Visit to ISKCON Temple, Juhu

I had visited ISKCON temple first about four years ago. I was not so impressed with the experience and had written a critical review. Afterwards I visited the temple twice and was completely infatuated with the visits. There was not much crowd (though it depended on occasion and time), photography was banned (earlier people would stop in front of the deity and would shoot with digital and mobile-phone cameras, thereby stopping the queue), shops were peaceful (earlier ISKCON members would stop you and request you to buy a copy of Gita for Rs 100, or a jap-mala) and there were less sweets-shops (earlier the exit space near the temple looked like venue of a feast). Now the experience is very nice and different.

The temple is situated very near to the Juhu Beach. You can even walk the distance through a narrow lane, or can take an auto-rickshaw. The temple is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. The snap with this article is taken by me. The whole environment is very peaceful and soothing. As we enter the temple, after the security check and depositing shoes at the stall and washing hands and feet, we enter the main hall. It is a big hall in front of the deity with the floor adorned with white marble. The deities of Radha Krishna, Sita Ram and of the founder of ISKCON are splendid. One can simply get lost in the beauty of Radha Krishna. I read that the present clothes of Radha are designed by one of the best fashion designers of India. There are murals on a wall, describing the avatars of Lord Vishnu and some teachings and life sketches. Devotees normally sit on the floor looking at the deities and listening to the live music. Many times there are foreigner-devotees who would play bhajans and songs in love of Krishna. It is a wonderful experience to be there and soak oneself in the devotion of Lord Krishna.

When we come out of the main temple, we pass through a number of shops selling religious books, copies of Bhagawat Gita, posters, paintings and many other gift items. I have found these posters as the most beautiful I have ever seen. My favourite is the picture of Radha Krishna deity of the same temple. Then there are shops which sell some ready food items and all sort of sweets. Coming out of the temple, we find a place where a member would be distributing prasad, which I have normally found as a tasty halwa.

The whole experience is so wonderful and refreshing that instead of going to any other place on a weekend, one should go visit this temple. Apart from Juhu beach, the legendary Prithvi Theatre is also very nearby, giving you more reasons to reach here frequently.

Hare Krishna temple
Hare Kirshna Land, Near Juhu Beach, Juhu Rd, Juhu
Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049

http://www.iskconmumbai.com/

- Rahul

Picture: ISKCON Temple, Juhu, By Rahul