Take a spiritual journey to Iskcon Vijayawada, also known as Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar Mandir. This beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is a popular tourist attraction because of its architecture and atmosphere. The entrance of this marvellous edifice, which is a reproduction of the famous temple of Jagannath in Orissa, will alone be enough to calm your spirit. This Lord Krishna temple in Vijayawada is a religious centre and a historical and cultural establishment that can shed light on India’s history. This temple guarantees you will discover many things that will make the spirit and the soul feel anew.
Iskcon Vijayawada History
ISKCON Vijayawada, which is a part of the Hare Krishna Movement, is the world religious organisation founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in July 1966. Originally, in the early 1980s, it was started as a small retail outlet that was rented by the temple which grew in proportion with the expansion of devotees. Later in the 1990s construction started for a new 2-acre complex that looks like the Jagannath Temple in Orissa. The temple pompously started in 2005 and encompasses a praying hall, social hall, and reading room serving as a multifaceted religious and cultural epicentre. The beautiful architecture is appreciated because it mimics the Indian temple style, and people from all over the world will come for the grand opening.
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Iskcon Vijayawada Architecture
The architectural structure of ISKCON Vijayawada is quite appealing and calm which depicts the cultural values of India. The site contains structures and architecture typical of India and exhibits decoration in a carving or painting style. The architectural design of the structure compromises modern and traditional designs hence making it unique.
Huge walls enclose the temple and a big architectural marvellous house with a tower-like structure which is called a ‘gopuram’. The gopuram is richly carved and enshrines sculptures of different forms of Hindu gods and goddesses. The main temple hall is a vast hall with a very high ceiling and wooden floor where people can come and pray.
The premises of the temple also hold a well-maintained garden, a courtyard with a pond, and a prasadam hall with both pure vegetarian meals and sweets which are prepared for the devotees. The design of the temple incorporates simplicity thus fostering tranquillity to enhance spirituality and reflection.
Iskcon Vijayawada Address
This detailed address should assist the visitors planning to come to the temple, in getting to the right location, whether by using public means, a private car or even a biked hailing service.
Address – ISKCON Vijayawada, Karakatta Road, Undavalli, Pin Code – 552501
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Iskcon Temple Vijayawada Timings
ISKCON temple Vijayawada timings are designed to provide visitors ample opportunity to experience the spiritual and cultural richness of the temple, welcoming devotees throughout the day for various rituals and activities.
Monday to Friday: 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Top Places To Visit Near Iskcon Vijayawada
ISKCON Vijayawada is a religious place situated in Vijayawada, one of the cities in Andhra Pradesh. If you’re planning to visit this temple, here are some top places to visit near ISKCON Vijayawada:
1. Gandhi Hill
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It is another tourist place located in Vijayawada at an altitude of 550 feet. This viewpoint assists tourists in taking a break from the city’s normalcy and having a vantage point to view the surrounding communities. It has various facilities, such as a place of worship, a children’s park, a mini zoo, and a memorial dedicated to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. One can move around the place, enjoy the peace, and also watch the wonderful sunset in the evening. The site’s history, combined with the natural scenery, offers a visit to the site to the citizens as well as tourists.
Timings: Open daily from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Closed on Tuesdays
Facilities: Place of worship, Children’s park, Mini zoo, Memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, Viewpoint at an altitude of 550 feet
Activities: Enjoy the quietude, Watch the sunset, Explore the memorial, Visit the children’s park and mini-zoo. Take in panoramic views of surrounding communities
2. Undavalli Caves
Image Credit: B B Susheel Kumar for Wikimedia Commons
The Undavalli Caves, A Symbol Of Ancient India’s Architecture, Are Located Near Vijayawada. These are multi-story caves from the 4th & 5th centuries CE. They also display fine carvings and reliefs, the major subject of which is Vishnu and other Hindu gods. It has magnificent pillars and a large hall that consists of historical and aesthetic carvings that can speak volumes about the area’s cultural history.
It was originally built for Jain monks. However, with the change of time, these buildings were used as Hindu shrines. Today, the Undavalli Caves have become one of the prominent historical tourist attractions showcasing the charm of ancient architecture and amazing artworks well worthy of visitors’ attention.
