ISKCON Temple Varanasi: Address, Timings, How to Reach

ISKCON Temple Varanasi offers pilgrims visiting India’s oldest living city a Krishna-devoted counterpoint to the Ganga ghats and ancient Shiva temples that define Kashi’s spiritual identity. Known as Sri Sri Radha Gopal Ji Temple, this shrine on Durgakund Road sits conveniently close to both the sacred Ganges and Banaras Hindu University, giving it an unusual mix of visitors — devotees, students, and travellers exploring one of Hinduism’s most significant pilgrimage cities. Here’s a complete guide to the temple’s address, timings, and how to reach it.

ISKCON Varanasi Overview

A Krishna Temple in the City of Shiva

Varanasi’s ancient identity is deeply tied to Lord Shiva and the sacred Ganges, but ISKCON’s temple here offers a complementary Vaishnava devotional space that many pilgrims and residents fold naturally into their broader spiritual circuit through the city. Situated in Bhelupur near Durgakund, the temple’s proximity to Banaras Hindu University gives it a distinct character too — with a dedicated Sunday youth program that draws in students alongside the temple’s regular devotee community.

Daily Programs and Weekly Schedule

The temple follows the familiar ISKCON daily rhythm of aartis, alongside distinctive weekly community programs.

• Daily aartis – conducted throughout the day, following the standard ISKCON pattern of Mangala, Darshan, Raj Bhog, Sandhya, and Shayana aartis
• Sunday Feast – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM during winter, shifting to an evening start around 7:30 PM in summer
• Sunday Youth Program – 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, specifically geared toward students and younger visitors

A few practical points to keep in mind:

• Since the Sunday Feast timing changes seasonally (a midday event in winter versus an evening one in summer), it’s worth confirming the current schedule before planning your visit around it.
• The Sunday youth program reflects the temple’s proximity to BHU, offering a distinctive activity not found at every ISKCON centre.
• Guest house accommodation is available, useful if you’re planning a longer stay in Varanasi combined with your temple visit.
• Since exact daily aarti timings for this specific temple aren’t as extensively published online as for some larger metro centres, calling ahead is worthwhile if you want to time your visit around a particular ritual.

How to Reach ISKCON Temple Varanasi

By Train:

• Manduadih Railway Station is the closest, roughly 1.8 km from the temple, making it an easy short auto or cab ride.
• Varanasi Junction (Cantt), the city’s main railway hub, is a bit farther but still well connected by road, with autos and taxis widely available.

By Road:

• The temple is located on Durgakund Road in Bhelupur, near Anandbagh — a well-known residential and commercial pocket of Varanasi close to several other temples and landmarks.
• Autos and cabs are readily available throughout the city and can reach the temple from most parts of Varanasi without difficulty.

By Air:

• Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport serves Varanasi, connected to the city and Durgakund area by taxi.

Nearby Attractions Worth Combining With Your Visit

Given the temple’s central Bhelupur location, it’s easy to build a fuller Varanasi itinerary around your ISKCON visit:

• Assi Ghat – one of Varanasi’s most popular ghats along the Ganges
• Tulsi Ghat – another significant riverside ghat nearby
• Shri Satyanarayan Tulsi Manas Mandir – located close to the temple in the same Durgakund area
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU) – a short distance away, worth exploring for its own historic campus and Vishwanath Temple

Tips for Visitors

• If you want to experience the temple’s Sunday community programs, plan your visit specifically around either the Feast or the Youth Program timings, since these differ from a regular weekday darshan.
• Given Varanasi’s dense network of ghats, temples, and historic sites, it’s worth combining your ISKCON visit with a walk to nearby Assi Ghat or Tulsi Ghat.
• If you’re travelling to Varanasi specifically for a longer spiritual stay, inquire about guest house accommodation at the temple in advance.
• Dress modestly and traditionally, as is customary at ISKCON temples across India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Does the Sunday Feast timing stay the same throughout the year?

No, it shifts seasonally — held from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM during winter, but starting later in the evening around 7:30 PM during summer, so it’s worth confirming the current schedule before planning your visit.

Q2. Is the temple close to Banaras Hindu University?

Yes, its Bhelupur/Durgakund location places it near BHU, which is reflected in the temple’s dedicated Sunday youth program aimed at students and younger visitors.

Q3. What is the most convenient railway station for reaching the temple?

Manduadih Railway Station is the closest, about 1.8 km away, making it a quick and straightforward auto or cab ride to the temple.

Q4. Is accommodation available if I want to stay near the temple during my Varanasi trip?

Yes, the temple offers guest house facilities — it’s best to contact them directly in advance to arrange a stay, particularly if you’re planning a longer visit to the city.