ISKCON’s Newest Temple is the Oldest: Historic 1857 Radha Girdhar Gopal Mandir Reborn as ISKCON Chandni Chowk
New Delhi, [India], August 30, 2024: ISKCON’s newest addition to its portfolio is, in fact, the oldest in its portfolio. The historic Radha Girdhar Gopal Mandir, originally built in 1857, has been recently adopted and rechristened as ISKCON Chandni Chowk by the ISKCON Rukmini Dwarikadhish Temple. This year, the temple celebrated its first Janmashtami under ISKCON’s management, drawing more than 20,000 devotees.
At the heart of Old Delhi, opposite the Purani Delhi Railway Station, this temple has long been a cherished spiritual site. Its new association with ISKCON has brought renewed energy and a fresh chapter in its storied history. The Janmashtami celebrations were marked by the darshan of Radha Girdhar Gopal, accompanied by elaborate Aarti and Abhishek ceremonies, and concluded with the distribution of nourishing Prasadam to the gathered devotees.
Simultaneously, ISKCON Dwarka hosted one of the largest Janmashtami gatherings in the city, with over 5 lakh devotees in attendance. The event’s success was underpinned by the meticulous efforts of the Delhi Police, led by the Special Commissioner and other senior officers, who ensured the safety and smooth execution of the festivities. “We extend our heartfelt thanks and salute to the Delhi Police officers for their exemplary service during this Janmashtami,” said a representative from ISKCON Dwarka. “Their dedication ensured that the event was not only safe but also spiritually uplifting for everyone involved.”
Both ISKCON Chandni Chowk and ISKCON Dwarka’s celebrations this year highlighted a harmonious blend of deep spiritual devotion and exemplary organizational efforts, reinforcing the enduring legacy of Krishna’s teachings in the heart of Delhi.
