Frequently Asked Questions about Sri Mayapur Dham

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is the incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna, who appeared over 500 years ago in Mayapur, West Bengal. He is the founder of the Sankirtana movement—the congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
Mayapur is His divine birthplace and a sacred pilgrimage site for millions of devotees who follow the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. It is here that Lord Caitanya began His mission to spread love of God through the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.

Navadvipa, the holy land where Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared, is composed of nine sacred islands, each representing one of the nine processes of bhakti (devotional service). The nine islands are:

1. Antardvipa – Full Surrender (atma-nivedanam)
2. Simantadvipa – Hearing (śravaṇam)
3. Godrumadvipa – Chanting (kīrtanam)
4. Madhyadvipa – Remembering (smaraṇam)
5. Koladvipa – Serving the Lotus feet (pāda-sevanam)
6. Rtudvipa – Worshiping the deity (arcanam)
7. Jahnudvipa – Praying (vandanam)
8. Modadrumadvipa – Becoming a servant (dāsyam)
9. Rudradvipa – Being a Friend (sakhyam)

ISKCON stands for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, founded in the mid-1960s in the United States by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It is a global spiritual movement dedicated to the practice and propagation of Krishna consciousness, based on the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and other timeless Vedic scriptures. To learn more about ISKCON's mission, activities, and global presence, click here

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). Following the order of his guru, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, Srila Prabhupada journeyed to the West at age 69 and founded ISKCON in 1966 in New York City.

In just 11 years, he established over 100 temples worldwide, personally traveling and teaching. He translated and wrote purports for dozens of sacred texts, including the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, now available in 70+ languages. His works are revered by both devotees and scholars for their depth and clarity in presenting Krishna consciousness.

Darshan at ISKCON Mayapur begins early in the morning at 4:30 AM with Mangala-arati and continues throughout the day with various aratis and offerings, concluding around 8:30 PM. Visitors can witness multiple darshans, kirtans, and bhoga offerings during the day. For the most accurate and up-to-date schedule, please refer to the official ISKCON Mayapur temple schedule page.

Mayapur is well-connected by road, rail, and air. You can reach Mayapur by:

• Car or taxi from Kolkata (approx. 3–4 hours)

• Bus services from Kolkata

• Train to Krishnanagar or Nabadwip stations, followed by a short taxi or rickshaw ride

• Air travel to Kolkata Airport (CCU), with onward travel by road

For detailed directions and travel tips, visit this page.

The ISKCON Mayapur Pilgrimage Itinerary is a self-guided tour to help you explore the key holy places in and around Sri Mayapur-dhama. It’s organized into four main areas:

1. Inside ISKCON Mayapur Campus
2. Outside ISKCON Mayapur Campus
3. Swarupganj – Across River Jalangi
4. Navadvipa – Across River Ganga

Each section includes estimated visit durations to help you plan your pilgrimage efficiently and spiritually enrich your experience.

ISKCON Mayapur offers a wide range of accommodation options for pilgrims and visitors, from budget-friendly rooms to premium guesthouses. Popular guesthouses include Gada Bhavan, Ishodyan Bhavan, Conch Bhavan, Chakra Bhavan, Gita Bhavan and Vamsi Bhavan. All rooms are within walking distance of the main temple and provide a peaceful, devotional atmosphere.
Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during festivals and weekends. For reservations, visit the official ISKCON Mayapur accommodation booking portal.

The ISKCON Mayapur campus is a sacred space, and all visitors are kindly requested to uphold its spiritual atmosphere by following these important guidelines. By observing these etiquettes, you help preserve the purity and sanctity of Sri Mayapur-dhama. We sincerely appreciate your cooperation.

Visitors are requested to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Devotees traditionally wear clean, simple clothes such as sarees, kurtas, or dhotis

ISKCON Mayapur is famous for its grand festivals throughout the year, attracting pilgrims from all over the world. You can explore the Festival Calendar, and also learn about the spiritual significance of each celebration. Short videos are also available to give you a glimpse of the vibrant and devotional atmosphere of these festivals in Sri Mayapur-dhama.

