ISKCON, Bhubaneswar is a prime and foremost devotional organization in Odisha. In his foundation laying speech, Srila Prabhupada foretold that this temple shall be the centre of spiritual activities of Odisha. It has become popular for different festivals observed here all over the year. The Deity department is the most important department in ISKCON for its time bound schedules.
There are four (4) altars in the temple namely – One in Padma Mandira (Lotus temple) – Sri Radha Gopinatha and Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu. Other three altars are Sri Gour Nitai, Sri Krishna-Balarama, Sri Jagannatha,Baladeva and Subhadra Devi Sri Krishna-Balarama is the presiding deities of the temple. Besides there are three (3) more altars in the premises of the temple – one is in the Bhajana Kutira of Srila Prabhupada, one in the Samadhi mandira of Srila Gurudeva H.D.G. Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja and another one is in the Smriti Mandira of Srila Gour Govinda Swami Guru Maharaja. A good number of pujaris are engaged daily for performing seva and puja. ISKCON temple is famous and popular for its perfect time table. Our pujaris maintain punctuality on exact time table. Around 15 nos. of devotees are engaged in making garlands for the deities and Acharyas. Preparing garland for Sri Vigrahas is important time bound seva. Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acharya of ISKCON has fixed timings for all ISKCON centers of all over the world. For spiritual programmes like – Mangala Arati, Darshana Arati, Bhoga offering, Madhyanna Arati, Sandhya Arati and so on, the timings are strictly followed.
According to the holy scriptures, the Lord is non-different from His names, from qualities, activities etc. The Supreme Lord here has manifested his Lila in different deity forms to give pleasure to his dear devotees and visitors. The Supreme Lord Himself has told in the Srimad Bhagavata Gita that one can easily please Him by devoting services offered to his Arca Vigraha i.e. form. A number of festivals like Deva Snana Purnima, Rasa Yatra, Chandana Yatra, Jhulana Yatra, Janmastami, Radhastami, Car festival, Gaura Purnima, Nityananda Trayodasi (Annual festival of the temple) etc. are being observed with much pomp and gaiety. Our pujaris are taking extra burden and responsibility during festivals. The temple takes much care of the Brahmacari devotees who have joined in ISKCON leaving their house, near and dear ones, in search of peace and tranquility in life. This is the way to go back to Godhead as Srila Prabhupada always emphasizes.
Besides deity department, temple management and organization of Srimad Bhagavatam Katha are also very important for the temple as well as for the devotees’ devotional progress.
N.B: Deity door remains closed from 5:00 A.M. – 7:30 A.M., 8:00 A.M. – 8:30 A.M., 11:30 A.M. – 12 Noon, 12:45 P.M. – 4:15 P.M., 6:00 P.M. – 6:30 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. – 8:15 P.M. for Bhoga Offerings and Puja.
Temple Closes at 8:30 P.M. Daily