden altars house the temple deities. These grand idols were made in Jaipur and Orissa and brought here.

The floor at the temple entrance is marked by a representation of the universe according to ancient Vedic beliefs. Mount Meru has been shown at the centre around which everything revolves. Then, a magnificent chandelier (representing disassociation from materialism) projects various colours on the temple walls and ceiling. Apart from the main temple, the complex includes a meditation space, a small playground, and a souvenir shop. A statue of a cow and calf is also present.

Things to do at ISKCON Temple in Chennai

1. Having darshan of Radha-Krishna – The presiding deities in the sanctum of ISKCON Temple in Chennai ECR are Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. The beautifully adorned idols form the spiritual focal point of the temple, drawing devotees and visitors throughout the day. The ISKCON Temple in Chennai also has idols of Lalita-Vishaka and Lord Chaitanya with Lord Nityananda, among others.

2. Participating in daily aarti – The temple conducts several aartis and pujas throughout the day. Participating in these rituals, with devotional prayers, lamp offerings, and collective chanting, is a memorable spiritual experience. These rituals are often accompanied by kirtan, creating a vibrant devotional atmosphere. This ISKCON Temple Akkarai also conducts various spiritual discourses and cultural programs as part of its regular activities.

3. Exploring the temple complex – ISKCON Chennai houses more than worship spaces. Its calm setting allows for meditation and reflection, and the temple bookshop offers a selection of spiritual books and literature. The architecture of ISKCON Krishna Temple Chennai, along with its intricate carvings and vibrant paintings, is also worth admiring.

Chennai ISKCON Temple Timings and Entry Fees

Radha Krishna ISKCON Temple Chennai opening time is from 4.30 AM to 9 PM. It’s open daily, throughout the week. The regular darshan timings of ISKCON Chennai are 7.30 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM. However, these may change during festive events.

ISKCON Temple Chennai aarti timings are 4.30 AM (mangal aarti), 12.30 PM (raj bhoga aarti), 4 PM (usthapana aarti), 7 PM (sandhya aarti), and 9 PM (shayana aarti). Temple entry is free for everyone.

Best time to visit ISKCON Temple Akkarai

The best time to explore the Chennai ISKCON Temple in Akkarai is around winter (from November to February). The weather is most comfortable during this time for enjoying your temple visit. For the best experience, visit in the evening, when the last aarti of the day begins. The evening visit also lets you see the wonderful lights and decorations of the temple.

Time to explore ISKCON Temple Akkarai

To enjoy your trip to ISKCON Chennai (Akkarai), allow around 1-2 hours. This leaves you enough time for darshan and enjoying the serene atmosphere of the temple. If you have more time, you can explore some of the popular places near ISKCON Temple Chennai, such as Akkarai Beach, Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple, and Cholamandal Artists Village.

How to reach ISKCON Temple Chennai?

The temple is built in Akkarai, Sholinganallur, on the East Coast Road (ECR), about 25 km away from the city centre. ISKCON Temple Chennai distance from Chennai Central railway station is 27 km. It’s 29 km away from Koyambedu bus station and 22 km from Chennai airport.

And here’s how to reach ISKCON Temple Chennai ECR –

By metro – Chennai metro is going to make the temple more accessible. St. Thomas Mount is the currently operational metro station near ISKCON Temple Chennai, about 20 km away.

By bus – Local buses around the city also make ISKCON Chennai accessible to everyone. The ISKCON Temple bus stop on ECR is only a few hundred metres from the temple.

By auto/e-rickshaw – Then, auto rickshaws and e-rickshaws are easily available all over the city. They’re one of the easiest ways to visit the temple.

By taxi/cab – Getting a taxi or private cab is the most convenient option for visiting ISKCON Temple Akkarai Chennai. You can easily book them from the top car rental companies in Chennai, and explore the temple and nearby destinations.

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Location Map for ISKCON Temple Akkarai Chennai