The Hare Rama Hare Krishna Charm, Delhi,India

An entry to this revered shrine is quiet escape from the bustles of Delhi. The solace, serenity and satisfaction we experience, sitting amongst Lord Krishna and his devotees with Hare Krishna Hare Rama chants going around, is indeed an experience of a lifetime. Whenever we are in Delhi, we make a point to visit this temple.

ISKCON Temple is located at Raja Dhirshain Marg, Sant Nagar near the East of Kailash locality. It is one of the 40 temples in India that belongs to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, dedicated to Lord Krishna.

A part of the Hare Krishna Movement started by Acharya Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the devotees and followers of the Hare Rama Hare Krishna cult built this temple in 1998 to disseminate the message of the Bhagwad Gita.

From a restaurant to a museum, a library and a special animatronics show, ISKCON has it all. While looking around if you get hunger pangs, you need not go further than the completely vegetarian restaurant Govinda. It is open 7days a week and the timings are as follows :
Breakfast- 8:00 AM-9:30 AM; Lunch- 12:00 Noon-2:30 PM; Snacks- 4:30 PM- 6:00 PM; Dinner- 7:00 PM-8:00 PM

Temples in Delhi are renowned both for its religious fervor as well as its historic connection. The simply yet beautifully made, the interior walls of this temple in Delhi have been decorated with aesthetic works of Russian artists representing the different phases of life of various deities like Radha-Krishan, and Sita-Ram.

The main attractions of the ISKCON Temple are its central prayer hall and the temple museum. The fine-looking and pleasing idols of Radha-Krishna with other deities are present in the central hall with informative religious lines and shibboleths. The temple museum on the other hand organizes multimedia shows to make the devotees understand the story of the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. It also gives a brief interpretative understanding of views, philosophy and practice of the Hare Krishna cult. This is an interesting feature of the temple and should not be missed.

During our last visit, we were lucky to be able to attend the morning prayer. The morning prayer starts from (4.30 am, 7.15 am, 7.45 am) and evening prayer time are as follows (12.30 pm, 7.00 pm, 7.45 pm). The main prayer hall closes from 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Try to visit the temple on Sunday afternoons, and you will be overwhelmed to be a part of the kirtan, aarti, pravachan and prasadam, that continue till evening.

If interesting legends of mythology and their scientific relevance fascinates you, then remember to visit the ISKCON museum, ensconced on two floors of the temple building. Pinned to a common goal to present Indian history in an interactive manner, the temple authority has taken initiatives to organise a light and sight show garnished with life-like figures of Hindu mythology, that makes a huge impact on the audience. Portraying the the best of science and religion, the exhibition is a must see for every visitor. Stroll in the ground floor and you can see beautiful motifs that brings the forlorn preachings of Bhagwat Gita, back to life. As you will climb higher, the whole backdrop changes to that of Ramayana and Mahabharata stories.

In the Animatronics Centre which is in the temple premises, through three different screens, you get to see how the temple was formed, the idea behind it and the spread of the Hare Krishna clan in many other countries. As the show ends, the main animatronics begin. Created by using hi-end technology, the show is controlled by 3 computers networked together and connected to a remote control. One computer controls the overall show, second one acts as the laser discs controller and third one controls the movements of the robots. All 3 computers are synchronized to time codes written on the laser discs, which are the three 3 hi-tech robots of Krishna, Arjuna and Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON.

This is one place, which has been successful in combining science and technology with religion. Even the books and other information that have been displayed here are of interest to those who love to wander in the premises.

There are gift and book shops within the temple premises. Every time I visit I always buy the lovely Krishna printed T-shits for gifts which are reasonably priced. They are so very attractive that you cannot stop yourself from buying it. Another specialty is it’s aggarvati’s (incense sticks) which we always buy it for ourselves and our granny’s.

Be very careful about your shoes. Before entering the temple you need to remove your shoes. Keep them in the area managed by the temple authorities "to keep shoe's" and not any place in the temple premises . You are bound to lose them. Jeet lost his new pair of shoes as he was lazy to go the area managed by the temple to hand over his shoes.
 
Time to Visit: Open on all days

Preferred Timings: Morning Prayer time (4.30 am, 7.15 am, 7.45 am) and evening Prayer time (12.30 pm, 7.00 pm, 7.45 pm).
The main prayer hall closes from 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm.

