My First Visit To The ISKCON Temple: A Soulful Escape Amid Delhi’s Chaos

We live in a fast-paced world where nobody really stops and thinks about their inner peace. The daily hustle and bustle has become the new way of living, and to top it off, I live in Delhi. The city is known for its vibrant yet chaotic vibe. It has become synonymous with continuous honking, overloaded traffic, and a place where people are always on the move. To get away from this everyday hustle, I decided to visit the ISKCON Temple at East of Kailash. On a hot afternoon, with the sun pounding and the streets alive in their usual chaotic, overly crowded pace, I wanted to feel at ease, at peace.

ISKCON Temple: A Different World

Passing through the gates of the Krishna temple felt like stepping into another world. People looked happier, as if the rush had finally slowed down. The noises faded, replaced by the rhythmic beats of devotional chants, the soft murmur of prayers, and an air of deep devotion and faith that seemed to embrace the entire temple.

Synopsis: My First Visit To Iskcon Temple (Image Credit: Ridam Sharma) 

The temple activities flowed in a peaceful rhythm. I had arrived just in time for the Sandhya Aarti (evening prayer). Devotees were lighting lamps, enjoying the magnificent kirtan (devotional song), clapping their hands, sometimes dancing, and sometimes just simply bowing in silence. As the priests chanted hymns, listening to their firm voices, devoted and wrapped in faith for their Lord, a shiver of peace ran through me. There, in the light of the lamps, everyone seemed to have left the noise far behind.

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The people in the temple were surprisingly peaceful. Strangers from all walks of life, from locals and foreigners to the old and young, all shared this space with the utmost devotion and faith. It was not like there was all silence, there were voices and footsteps, but nobody was in a rush.

ISKCON Temple: An Architectural Marvel

After the Aarti, I roamed within the temple, taking in the artistry, the Krishna-Radha paintings, and the architectural marvel, especially its brownish-red marble. Everything was serene. The area outside the temple was equally picturesque, with greenery, a water fountain, and old trees that calmed my soul. I sat on a bench and watched devotees offering prasad with smiles. Sitting there, I realised my breathing was slow and relaxed, and calmness came over me.

Iskcon Temple (Image Credit: Ridam Sharma) 

Learnt A Life Lesson:

One thing that captured my heart the most was how the staff, volunteers, priests, and even the devotees called each other– the practice of using the word ‘Mataji’ for women and ‘Prabhu’ for men, no matter the age. It was the perfect way to showcase respect and kindness to each other. It was my lesson for life, to treat everyone with respect and kindness, because it costs nothing but brings way too much positivity to the world.

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