About ISKCON Mayapur, West Bengal
ISKCON Mayapur, also known as Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, is the principal ISKCON pilgrimage centre in Mayapur, West Bengal, and the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Mayapur is revered in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition as the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
The temple complex is centred on the worship of Sri Sri Radha-Madhava and Their Asta-sakhis, with important shrines and sacred spaces dedicated to Sri Pancha-Tattva, Sri Prahlada-Nrsimhadeva and Srila Prabhupada. Daily arati, kirtan, Bhagavatam classes and festivals such as Gaura Purnima and Janmashtami form an active part of temple life.
Story of ISKCON Mayapur
The religious history of Mayapur is closely connected with Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, whom Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition identifies as having appeared here in 1486. In the 19th century, Bhaktivinoda Thakura worked to identify and develop the site associated with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's appearance, and the nearby Yogapith became an important centre of Gaudiya Vaishnava pilgrimage.
The modern ISKCON presence in Mayapur began under Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. In 1971, ISKCON secured land for the Mayapur project, and the small bhajan kutir and later Lotus Building became the first structures of the expanding community. The early project grew around the idea of establishing a major centre for Krishna consciousness in the land associated with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
The temple community developed further as the principal deities were established. Sri Sri Radha-Madhava were installed in 1980, Sri Prahlada-Nrsimhadeva in 1986, and the larger Sri Pancha-Tattva deities in 2004. The campus also developed the Srila Prabhupada Pushpa Samadhi, Bhajan Kutir, guest facilities and other spaces connected with devotional service and education.
A major part of this continuing development is the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, conceived from Srila Prabhupada's vision for a large temple and educational centre explaining Vedic cosmology and philosophy. Construction began in 2009. The project has progressed through several stages, including the opening of the Nrsimha Wing in 2024, while further work continues. The current project administration states that the Grand Opening is planned for 1 November 2027.
Deities and Sacred Spaces of ISKCON Mayapur
The principal deities are Sri Sri Radha-Madhava, worshipped together with Their eight principal sakhis: Lalita, Champakalata, Chitra, Tungavidya, Vishakha, Indulekha, Rangadevi and Sudevi. The worship of Radha and Krishna forms the centre of the Gaudiya Vaishnava devotional tradition followed at Mayapur.
Another major shrine is Sri Pancha-Tattva, representing Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu with Sri Nityananda Prabhu, Sri Advaita Acharya, Sri Gadadhara Pandita and Sri Srivasa Thakura. Their installation in 2004 became an important event in the history of the Mayapur temple.
The complex also includes Sri Prahlada-Nrsimhadeva, whose deity was installed in 1986, and the Srila Prabhupada Pushpa Samadhi, a memorial shrine for ISKCON's Founder-Acharya. The Samadhi complex includes a large dome, gardens and displays connected with Srila Prabhupada's life and work.
The architectural character of modern Mayapur is now shaped by both the existing Chandrodaya Mandir complex and the developing Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. The TOVP was conceived as a large temple and educational centre combining temple architecture with exhibitions on Vedic cosmology. Its design follows Srila Prabhupada's expressed idea of bringing together Eastern and Western architectural influences.
What Makes ISKCON Mayapur Sacred for Devotees
Mayapur and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition regards Mayapur as the appearance place of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He is understood within this tradition as Krishna appearing in the mood and devotional sentiment of Srimati Radharani.
His teachings placed bhakti and the congregational chanting of the holy names, known as sankirtana, at the centre of religious practice. The association of Mayapur with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu therefore gives the temple complex a significance that extends beyond the individual shrines.
Harinama Sankirtan
Chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra is central to ISKCON's devotional practice. At Mayapur, this tradition appears through daily kirtans, congregational chanting, temple programs and the wider Nagar Sankirtan tradition.
The practice is rooted in the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and forms one of the clearest links between Mayapur's religious identity and the global work of ISKCON.
Radha-Madhava and Krishna Bhakti
The worship of Radha and Krishna is at the heart of the Mayapur temple. In the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, devotional service to Krishna is expressed through chanting, hearing sacred texts, worship of the deities, offering food, and service to devotees.
The presence of Radha-Madhava together with the Pancha-Tattva connects the daily worship of the temple with the theological and devotional traditions associated with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
The Sacred Geography of Nabadwip
Mayapur forms part of the wider sacred landscape of Nabadwip, traditionally described through nine islands associated with the pastimes of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Pilgrims visit Mayapur together with other sites across Nabadwip during parikrama and pilgrimage circuits.
This wider geography is an important part of the religious identity of Mayapur. The ISKCON campus is therefore one major centre within a larger network of Gaudiya Vaishnava sacred places.
Srila Prabhupada and the Mayapur Mission
Srila Prabhupada regarded Mayapur as a central place for the development of the Krishna consciousness movement. The temple, residential buildings, educational activities, book distribution, food programs and other services that developed here were intended to support the wider mission of ISKCON.
For devotees, this makes Mayapur both a pilgrimage centre and an active institutional community rather than only a place for temple darshan.
Annual Festivals & Rituals at ISKCON Mayapur, West Bengal
Daily Arati and Worship Celebrations at the Temple
The temple day follows a regular sequence of worship beginning with Mangala Arati before dawn. Darshan, Bhagavatam class, Rajabhoga, afternoon and evening aratis, Bhagavad Gita class and Shayan Arati form part of the published daily schedule. Exact timings can change for special occasions.