Yes, freshly cooked vegetarian prasadam is served daily at ISKCON Mayapur. Visitors can enjoy sanctified meals at the Prasadam Halls and Govinda’s Restaurant (à la carte dining). All meals are prepared in a clean, sattvic environment and offered to Lord Krishna before serving. For more details, please visit the official ISKCON Mayapur Prasadam Information Page.

SMDF (Sridham Mayapur Development Foundation) is a dedicated initiative of ISKCON focused on developing Sri Chaitanya Cultural World Heritage Center—a visionary temple town rooted in Vedic culture and heritage. As an official undertaking of ISKCON, SMDF is committed to transforming Sridham Mayapur into a global spiritual and cultural destination.

The Sri Chaitanya Cultural World Heritage Center is a unique 600-acre temple town project being developed by the Sridham Mayapur Development Foundation (SMDF), an initiative of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The project aims to showcase Vedic culture and heritage while establishing Mayapur as a global spiritual and cultural destination.

Yes, ISKCON Mayapur maintains a first-aid center for immediate medical attention within the campus. In addition, a charitable hospital operates in Sri Mayapur-dhama, providing basic healthcare services for residents, pilgrims, and visitors. For urgent assistance, click here for Emergency Contacts.

Yes, you can securely make online donations to support various spiritual and charitable activities at ISKCON Mayapur. To donate, visit the official ISKCON Mayapur Donation Page and help us spread the glories of Sri Mayapur-dhama around the world.

If you're unable to visit in person, you can still immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Sri Mayapur-dhama through various digital offerings. The official website srimayapurdhama.com and the Sri Mayapur Mobile App provide access to:

• Live temple darshan and kirtans

• Virtual tours of the holy places of Sri Navadvipa-dhama

• Festivals highlights

• ‘Remember Mayapur’ – inspiring spiritual insights and meditations

These resources help you stay spiritually connected to Mayapur from anywhere in the world.

Yes, the Sri Mayapur-dhama website and mobile app offer multilingual support through integrated Google Translation. Visitors from around the world can access content in their preferred language, making it easier to explore the glories of Sri Mayapur regardless of location or language background.

You can learn about chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra and the practice of bhakti-yoga through daily classes, kirtans, and Live darshan provided by ISKCON Mayapur. These resources are ideal for deepening your spiritual understanding from anywhere in the world. Visit the Mahamantra page on our website to explore the meaning, benefits, and practice of chanting.

You can stay connected to Sri Mayapur-dhama from anywhere in the world by following our official channels. Stay informed and spiritually inspired with regular updates, darshan, kirtans, and event highlights directly from the holy dham.

“Biodiversity in Bhakti Yoga” is a visual and meditative project by the ISKCON Mayapur Master Plan office, created to help devotees reconnect with the sacred natural world of Sri Mayapur-dhama.

Featuring over 500 stunning images of local flora and fauna, along with spiritual reflections from Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, the project reveals how nature can be seen through the lens of Krishna consciousness.

As part of the CONNECT with Sri Mayapur-dhama initiative, it promotes mindful devotion, ecological awareness, and compassion—encouraging us to recognize the presence of the Lord in every aspect of creation. You can watch the podcast here.

Boat rides on the Ganga River in Mayapur offer a peaceful and scenic way to experience the holy dham. You can enjoy a short ride, cross the river to Navadvipa or Swarupganj, visit the Ganga Temple, or take a sacred bath in the Ganga.

Sri Mayapur Panchakrosha Parikrama is a sacred 16 km walking pilgrimage around Antardvipa, the central island of Sri Navadvipa-dhama and the heart of Sri Mayapur. This parikrama follows the traditional route taken by devotees to honor the holy places associated with Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastimes.

It is a spiritually uplifting experience, offering devotees a chance to connect deeply with the dham through chanting, remembrance, and association.

