ISKCON Siliguri — Attraction in Siliguri

Nestled in the scenic city of Siliguri, surrounded by the natural splendor of North Bengal, the ISKCON Temple stands as a serene abode of devotion and tranquility on the banks of the Mahananda River. Located in Ward No. 41, Haidarpara, this temple is not only a sacred pilgrimage site for devotees but also one of Siliguri’s most cherished attractions. In this review, we explore the temple’s aesthetic allure, its historical and spiritual significance, and the enchanting experience of its evening aarti.The Beauty of the TempleThe Siliguri ISKCON Temple captivates visitors with its architectural elegance and aesthetic charm. The structure blends traditional Indian temple architecture with modern finesse, creating a visually striking edifice. Its exterior, adorned with white marble and vibrant floral decorations, exudes an inviting aura. During festivals like Kirtan Mela or Janmashtami, the temple transforms into a spectacle of lights, flowers, and intricate rangoli, evoking a festive and spiritual ambiance. Inside, the beautifully adorned deities of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, embellished with flowers, inspire a sense of peace and devotion. The lush greenery surrounding the temple, set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, enhances its serene and divine appeal.Historical and Spiritual SignificanceFounded by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the Siliguri temple is a significant center for Gaudiya Vaishnavism, dedicated to spreading the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and devotion to Lord Krishna. While relatively modern in its establishment, the temple is closely connected to ISKCON’s global headquarters in Mayapur, the birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, revered as a special incarnation of Krishna.The Siliguri ISKCON Temple plays a vital role in promoting spiritual and cultural awakening within the local community. A milestone in its history was the inaugural Kirtan Mela held in 2024, a three-day event that brought together Krishna devotees from across India and beyond to perform devotional music. This event marked a new chapter in the temple’s legacy, elevating its prominence on the international stage and reinforcing its mission of spreading Krishna consciousness.The Enchanting Evening AartiThe evening aarti at the Siliguri ISKCON Temple is a soul-stirring experience that leaves devotees and visitors alike in a state of spiritual bliss. Typically held around 6:00 or 6:30 PM, the aarti begins in the main hall before the exquisitely decorated deities of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. The air resonates with the melodious sounds of bells, conches, and kartals as devotees chant the Hare Krishna mantra in harmonious kirtan. The atmosphere, infused with the fragrance of incense, the glow of oil lamps, and the scent of fresh flowers, becomes profoundly divine.During the aarti, devotees engage in song, dance, and prayer, transforming the ritual into a vibrant celebration of devotion. The experience is particularly mesmerizing during events like the Kirtan Mela, when renowned kirtaniyas from around the world lend their soulful voices to the devotional melodies. This immersive experience allows visitors to surrender themselves fully to the divine presence of Lord Krishna, leaving them with a sense of inner peace and fulfillment. The Siliguri ISKCON Temple is more than a place of worship; it is a spiritual and cultural haven that beautifully weaves together aesthetic grandeur, historical importance, and devotional fervor. Its tranquil ambiance, exquisite architecture, and the mesmerizing evening aarti create lasting memories for every visitor. The temple stands as a perfect harmony of Siliguri’s natural beauty and spiritual essence. Whether you are a devotee seeking divine connection or a traveler exploring cultural landmarks, a visit to the Siliguri ISKCON Temple promises an unforgettable experience of peace and devotion. I warmly invite everyone to visit this sacred site with family and friends to witness the divine celebration of Krishna...

ISKCON Siliguri, also known as Sri Sri Radha Madhav Sundar Mandir, is a serene and spiritually uplifting destination in the heart of Siliguri, West Bengal. My visit to this temple left me with a sense of peace and admiration for its blend of devotion, architecture, and cultural vibrancy.

The temple’s ambiance is immediately calming, with its well-maintained gardens, clean premises, and a tranquil manmade lake that adds to the serene vibe. The architecture is a beautiful fusion of modern design and traditional Indian elements, featuring intricate wall paintings and colorful motifs depicting stories of Lord Krishna, Radha, and other deities like Advaita Acharya and Lord Narasimha. The main hall, adorned with artistic expressions and a unique wooden mandap, is particularly captivating, and the ceiling artwork is a highlight not to be missed.