Gaura Purnima Celebrations at the Temple
Gaura Purnima marks the appearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and is the principal festival of Mayapur. The wider celebration includes special worship, kirtan and the Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama, which brings devotees to the sacred places of Nabadwip.
Radhastami Celebrations at the Temple
Radhastami marks the appearance of Srimati Radharani. Special deity decoration, kirtan, worship and offerings are held at the temple.
Janmashtami Celebrations at the Temple
Janmashtami celebrates the appearance of Lord Krishna. In Mayapur, the festival includes special classes, kirtan, deity decoration, abhisheka and midnight worship.
Nityananda Trayodashi Celebrations at the Temple
Nityananda Trayodashi marks the appearance of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, who is worshipped in Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition as Balarama appearing alongside Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The day is observed with kirtan, special worship and devotional programs.
Ratha Yatra Celebrations at the Temple
During Ratha Yatra, the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Devi Subhadra are taken out in chariots in a public procession. The festival brings together deity worship, sankirtan, music and congregational participation.
Gita Jayanti Celebrations at the Temple
Gita Jayanti commemorates the revelation of the Bhagavad Gita. The observance at ISKCON centres places particular emphasis on reading, hearing and discussing the teachings of the Gita.
Sacred Places to Visit Near ISKCON Mayapur
Yoga Peeth : Yoga Peeth is the Gaudiya Vaishnava sacred site traditionally identified as the appearance place of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. It is one of the principal pilgrimage places visited around Mayapur.
Srivas Angan : Srivas Angan is associated with the early sankirtan pastimes of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his associates. It forms an important part of the religious history of Nabadwip.
Chand Kazi's Samadhi : The site associated with Chand Kazi recalls the famous episode in which Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his followers proceeded through Nabadwip in a large sankirtan procession. The samadhi is one of the places included in the wider Mayapur-Nabadwip pilgrimage circuit.
Sri Chaitanya Math : Founded by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, Sri Chaitanya Math is an important Gaudiya Vaishnava institution and forms part of the religious landscape around Mayapur.
Rajapur Jagannath Temple : Rajapur Jagannath Temple is associated with the worship of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Devi Subhadra near Mayapur. It is commonly included in longer pilgrimage visits around the region.
Ganga and Jalangi : Mayapur lies at the meeting of the Ganges and Jalangi river systems. The river landscape is closely connected with the sacred geography of Mayapur and with the wider pilgrimage tradition of Nabadwip.
Plan ISKCON Mayapur Darshan
For current darshan planning, daily schedule details and Naman Darshan's Guided Darshan Assistance, continue to the dedicated ISKCON Mayapur Darshan page.
Common Questions About Visiting ISKCON Mayapur
Visitor Information
Entry Fee
No general entry fee is currently listed – Special exhibitions, tours or services may have separate arrangements.
Darshan Timing
Address
ISKCON Mayapur / Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, Sri Mayapur Dham, Nadia, West Bengal – 741313, India
Notable Events
1966 — ISKCON founded – A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in New York. • 1971 — Mayapur project established – ISKCON secured land for the Mayapur project and began developing the site envisioned by Srila Prabhupada. • 1972 — Early Mayapur temple activity begins – The small bhajan kutir became an early centre of worship and residence, while the first Radha-Madhava forms were brought to Mayapur. • 1980 — Sri Sri Radha-Madhava installed – The main Radha-Madhava deities were installed during the Gaura Purnima period. • 1986 — Sri Prahlada-Nrsimhadeva installed – The Nrsimhadeva deity was installed in Mayapur and became an important part of the temple complex. • 1996 — Srila Prabhupada Pushpa Samadhi opened – The memorial shrine for Srila Prabhupada was opened during the Gaura Purnima festival. • 2004 — Sri Pancha-Tattva installed – The large Pancha-Tattva deities were installed in Mayapur after years of preparation. • 2009 — TOVP construction begins – Construction of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium began, continuing Srila Prabhupada's long-standing vision for a major temple and educational centre. • 2024 — Nrsimha Wing opened – The TOVP project reached another major stage with the opening of the Nrsimha Wing. • 2026 — Yajna Shala opened – A new Yajna Shala in the TOVP Gardens opened in February 2026 while work on the main project continued. • 2027 — Current TOVP Grand Opening target – The project administration currently states 1 November 2027 as the planned Grand Opening date. This is a future project milestone and should be rechecked before publication or date-specific travel planning.
How to Reach the Temple
By air: The nearest major airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. From the airport, Mayapur can be reached by road.
By train: There is no railway station at Mayapur. Visitors commonly travel toward Nabadwip Dham or Krishnanagar and continue to Mayapur by road and, depending on the route, river crossing.
By road: Mayapur is connected by road with Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal. West Bengal Tourism places the road distance from Kolkata at approximately 129 kilometres, although journey time varies with traffic and the route used.
From Nabadwip: Nabadwip and Mayapur form part of the same wider pilgrimage landscape but lie on opposite sides of the river system in places. Local taxi, road and ferry connections may therefore be used depending on the starting point and current conditions.
Within Mayapur: The ISKCON campus is spread across a large area containing several temples, memorials, guest facilities and devotional spaces. Allow additional time for movement between the different parts of the complex, especially during major festivals.
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