Introduction
The
ISKCON Temple Anantapur, officially known as the Sri Sri Radha
Parthasarathi Temple, is one of the most beautiful spiritual landmarks in
Andhra Pradesh. Managed by the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness (ISKCON), the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and
Srimati Radharani, inspiring thousands of devotees through worship,
Bhagavad Gita teachings, and the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
Inaugurated
in February 2008, the temple is renowned for its chariot-shaped
architecture, symbolizing Krishna as Parthasarathi, the divine
charioteer of Arjuna in the Mahabharata. Four magnificent horse statues at the
entrance enhance its grandeur, making it a favorite destination for pilgrims
and tourists alike.
History
- Founded under
the global mission of Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON’s founder.
- Established
in 2008 as a center for devotion, education, and culture.
- Attracts
devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, and beyond.
- Promotes
values of compassion, self-realization, and devotional service.
Spiritual
Significance
- Dedicated to Sri
Sri Radha Parthasarathi (Krishna as Arjuna’s charioteer).
- Devotees
visit to:
- Seek
blessings of Krishna and Radharani
- Participate
in daily aartis and kirtans
- Learn
Bhagavad Gita teachings
- Chant Hare
Krishna Mahamantra
- Practice
meditation and devotional service
Temple
Architecture
- Chariot-shaped
design inspired by the Mahabharata.
- Four majestic
horse sculptures at the entrance.
- Elegant
sanctum housing Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi.
- Spacious
prayer halls and meditation areas.
- Clean, serene
surroundings combining tradition with ISKCON aesthetics.
Main
Deities
- Sri Sri Radha
Parthasarathi (Krishna & Radharani)
- Srila
Prabhupada
- Sri Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu & Lord Nityananda (as per ISKCON
tradition)
Temple
Timings
Darshan
Timings:
- Morning: 4:00
AM – 12:00 Noon
- Evening: 4:30
PM – 8:30 PM
Daily
Aarti Schedule:
- Mangala
Harati – 4:30 AM
- Morning
Harati – 7:30 AM
- Guru Puja –
7:50 AM
- Srimad
Bhagavatam Class – 8:30–9:30 AM
- Bhog Harati –
12:00 Noon
- Evening
Harati – 4:30 PM
- Tulasi Puja –
6:30 PM
- Gaura Harati
– 6:45 PM
- Sayana Harati
– 8:30 PM
(Timings
may vary during festivals.)
Major
Festivals
- Sri Krishna
Janmashtami – grandest celebration with
abhishekam, bhajans, midnight darshan, prasadam.
- Radhashtami
- Gaura Purnima
- Rama Navami
- Narasimha
Jayanti
- Govardhan
Puja
- Gita Jayanti
- Ekadashi
Celebrations
- Kartika
Deepotsavam
Temple
Facilities
- Vegetarian
Restaurant serving sattvic meals.
- Community
Kitchen distributing prasadam daily.
- Spiritual
Library with books on Gita, Bhagavatam,
Bhakti Yoga.
- Wheelchair
accessibility, seating for elders, clean restrooms.
- Meditation
spaces, gift/book stalls, parking facilities.
How
to Reach
By
Air:
- Nearest
airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (~196 km).
By
Train:
- Anantapur
Railway Station (~6 km)
- Tadipatri
Railway Station (~56 km)
By
Road:
- Well
connected via NH-44 to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kurnool, Kadapa.
- Anantapur Bus
Stand (~6 km) with APSRTC and private buses.
Visitor
Tips
- Wear
modest/traditional attire.
- Remove
footwear before entering.
- Attend Mangala
Aarti or Gaura Aarti for a memorable experience.
- Participate
in Gita classes and meditation sessions.
- Chant Hare
Krishna Mahamantra during your visit.
- Taste
prasadam and sattvic meals.
- Photography
allowed in open areas (avoid flash inside sanctum).
- Maintain
cleanliness and respect the sacred atmosphere.
Best
Time to Visit
- Open
year-round.
- Most vibrant
during Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Gaura Purnima, Kartika Month.
- Pleasant
weather between October–March enhances the experience.
Nearby
Attractions
- Lepakshi
Veerabhadra Temple
- Penukonda
Fort
- Sri Kadiri
Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
- Hemavathi
Siddheswara Temple
- Gooty Fort
FAQs
Where
is ISKCON Temple Anantapur located? In Anantapur, Andhra
Pradesh, easily accessible by road, rail, and air.
Which
deity is worshipped? Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi (Krishna
& Radharani).
What
are the temple timings? Morning: 4:00 AM–12:00 Noon;
Evening: 4:30–8:30 PM.
Which
is the most important festival? Sri Krishna
Janmashtami.
Is
prasadam available? Yes, prasadam and sattvic meals are
served daily.
Is
the temple wheelchair accessible? Yes, with seating
arrangements for elders.
Conclusion
The
ISKCON Temple Anantapur (Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Temple) is more
than a place of worship—it is a center for devotion, learning, and inner
transformation. With its chariot-shaped architecture, serene
atmosphere, daily aartis, Gita discourses, and vibrant festivals, it stands as
a spiritual beacon in the Rayalaseema region.
Whether
you seek Krishna’s blessings, wish to explore sacred sites, or immerse yourself
in meditation and Vedic philosophy, a visit here offers a deeply enriching
spiritual experience.