The ISKCON Temple in Chennai is one of the most well-known Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu. Also known as the “Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple,” this beautiful place of worship is located in Akkarai, Sholinganallur, in the southern part of Chennai. This temple is specially dedicated to Lord Krishna, and it attracts hundreds of devotees every day who come here to pray, seek blessings, and experience peace in the divine presence of Lord Krishna.
Spread over a large area of about 1.5 acres, the temple complex offers a calm and spiritual environment for visitors. With its grand structure and peaceful surroundings, this temple stands out as one of the largest and most popular Radha Krishna temples in the entire state of Tamil Nadu. People from nearby cities and even from other parts of India often visit this temple to take part in prayers, festivals, and spiritual activities.
Whether you’re a follower of Lord Krishna or someone looking to explore famous temples in Chennai, the ISKCON Temple in Sholinganallur is a must-visit place that leaves every visitor feeling spiritually uplifted.
ISKCON Temple Chennai Darshan Timings
ISKCON Temple in Chennai is a well-known spiritual destination located about 24 kilometers from Chennai Central Railway Station. Every day, hundreds of devotees visit this temple to offer prayers and experience peace. The temple becomes even more vibrant during major Hindu festivals like Janmashtami, Rama Navami, Sri Radhashtami, Govardhan Puja, and Vaikuntha Ekadashi. On these special occasions, the temple sees large crowds, and darshan timings may vary slightly due to the celebrations.
Below is a detailed schedule of the daily darshan timings at ISKCON Temple Chennai, so visitors can plan their visit accordingly.
Daily Darshan Timings at ISKCON Chennai (Shri Krishna Temple)
| Day | Morning Timings | Afternoon Timings | Evening Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM – 9:15 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM – 9:15 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM – 9:15 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM – 9:15 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM – 9:15 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM – 9:15 PM |
| Sunday | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM – 9:15 PM |
Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple Aarti and Puja Timings
The Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple offers a peaceful and spiritual experience through various daily rituals and aarti ceremonies. Devotees can take part in different pujas, meditation sessions, and spiritual discourses throughout the day. Below is the daily schedule of pujas and aarti timings at the temple, available from Monday to Sunday.
| Days | Pooja / Seva Details | Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Sunday | Mangala Aarti followed by Hare Krishna Mantra Chanting (Japa) | 4:30 AM |
| Monday to Sunday | Sringara Aarti and Srila Prabhupada Guru Puja | 7:30 AM |
| Monday to Sunday | Srimad Bhagavatam Lecture in English (Darshan remains closed) | 8:00 AM |
| Monday to Sunday | Dhoop Aarti | 8:30 AM |
| Monday to Sunday | Rajbhog Offering (Darshan closes) | 12:00 PM |
| Monday to Sunday | Rajbhog Aarti | 12:30 PM |
| Monday to Sunday | Darshan Closed | 1:15 PM–4:00 PM |
| Monday to Sunday | Darshan Resumes with Dhoop Aarti | 4:00 PM |
| Monday to Sunday | Tulasi Puja (Darshan closed during this time) | 6:15 PM |
| Monday to Sunday | Japa Meditation Session | 6:30 PM |
| Monday to Sunday | Gaura Sandhya Aarti | 7:00 PM |
| Monday to Sunday | Bhagavad Gita Discourse | 7:45 PM |
| Monday to Sunday | Shayana Aarti | 9:00 PM |
| Monday to Sunday | Deities Rest (Darshan closed) | 9:15 PM |
Puja and Aarti Offerings at ISKCON Temple Chennai
At ISKCON Temple Chennai, devotees can offer a variety of items during puja and aarti as a mark of devotion. These offerings are part of the daily rituals and are welcomed by the temple to maintain the spiritual atmosphere and serve the deities with love. Below is a list of commonly offered items during worship.
List of Common Offerings During Puja and Aarti
- Clean water
- Fresh milk
- Seasonal fruits
- Traditional sweets
- Flower garlands
- Lit lamps and monetary donations
ISKCON Temple Chennai Timings – Opening and Closing Hours
Many visitors often wonder about the exact opening and closing hours of ISKCON Temple Chennai. The temple welcomes devotees in two slots during the day. You can plan your visit in the morning from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM, or in the evening from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The best part? There is no entry fee. Devotees can visit and offer their prayers without paying any charges, as entry to ISKCON Temple Chennai is completely free.