To learn more about the route and significance, click here for a detailed guide. You can do a Virtual Parikrama here.

You can help share the glories of Sri Mayapur-dhama by:

• Spreading awareness about this sacred project among your family, friends, yatras, and visitors
• Sharing content on your social media platforms to reach a wider audience
• Offering your feedback and suggestions to help us improve—email us at masterplan@mayapur.ngo
• Contributing financially to support ongoing initiatives — Click here to donate

Your heartfelt support is deeply appreciated and plays a vital role in connecting more souls with Sri Mayapur-dhama, the spiritual capital of the world.

Mayapur is a vibrant spiritual destination that celebrates festivals year-round, including Gaura Purnima, Ratha Yatra, Jhulan Yatra, and many more.

However, the best time to visit is during the winter months (November to March) when the weather is cooler and more comfortable, especially for international visitors. This period also coincides with major festivals and ISKCON’s annual parikrama season, attracting thousands of devotees from around the world.

No matter when you come, Mayapur always offers a spiritually uplifting experience.

Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir is the main temple complex of ISKCON Sri Mayapur, located at the heart of Sri Mayapur-dhama in West Bengal, India. This sacred temple is home to the Deities of Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Sri Sri Prahlad Nrsimhadeva & Sri Panca-Tattva. The temple is a central hub of daily worship, kirtan, festivals, and devotional activities.

Pilgrims from around the world visit Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir to experience its spiritual atmosphere, Vedic culture, and bhakti-yoga lifestyle. It is also adjacent to the upcoming Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP).

Mayapur is located approximately 130 to 140 kilometers from Kolkata, West Bengal. Mayapur’s proximity to Kolkata makes it an accessible and popular destination for weekend pilgrimages and spiritual retreats.

For detailed directions and travel tips, visit this page.

Hotel and guesthouse booking in Mayapur is easy and offers comfortable options for pilgrims, families, and international visitors. The most popular choice is the ISKCON Mayapur Guesthouse, known for its clean, devotional environment and proximity to the Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir.

Booking Options:

• Visit the official ISKCON Mayapur website to book online.
• Or contact the Guesthouse Reception directly for room availability and assistance.

Advance booking is highly recommended, especially during festivals, weekends, and special events like Gaura Purnima Parikrama.

👉 For reservations, visit the official ISKCON Mayapur Accommodation Portal.

Srimati Radharani created Sri Navadvipa dhama as a beautiful place, decorated with creepers and trees and filled with male and female bumble bees. Deer and buck were happily enjoying as they wandered about, and the whole area was filled with the fragrance of jasmine, mallikā, and mālatī flowers. That transcendental abode was adorned with tulasi forests and decorated with various groves.
(Sri Navadvipa-Dhama-Mahatmya, Pramana-Khanda, Chapter 2)

Mayapur is located in the Nadia district of West Bengal, India. It lies at the confluence of the Ganges and Jalangi rivers, about 130 km north of Kolkata. Mayapur is world-renowned as the birthplace of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and serves as the headquarters of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).

Yes, you can visit Mayapur in one day. To make the most of your trip, you can follow our suggested pilgrimage itineraries available here, which highlight the main temples, sacred sites, and cultural experiences within a day’s visit.

Yes. Guided walking tours are available to visit Srila Prabhupada’s Pushpa Samadhi Mandir, and the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. The Mayapur Tourism Center offers a variety of tours, including the campus tour, the Nine Islands Darshan Tour, the Ganga Safari, and many more.

Photography is generally allowed in open areas but restricted inside certain temple sanctums. Please check with security or temple staff before taking photos.

Because it is the birthplace of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, whose mission is to spread the chanting of the holy names globally, Mayapur is recognized as the spiritual heart of the sankirtan movement — attracting millions of pilgrims each year.

Yes, Mayapur is a safe spiritual destination with a welcoming community of devotees from around the world. Basic precautions for travel should be followed as in any tourist location.