Question 1

Where is ISKCON Asansol located?

Accepted Answer

Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir, ISKCON Asansol, is at Garui Village, N.H.2 Bye Pass, beside the Old Toll Tax, Asansol, West Bengal, PIN 713341. The temple is run by Namhatta Development Trust.

Question 2

What are the temple darshan timings?

Accepted Answer

The temple is open every day from 07:00 am to 1:30 pm and again from 4:00 pm to 8:45 pm. Timings may be extended on major festival days such as Janmashtami, Gaura Purnima and Ratha Yatra.

Question 3

Who is the Temple President / In-Charge?

Accepted Answer

Temple President/In-Charge : HG Daya Chandra Nitai Das. You may reach the temple office through the Contact Us page for any spiritual or administrative enquiry.

Question 4

Who founded ISKCON?

Accepted Answer

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness was founded in New York in 1966 by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who carried the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition to the world.

Question 5

Can anyone visit the temple, regardless of faith or background?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everyone is welcome for darshan, kirtan, class and prasadam. We only request modest dress, footwear removed at the entrance, and no non-vegetarian food, alcohol or tobacco inside the temple premises.

Question 6

How do I know which festival is being observed today?

Accepted Answer

Our Vaishnava Calendar follows the authentic Gaudiya Vaishnava calendar used at ISKCON Mayapur, calculated for the Kolkata region. You can view it as a month calendar or a list, and open any observance for its significance and how it is observed.

Question 7

What is Ekadashi and how is it observed?

Accepted Answer

Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day of each lunar fortnight and is a day for increased chanting and hearing. Devotees fast from grains and beans, chant a minimum of 25 rounds of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra where possible, and break the fast the next morning within the prescribed time.

Question 8

What is the Hare Krishna maha-mantra?

Accepted Answer

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare. Chanting this mantra on beads or aloud is the recommended spiritual practice for this age and is open to everyone.

Question 9

What is Nitya Seva and how can I join?

Accepted Answer

Nitya Seva is a monthly, ongoing offering towards the daily worship of the Lord — deity seva, bhoga offerings, flowers, lamps and prasadam distribution. You can choose a seva and pledge a monthly amount on our Nitya Seva page; the temple office will then contact you with the offering details.

Question 10

How can I donate to the temple?

Accepted Answer

Donations can be made by bank transfer, UPI (a QR code is shown on the Donate page) or in person at the temple office. Please keep your transaction reference and share it with the temple office so a receipt can be issued.

Question 11

Who is a Founder Member and what is the benefit?

Accepted Answer

Founder Members are devotees and well-wishers who support the building and long-term service of Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir. You can register through the Founder Members page; the temple office will contact you regarding contribution and commemoration details.

Question 12

Can I watch the deities online if I cannot visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Live Darshan page streams temple darshan and kirtan when a live broadcast is running, and shows recent recordings at other times.

Question 13

Is accommodation available for visiting devotees?

Accepted Answer

Limited guest accommodation is available for pilgrims. Please see the Accommodation page and contact the temple office in advance, as rooms are booked quickly during festival periods.

Question 14

Is prasadam served at the temple?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sanctified vegetarian prasadam is offered to visitors, especially after Sunday and festival programmes. Large groups are requested to inform the temple office beforehand.

Question 15

What is 'My Bhakti Day' on this website?

Accepted Answer

It is a simple daily sadhana tracker. You record your chanting rounds, reading, darshan and arati, and receive a score with a short summary. You may also consent to receive that summary by email every night in your own time zone, and can stop at any time.

Question 16

How can I volunteer or take part in temple service?

Accepted Answer

The temple runs student preaching, community care, book distribution, festival service and kirtan programmes. Write to us through the Contact Us page mentioning your interest and availability, and a devotee will guide you.

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