Timings: Every day 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Facilities: Multi-story caves carved from a single sandstone hill, Large halls with pillars, Carvings and reliefs of Hindu gods, particularly Vishnu
Activities: Explore the ancient cave architecture, Admire the historical and aesthetic carvings, Learn about the cultural history of the area, and View the transition from Jain to Hindu religious art.
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3. Prakasam Barrage
Image Credit: Subhash Chandra for Wikimedia Commons
This award-winning irrigation project is a blend of architectural brilliance and captivating sights. Not only this barrage is crucial in providing water supply to the nearby villages but also safeguards them from floods during heavy monsoons. The walkway that is featured at the barrage provides a vantage and unobstructed view of the Krishna River especially in the early morning hours and in the evening. Others visit the place for barbeque, stroll, to enjoy the sunset, and the calm wind blowing from the river. Especially during the rainy season, watching the water cascade over the barrage gates is a sight to behold. It’s another great work of man and a nice place to unwind amidst a very busy town nowadays.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Facilities: Local food stalls and vendors.
Activities: Birdwatching and Boating
4. Kanaka Durga Temple
Image Credit: Srikar Kashyap for Wikimedia Commons
It is a famous pilgrim centre located on Indrakeeladri Hill, overseeing the city of Vijayawada. This is a very old Temple located in the town, which is specifically for Goddess Durga. The architectural design of the temple is captivating, and beautiful carvings coupled with bright colours depict the history of the culture. People go there to seek blessings and feel the stunning elevated view of the city and Krishna River below. Dasara is one of the most essential festivals when the temple brims with various rituals and enthusiasm, attracting thousands of devotees.
Timings: The temple is open from 6 AM to 9 PM daily.
Facilities: Prasadam counters, a free cloakroom, and a small shop for pooja items inside the temple premises.
Activities: Visitors can take a guided tour, explore the temple, perform pooja and Darshan
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How To Reach
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The precise location of ISKCON Vijayawada is in Undavalli Village, Tadepalli Mandal, Vijayawada city in Andhra Pradesh state within India. Here are the steps to reach the temple:
By Road:
- From Vijayawada City: Get a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Vijayawada City to Undavalli Village which is about 10-15 minutes distance from the city of Vijayawada.
- From Prakasam Barrage: Cross the Prakasam Barrage to proceed further and the temple is a kilometre away from the barrage.
By Public Transport:
- Bus: After arriving at Vijayawada city, one can take a bus proceeding to Undavalli Village. It takes about half an hour to journey through the trail.
By Train:
- Vijayawada Junction: Vijayawada Junction railway station is the closest railway station that is about 10 km away from the temple. And after the station, we can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
By Air:
- Vijayawada Airport: The closest airport to the temple is the Vijayawada Airport which is about 20 Km away from the temple. For getting to the temple, an auto-rickshaw or taxi can be availed from the airport itself.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Vijayawada
is recommended to include Iskcon Vijayawada in your list of places to visit when planning a visit to Andhra Pradesh. This spiritual retreat, amongst other attractions, provides an abundance of cultural tourism experiences. The atmosphere of the temple, filled with energy linked to devotion actions and smiling people there, makes the appropriate environment for introspection. Thus, whether it is known as spiritual ceremonies or rather simply enjoying the serene atmosphere, Iskcon Vijayawada guarantees change. Do not fail to visit this divine temple on your next trip to Andhra Pradesh .
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Frequently Asked Questions About Iskcon Vijayawada
Is photography permitted in Iskcon Vijayawada?
Yes, photography is allowed in the temple but during any ceremony or ritual it is advisable to first ask if one can take pictures.
Is there any restriction to the dress code for the visitors going to Iskcon Vijayawada?
People tend to dress more conservatively; their upper arms and thighs should be covered to honour the sacred sites.
Does Iskcon Vijayawada provide tourism services?
Most ISKCON temples do provide guided tours to visitors. You can ask about it at the information desk which is in the temple.
Are non-Hindus allowed to visit Iskcon Vijayawada and participate in activities there?
Absolutely! Iskcon Vijayawada welcomes devotees and people of all faiths to visit the temple and actively engage in the activities of the said temple.
Is there any place to stay at Iskcon Vijayawada?
The majority of the ISKCON temples have available simple guest houses or can refer devotees and visitors to nearby hotels.
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