Admission Fee: Free and open to all.

How to Reach:Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach the temple or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or take the metro rail.
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat

Nearest Railway Station: Nizamuddin Railway Station

Nearby Places to Eat: The famous Govinda Restaurant in the temple complex offers excellent Satvik meals (without garlic and onions), Hotel Park Royal, Karim's, Supper Factory and Salims in Kailash Colony Market, McDonald's and sophisticated eating joints in Greater Kailash-1's market, many good food joints in Nehru place including the likes of Nathu's, Domino's Pizza, many good restaurants in Kalkaji Market and C. R. Park markets.

For more details, you can visit the official website http://www.iskcondelhi.com/index.asp

Delhi Zoo

My visit to Kuwait Zoo made me relate it with Delhi Zoo which I visited during my recent visit to the city. The National Zoological Park of Delhi or Delhi Zoo as it is popularly known is located next to Purana Qila (Old Fort), on its southern side. I had been to Delhi many times, but it was my first visit to the zoo. I was impressed by the area of the zoo which is spread in an extensive area of 214 acres. Established in 1959, it is regarded as one of the finest zoos in Asia. What was satisfying was to see, efforts been made to provide an almost natural habitat to the animals and birds. There are more than 2,000 animals and bird species from places like Africa, America, Australia and even Asia. There is a lot of greenery around the zoo and the timings for summer is 0800 to 1800 hours and winter is 0900 to 1700 hours. It remains close on Friday. The Delhi Zoo houses over one thousand varieties of animals, reptiles and birds. It also has nearly all varieties of deer found in the country. Said to be one of the better laid out zoological parks of the country, Delhi Zoo is also a favorite destination of migrant birds. In winter the large lake at the entrance of Delhi zoo is thronged with numerous winter visitors including, storks, ducks and other migrant water birds. The white tiger from Rewa, the elephant, which plays a harmonica and the leopard, are some of its highlights apart from the many endangered species of India seen in the park. The best way to explore Delhi Zoo is on foot; though battery operated vehicles are also available for nominal charges. The whole zoo can be seen in three-four hours on foot if one follows the guiding arrow signs placed in the park. There is also a canteen in the zoo where you can refresh yourself before continuing your expedition. The zoo has basic facilities for visitors like drinking water counters at various places in the park. Outside the zoo there are lots of restaurants.
But what will attract you the moment you enter the campus is the massive crowd who have come to visit the zoo. Whether it is the ticket counter, or the entrance or moving around in the zoo; you will have to flow with the crowd. Plastic packet and food is not allowed inside, and the authorities are very strict about it. So be careful. They did not allow me to carry my baby’s food. Only after lot of persuasion, they allowed me to take her bottle of milk.
Anyhow we will cherish our visit.