How to Reach ISKCON Temple Chennai
Reaching ISKCON Temple Chennai is quite convenient as the city is well-connected through various modes of transport.
By Air:
Chennai International Airport has flights connecting all major cities across India. After landing, you can easily reach the temple by hiring a cab or booking a taxi service. Government-run buses are also available from the airport, offering a budget-friendly travel option to reach ISKCON Temple.
By Bus:
The closest bus stop to the temple is VGP Bus Stop, located about 2 kilometers away. Regular buses operated by MTC (Metropolitan Transport Corporation) run from different parts of Chennai to VGP. These buses are affordable, though travel time may vary due to city traffic.
By Train:
Chennai Central Railway Station is one of the major railheads in India and is connected to several cities. From here, you’ll need to take a local train to Kodambakkam Station, which is the nearest stop to the temple. ISKCON Temple is located approximately 3 km from Kodambakkam, and you can take an auto or cab from there.
Best Time to Visit ISKCON Temple Chennai
If you’re planning a peaceful visit to ISKCON Temple Chennai, the winter months from October to February are ideal. The weather during this period remains pleasant and cool, making it comfortable for devotees and tourists alike.
As for the best time during the day, visiting between 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM is a truly divine experience. The final aarti, known for its spiritual energy and serene atmosphere, begins around 8:30 PM. The temple looks especially beautiful at night, with glowing lights and graceful decorations that make the experience even more memorable.
ISKCON Temple Chennai Contact Information
Below is a table that provides all the essential contact details for ISKCON Temple Chennai. This information is helpful for devotees who wish to visit, ask questions, or participate in temple activities.
Contact Details Table
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple Address | Hare Krishna Land, Bhakti Vedanta Swami Road, Near ECR, Akkarai, Sholinganallur, Chennai – 600119 |
| Landline Phone Numbers | 044-24530921, 044-24530922, 044-24530923 |
| Email ID | info@iskconchennai.org |
| WhatsApp (Text Only Queries) | +91 87545 45642 |
Frequently Asked Questions about ISKCON Temple Chennai
Q1. What are the darshan timings at ISKCON Temple Chennai?
Darshan at ISKCON Chennai is open daily from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, and again from 7:00 PM to 9:15 PM. Timings may vary slightly during festivals.
Q2. What is the daily aarti schedule at ISKCON Chennai?
The temple starts with Mangala Aarti at 4:30 AM and ends with Shayana Aarti at 9:00 PM. Aartis like Gaura Sandhya, Rajbhog, and Dhoop Aarti are performed throughout the day.
Q3. Is there any entry fee for ISKCON Temple Chennai?
No, entry to ISKCON Temple Chennai is completely free for all visitors.
Q4. Where is ISKCON Temple located in Chennai?
ISKCON Chennai is located in Akkarai, Sholinganallur, near East Coast Road (ECR), about 24 km from Chennai Central.
Q5. How to reach ISKCON Temple Chennai by public transport?
You can take an MTC bus to VGP Bus Stop (2 km from the temple) or reach Kodambakkam Railway Station and then take a cab or auto.
Q6. What are the opening and closing hours of ISKCON Chennai?
ISKCON Chennai is open from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily.
Q7. What is the best time to visit ISKCON Temple Chennai?
Visit between October and February for pleasant weather. For a spiritual experience, evenings between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM are ideal.
Q8. Which deity is worshipped at ISKCON Chennai?
The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, following the teachings of the Hare Krishna movement.
Q9. What offerings can be made during puja at ISKCON Chennai?
Devotees commonly offer milk, fruits, sweets, flower garlands, water, lit lamps, and monetary donations.
Q10. How can I contact ISKCON Temple Chennai for queries?
You can call 044-24530921 or email at info@iskconchennai.org. WhatsApp text queries can be sent to +91 87545 45642.