International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) located in Udhampur at Jammu & Kashmir is a cultural and religious gathering of the Hare Krishna Movement. ISKCON temple is considered as a mode to attach you with supreme Lord Krishna. The preaching’s of ISKCON Temple relate to monotheistic traditions. A part of Vedic as well as Hindu religions, this temple belongs to Gaudiya-Vaishnava sampradaya.

The main principle of ISKCON has always considered Krishna as highest of all gods. Various cultural activities held at ISKCON also stress on how to love the supreme lord. Preachers here teach the essence of bhakti yoga, whichis a science of unconditional devotional services offered to the god.

Bhakti yoga was started by a saint named Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in 15th century. This movement spread across the country and took form of an expansive spiritual movement. The main aim of this revitalized movement was chanting of Lord Krishna’s name. Thereafter, saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was considered to be a re incarnation of Lord Krishna and ISKCON is a continuation of this spiritual movement.

History

Udhampur ISKCON temple was started after the once great Acharya Saraswati Thakur Ji Maharaj visited this small town. He predicted that in future there will be a magnificent temple of Sri Sri Gaur Radha Krishna will be constructed here. ISKCON udhampur was the vision of Srila Bhaktisidhanta Prabhupada which was completed by the efforts of his disciple Srila Navayogendra Swami Ji Maharaj. The temple is the biggest temple of ISKCON in Jammu & Kashmir and was inaugurated in 2005 on the occasion of Sri Balram Purnima.

The teachings at ISKCON stress on the spiritual teachings spoken by lord Krishna to Arjuna during the great epic Mahabharata where Krishna was the rider to Arjuna’s chariot. The teachings are conversation between Arjuna and Lord Krishna inscribed in the 5000 year old sacred text and explains various life related instances to overcome grief, jealousy, love and other emotional stresses in our daily lives.

About The Temple

Amongst various activities and preachings carried out in the premises of this temple, this temple follows a daily routine of conducting programs to sermonize teachings of Lord Krishna. These preachings are held indoor as well as outdoors. ISKCON also has a gurukul named Srila Prabhupada International Gurukul (SPIG), a Govinda’s restaurant where you get simple homely food to relish and  a gift shop also exhibits Lord Krishna and Radha souvenirs on Janmashtami.

Activities at Iskcon Udhampur

The temple is visited by more than a lakh people every year. The extravagant architecture and clean surroundings attract tourists. There are festivals held for the appearance and disappearance of Acharyas, which are celebrated with great valour and happiness. Srila Prabhupada Geeta Marathon is celebrated with distribution of religious books. Prabhat Pheri or early morning stroll is carried out throughout the year and not a single day is skipped. Every major festival is celebrated here by keeping an akhand kirtan which goes on for 24 hours.

This temple also conducts charity activities such as distribution of medicines and medical checkups in remote areas. This activity is carried out by the Hare Krishana Food for Life Trust, a part of ISKCON. There are devotee doctors who work free of cost for the benefit of people and clad themselves in white dhoti kurta to offer selfless service.

Timings of Visits and Aarti Time

Generally people are cordially welcomed when the darshan (visit) any time.

The office timings are: 9 am to 1 pm and 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm.

Daily darshan (visit): (1) 4:30 am – Mangal Aarti Darshan (2) 7:30 am – Shingar Aarti Darshan (3) 12:00 pm - Raj Bhog Aarti Darshan (4) 4:30 pm – Dhoop Aarti Darshan (5) 7:00 pm – Sandhya Aarti Darshan (6) 8:45 pm – Shyam Aarti Darshan.

Best Time to Visit

Udhampur sees average temperatures during summers as it lies on a flat land. The summers extend from April to May and end in June. Temperatures also rise till 38 degree C. Summers can be warm in this area. The winters are cold enough with temperature ranging between 0 – 20 degree C and it's not a good idea to visit at this time. Maximum temperature in this season hovers at 20°C and minimum temperature at 0°C. This is not an ideal time to visit Udhampur as sightseeing options may be hampered.

The weather best suited to visit this place is in summers.

Accommodations

Udhampur attracts visitors with its presence of the famous Vaishno Devi Temple. There are a lot of economic and high budget hotels and can be booked prior as they are mostly booked in advance during summer seasons.

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