Walking Through Old DeIhi

Enjoyed the movie Delhi6.The story is shown against the backdrop of the ancient city of Delhi (which is totally different from New Delhi). The city is almost a character in itself, representing the chaos of India, the people, their religions and their beliefs.
It reminded me of my recent visit to Delhi. I really enjoyed the visit especially to Old Delhi. If you fly into Delhi, you will inevitably end up in New Delhi. This section of the city is very modern with wide and organized roads. And you will not find the ancient Indian charm. But if you want to know and explore real India then you need to visit Old Delhi. Old Delhi is where the action is. Still surrounded by crumbling city walls and three surviving gates, the vibrant, bustling Shahjahanabad, built over a period of 10 years by Emperor Shah Jahan , is very much a separate city. The streets are a chaotic mass of markets with hundreds of people moving around. Old Delhi is inhabited by a predominantly Muslim population whose lives revolve around work and the local mosque, much as it was a century ago.
The best way to see Old Delhi is to catch an auto rickshaw to the Red Fort and then just start wandering around the bazaars and old markets. Or take the metro or taxi to Chandni Chowk. I took the metro. The metro is by far the fastest way to get anywhere in Delhi if you and your destination are near a stop. If you end up taking the metro get off at Chandni Chowk Metro Station. From there take a rickshaw to Red Fort. I found it surprising that they charge per person, Rs10 till Red Fort. So we paid Rs20(for myself n my husband).The Chandni Chowk is one of the busiest market in Delhi. It dates back to 1638. Walking through the narrow lanes you find gold and silver smiths,tailors, spicy street food vendors, sweet shops, gift shops....... just name it.
The Red Fort also know as Lal Qila was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. It is a popular tourist site, as well as a powerful symbol of India's sovereignty. The Prime Minister of India raises the national flag of India on the rampant of the Lahori Gate of the fort complex every year on Independence Day(August 15).
Just opposite the fort is the Digambar Jain Temple, the oldest shrine of the Jain religion in Delhi. Initially built in 1526, much alteration and renovation have been made to the original structure. Erected in red sandstone, Digambar Jain Temple is commonly known as Lal Mandir. Located next to the Digambar Jain Temple, is 800 year old Gauri Shankar Temple. Even before you reach the temple you can smell it, literally, owing to the several flower shops in the vicinity selling flowers to offer to the deity. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses an approximately 800-year old brown lingam, made up of phallus stone. The Lingam is encircled by snakes and represents a "cosmic pillar, the center of universe, the life itself". There are bejeweled statues of Gauri (Goddess Parvati) and Shankar (Lord Shiva), standing beneath the silver canopy, inside the main shrine. Along with these idols, are the idols of their sons, Ganesh (the elephant headed god) and Kartik, (the god of war).Then you can stop at Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib. A Sikh pilgrimage, was built on the land where the Mughals in 1675 AD martyred the Sikh Guru,Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. In Sis Ganj Gurudwara you can witness the trunk of the big tree below which the Guru was martyred. You will be expected to hand over your shoes, wash your hands and feet, and if you are a lady, cover your head with a scarf before entering the gurudwara. A further ahead is parathewali gali, probably the most famous street in old Delhi, known for its stuffed parathas. A little ahead is the Town hall, built by the British and now the office of the MCD. On the street just behind the Gurdwara Sisganj and Sunehri Masjid on Chandni Chowk is Delhi's largest market dealing in wedding accessories. This is the Kinari Bazaar. Even if you don’t have any plans for marketing, just go for window shopping. You will love it! Then halt at Fatehpuri Mosque or Fatehpuri Masjid as it is popularly called in Delhi. It is on the opposite end of Red Fort across the Chandni Chowk. Fatehpuri Begum, one of Shah Jahan's wives, built Fatehpuri Masjid in 1650. The majestic structure is primarily built of red sandstone, typical of all the buildings of that era. This is one of the oldest surviving mosques in India that has only one dome. The later Mughal architecture encouraged multi-domed masjid. The masjid has three gates. Khari Baoli is in the north end gate and Katra Baryan is the south gate. Id-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Zuha is celebrated in a grand way in the Fatehpuri Masjid. If you want and have time you can stop at St. James' Church, also known as Skinner's Church. Built in 1836 by Colonel James Skinner, is one of the oldest churches in Delhi. The dome of the St. James Church bears a close resemblance to the dome of the Florence Cathedral in Venice in Italy. You are sure to get a lot of peace and solace in the quiet and serene surroundings of this church. Located amidst beautiful gardens, the St. James Church is not just an architectural marvel of historical relevance but it is an experience of the simple, the pure and the ethereal. Then stop at Khari Baoli. Khari Baoli is the Asia's largest wholesale spice market. It can be reached by taking the Khari Baoli road (towards western direction) after crossing the Fatehpuri Masjid on the western end of the main Chandni Chowk Road. It is very popular among tourist as they find it very interesting and unique. Keep going until you reach Dariba Kalan, the oldest and main market for jewelry. Don’t forget to bargain if you plan to buy. Don't worry. Go away, they will call you back and drop the price. Go south down Dariba Kalan to reach Jama Masjid, India's largest and best known mosque. Built between 1644 and 1658, Jama Masjid is one of the last architectural works of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. I visited Old Delhi on December28, 2009. As it was Eid on that day, I was lucky to see the celebration in front of Jama Majid. Then you can head west down Chawri Bazaar for brass and copper icons and other souvenirs. Then up Nai Sarak, the linking road between main Chandni Chowk road and Chawri Bazar. It is Delhi's largest wholesale and retail market of school and college textbooks. Then head south to Churiwali Galli, the "lane of bangle-sellers," and make a final stop at Karim's to sample the authentic Mughlai cooking that has kept patrons coming back for over 100 years.
Just opposite Jama Majid , in the narrow lanes you will find many food vendors. It is unhygienic but I am sure you won't find such finest taste anywhere in the world. Just try it out!