ISKCON Temple Delhi, also known as Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir is part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (as the name suggests). Devoted to Vaishnavism – meaning they believe Vishnu is the creator of the universe, they worship mainly Krishna (avatar of Vishnu) and push for monotheism as a belief system.
I love ISKCON temples, they are well maintained, they have lots of books to offer to those seeking answers and I tend to feel a peace at their mandirs – be it truly placebo or be it the collective energy gathered by their daily chantings. – If a city has a ISKCON temple, its definitely worth the visit.
I go for the interesting paintings they hold on Hindu Mythology, the energy released during chantings and their food courts. This is second ISKCON temple I have visited in my life – the first one was Mumbai.
For those who travel a lot, they offer a membership where you get to stay in any of their temples worldwide – not sure about the costs but definitely a great way to travel the word and forget about accommodation.
I leave you with a few experiences ->
ISKCON Temple Delhi
ISKCON Temple Delhi
ISKCON Temple Delhi – Main Hall
ISKCON Temple Delhi – Krishna Battling Snakes
ISKCON Temple Delhi – Lord Narasimha killing Hiranyakashipu
ISKCON Temple Delhi – Sita, Ram, Lakshman, Hanuman
And of course, food at the Govinda Restaurant ->
ISKCON Temple Delhi – Food at Govinda Restaurant – Jaljeera
ISKCON Temple Delhi – Food at Govinda Restaurant – Uttapam
Eating in Lucknow you will be satisfied with everything. From traditional vegetarian dishses to all kinds of succulent meat, be it for breakfast or dinner, you will be satisfied.
Most of the time we ate breakfast at home – some parathas or cheese omelettes etc – dinner was also served at home with rice/biryani and a main dish with the usual sides – salad and yoghurt – (amazing cookery where I was staying)
Lucknow is famous for its kebabs – they are sold everywhere else, but their spice mixture is composed of different quantities – You will therefore find really soft and succulents kebabs very rich in taste.
Some kebabs would be –
Galaouti Kebab
Shami Kebab
Sheekh Kebab
Kakori Kebab
There is also a bread named Sheermal, a thick dryish paratha which is supposed to be eating with ghee or butter infused to it – usually comes in an orangish colouring. – I ate it before I could document it :/
Aloo Tikki Chaat – Comes covered with yoghurt too. – Its much better with it.Butter Chicken MasalaDahi Batashe – Batashe are the Golgappa in LucknowGalouti KebabGarlic Chowmein – Europe n salsaMalai Kulfi – Not frozen, just constantly churnedMatter (chole) ChaatSafed Mutton – Mutton in white cream sauceSheekh Kebab, Galouti Kebab, Shaami Kebab
Lucknow, once know as the Nawabi City would have left a voyageur with his mouths open. With Muslim and Indian arts fusing together, now it offers –
Bara Imambara w/ Bulbulaya Maze
Chhota Imambara
Rumi Darwaza
Amazing Kebabs
La Martinière School
Hazratganj Road
There are a few more places to see which I did not. Lucknow is an interesting city – for foodies like me, you will have a vast amount of meaty dishes and breads which have crossed civilizations, and well, if you are thinking of getting into politics – this city seems to be a good place for it. The main road, Hazratganj has an interesting air to it. All boards are the same black and white color, there is proper street lighting throughout the road but it surely is crowded.
At first I was a bit reluctant to go, when I googled up the city – it pretty much looked like any other crowded place – but I quite enjoyed it. – If you are fond of simple meats like me – ie Kebabs, Chicken Tikka – Lucknow has a few variations you would like to try, ill write a post on what I ate in Lucknow.
Transport – Mumbai to Lucknow 3,279.00 INR- GoAir (Booked 1 month in advance)
A bit of sightseeing / places to see / attractions in Lucknow.
#1 Bara Imambara – Looked like a mosque with spacious hall inside, coupled with a maze and fort.
Bara Imambara – Lucknow – View from the top of the building – Central Panorama
Bara Imambara – Lucknow – View from the top of the building – Corner Panorama
Bara Imambara Entrance Panorama View – Lucknow
I love these corridors – image running behind the women you love..(cliche)
#Bara Imambara Fort
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#The Imambara Halls
Bara Imambara Halls – Here the guide lights a match on the other side, to prove its acoustic worth.Bara Imambara Halls – The hall, the longest in the world with no pillar support – bricks where put into accurate places.
#2 Chhota Imambara
Chhota Imambara – Kings Throne – Lucknow
Chhota Imambara – The inside of the building is filled with antique chandeliers / hanging lights and mirrors.
Chhota Imambara – I was trying to get the famous Taj Mahal Shot, with the reflection in the water.
#3 La Martinière School
La Martinière – Tomb of Boulone Lise
La Martinière – Grounds, I felt like going for a run here, with a dog perhaps, spend some nature time.
La Martinière – Grounds Sports Court
La Martinière – Constantia Golden Canon
La Martinière – Labore Et Constantia – By Labour and Constancy – Their insignia
La Martinière – The Lat
#4 Rumi Darwaza
Rumi Darwaza, so I did not know that the beauty is on the other side, so I got its back side jajaja
#5 Maal – Outskirts of Lucknow
We arrived late to the farm and town, otherwise you would have seen a big field full of mango trees and more, a mandir built by family friends with a very old Shiv artefact and a proper Lucknow Haveli.
The snake below was twice the length, the rest of the skin broke, only half was conserved.
Snake Skin – Varnished for preservation
Snake Skin – Varnished for preservation
Snake Skin – Varnished for preservation
Lucknow is a great city to put on your travel list, you will enjoy the food, the people with their kind heart and quite open mindedness. However, having visited Maal in the upper eastern corner of Lucknow, well, the farm life will always get my points.