I arrived around noon and was fortunate to witness the Raj Bhog Arati, a soulful ritual accompanied by Bengali-accented chanting that felt authentic and immersive. The temple’s schedule, with aratis starting from 5:00 AM Mangal Arati to 8:30 PM Shayan Arati, offers plenty of opportunities for visitors to participate in devotional activities. I also attended the Srimad Bhagavatam class in the morning, which was insightful and well-conducted, catering to both devotees and curious visitors.

One of the standout experiences was the Raj Bhog meal at the temple’s vegetarian restaurant, Govind. For a modest price (around ₹100 per person), the 12-item prasadam lunch was not only delicious but also felt like a sacred offering—far surpassing expectations and even rivaling the famed prasadam at other ISKCON centers. The temple also has a gift shop and book stall, where I picked up a small souvenir, and a transcendental museum that adds an educational layer to the visit.

The temple is easily accessible, just 4 km from the Tenzing Norgay bus stand, and reachable by cabs or auto-rickshaws from Siliguri Junction. It’s open from 5:00 AM to 8:45 PM, making it convenient for day visits. The presence of a guest house (though limited to 10 rooms at ₹400 per day) and a dharamshala offers basic accommodation for devotees, but advance booking is a must.

However, there were minor drawbacks. A few visitors mentioned occasional lapses in cleanliness around the shoe storage area, and I noticed a small charge for keeping slippers, which felt unnecessary. Additionally, some reviews online pointed out that the management could improve by ensuring equal treatment for all devotees to avoid any sense of division.

Overall, ISKCON Siliguri is a must-visit for anyone seeking spiritual solace or cultural enrichment in Siliguri. It’s a place where devotion meets art, and the peaceful atmosphere lingers long after you leave. Whether you’re a Krishna devotee or a traveler exploring the Gateway to Northeast India, this temple offers a refreshing and memorable experience. I’d rate it 4.5/5 and definitely plan to return, especially during festivals like Janmashtami for an even grander...





Top 12 Motivational Stories For Students To Work Hard

Friday October 5, 2018



Some students will have a drive from inside to learn new things and explore new ideas while some others look into successful persons around them and get self-motivated to learn hard.



However, this is not the case for all students and many of them will need immense motivation and inspiration from teachers and parents to work hard.

Stories are always a favorite area for students that invoke their love and interest. This is one of the reasons why teachers use this as a tool to motivate them in many areas.

This includes many common folk stories with a good moral at the end, real-life examples of successful persons and simple stories of normal people who have been part of their life journey.

Here we can have a look at a few motivational stories that help students to work hard and lay their foundation for a successful life.

The Elephant Rope

A man was walking nearby to a group of elephants that was halted by a small rope tied to their front leg. He was amazed by the fact that the huge elephants are not even making an attempt to break the rope and set themselves free.



He saw an elephant trainer standing beside them and he expressed his puzzled state of mind. The trainer said “when they are very young and much smaller we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it’s enough to hold them.

As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.”

Moral: It is the false belief of the elephants that denied their freedom for life time. Likewise, many people are not trying to work towards success in their life just because they failed once before. So keep on trying and don’t get tied up with some false beliefs of failure.

Kentucky Fried Chicken

The real-life story of Colonel Harland Sanders who was disappointed umpteen times in his life and still made his dream come true late in his life is really inspiring.



He is a seventh grade dropped out who tried many ventures in life but tasted bitter every time. He started selling chicken at his age of 40 but his dream of a restaurant was turned down many times due to conflicts and wars.

Later he attempted to franchise his restaurant. His recipe got rejected 1,009 times before the final approval. And soon the secret recipe, “Kentucky Fried Chicken” became a huge hit worldwide. KFC was expanded globally and the company was sold for 2 million dollars and his face is still celebrated in the logos.

Moral: Have you stopped your attempts to a venture just because you were rejected or failed a few times? Can you even accept a failure of 1009 times? This story inspires everyone to try hard and believe in yourself until you see success despite how many times you...