Kankanpur Group of Temples

This temple was established in 1966 as part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The organization emerged from Prabhupada's effort to spread Krishna consciousness globally, beginning in New York City when he was sixty-nine years old. ISKCON Kanpur operates as a spiritual center dedicated to Vedic education, cultural preservation, and community service. The temple functions as both a place of worship and a hub for social outreach, reflecting the founder's principle that spiritual practice should extend to serving the wider community.

Daily Worship and Spiritual Schedule

The temple maintains an extensive daily schedule of aartis (ritual worship ceremonies) beginning before dawn. Mangala Arati commences at 04:30, followed by Tulsi Arati and Guru Puja at 05:15. The Darshan Arati at 07:30 includes a Bhagavat Class. Raj Bhoga Arati occurs at 12:30, after which the temple closes until the evening session. The evening worship resumes at 16:30 with Sandhya (Gaura) Arati at 19:00, concluding with Sayana Arati at 20:30. Visitors may participate in these ceremonies or observe from designated areas. The temple remains open from 04:30 to 13:00 in the morning and 16:30 to 20:30 in the evening, with a midday closure.

Festivals and Observances

August and September are the most significant months for visiting, as the temple celebrates Krishna Janmashtami and Radhashtami respectively. These festivals honor the birth of Lord Krishna and Radha, drawing devotees for special observances and celebrations. The temple also marks other occasions in the Vedic calendar, such as Srila Prabhupada's arrival in the USA in October. The festival calendar is maintained on the temple's website for those planning visits around specific celebrations.

Community Service and Facilities

ISKCON Kanpur operates several service programs rooted in Prabhupada's teachings. The Food for Life initiative (Annadan Project) distributes over 50,000 sanctified meals monthly to those in need and students, inspired by the principle that no one should go hungry within a ten-mile radius of a temple. The facility also maintains a Goshala (cow sanctuary) caring for over 100 cows, reflecting the tradition's emphasis on cow protection. Additionally, a Gurukul educates over 200 children in Vedic values. These programs operate alongside the temple's spiritual functions and welcome support through donations and volunteer participation.

Visiting Information and Access

The temple is located at Sri Sri Radha Madhav Temple, Mainavati Marg, Bithoor Road, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208002, approximately 4 kilometers from central Kanpur. Entry is free. Visitors can reach the temple via shared tempos (local transport vehicles) from various points in the city, or by private taxi. Those arriving by train may exit at Kanpur Central Railway Station and take a tempo to Mainavati Marg. The temple provides a 360-degree virtual tour on its website for those wishing to familiarize themselves with the space before visiting. Modest dress is customary when entering Hindu temples; visitors should remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum. Photography policies may vary; it is respectful to ask permission before photographing the deities or ceremonies.