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MAYAPUR

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Dec
Dec 22,2023

Mayapur is the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consiousness (ISKCON) . Largely centred on this Vaishnava religions tradition it has temples dedicated to Radha and Krishna Mayapur is framed for Chaitanya Mahaprabhu"s dham, Nabadwip, which is located at the confluence of the rivers Hooghly and Jalangi in Nadia district . People from all over the world travel to this hallowed land to see the Mayapur Chandrodaya Temple of ISKCON , which also serves as the organisation headquarters. It is one among the worlds most visited spiritual sites .  The Mayapur -Nabadwip Krishnagar circuit in Nadia district , located north of kolkata, is noted for its Vaishnava tradition .  The famed Vaishnava guru Chaitanya was born in Mayapur and commemorated by a shine . Mayapur is better known as the headquarters of the global organisation International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which was founded in 1996 by Srila Prabhupada . The journey to Mayapur can only be a pilgrimage , even for the atheist interested in the architecture and ambience of the place . The day begins really early and the temple closes by 8pm . The percepts and practices of ISKCON were taught and codified by the 15 th century saint and religious reformer sri chaitanya Mahaprabhu , his brother Nitya nanda Prabhu and six of his principle associates, the ghoswamis of Vrindavana . Mayapur is a holy place located on the banks of the Ganga river & this place is the birth place of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The headquarters of ISKCON are situated in Mayapur and it is considered  a holy place by a number of other traditions within Hinduism, but is of special significance to followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism as the birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, regarded as a special incarnation of Krishna in the mood of Radha . It is visited by over a million pilgrims annually . 

Get around to see in Mayapur 

Ballal Dhipi  : The mound is named after King Bhalla Sena , of the Sena dynasty, who rulled Bengal in the late 12th century CE. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) exacavated the area between 1982-89 which revealed a stupendous brick structure in an extensive yard covered on all sides by enclosure walls . Stucco heads, terracotta human and animal figurines, copper utensils  and other objects , iron nails etc were found from excavation . The upper remains are datable to 12th century CE and buily over the earliest structures of 8th and 9th century CE. 

Goshala : A cowshed which takes care of more than 200 cows and bull. A veterinary doctor performs timely health check .Goshala also sells health products deliverd from cows , such as ghee , yoghurt, go ark . 

Srila Prabhupada's Samadhi Mandir : Open for all from 7:30AM 1PM and 3:30 PM to 8: 30AM . The magnificent memorial shrine of Srila Prabhupada is the largest of its kind in India .  The tall majestic marbel dome dominates the skyline and shines beautifully in the golden rays of the sun at sunrise and sunset . The garland which adorned him while adorned him while placing him in Samadhi has been brought and laid down in the pushpa Samadhi Mandir, A larger than life size brass murti of Srila Prabhupada has been installed and worshipped here . The Samadhi Mandirs garden are very beautiful and extensive . They never fail to attract the attention of all guests . Upstairs , inside the Samadhi , a large diorama display deplicts Srila Prabhupada life and struggles to establish ISKCON and its preaching mission . It was at Yogpeeth , situated a few hundreds meters come across as the very center of the spiritual world

Sri Maya Chandrodaya Mandir : (Temple of the Vedic Planetarium)  it is the head temple of the international society for Krishna Consciousness . Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is the moon who has risen over the lands of Mayapur , a little over 500 yrs back and be whose mercy , and empowerment , this awe inspiring krishna consciousness movement has now spread its aura over the entire world. Hence it was only benifiting that His commander in chief (senapati bhakta). AC bhaktivedant Swami Prabhupada, the founder acharya of ISKCON, has named his headquarters of operation as Sri Mayapur Chandrodya temple . 

Things to do and see : As you enter the spacious compound of the ISKCON complex , you will inveitably looks towards the imposing structure dominating the skyline : the Pushpa samadhi of Swami Prabhupada , who inspired the Krishna Consciousness Movement . This cenotaph is tastefully designed with a mixture of terracotta art and marbel figures . On the left is a simple hut where Sri Prabhupada stayed when the land was first acquired and the temple complex was being built . at any given time , a session of chanting or praying is underway in this building . A nicely paved path leads from here daya temple  . On the right side there is a huge open ground with benches and shaded resting places for the devotees . The evening aarti draws thousand . It is wise to join the queue wanting to get in as early as 3:30pm onwards on a normal day as the crowds built up rather quick . Yogapith Temple marks the birthplace of Chaitanya mahaprabhu thats belived to be in Mayapur , it is about 1km from the ISKCON gate .

Where to Stay and Eat : There are a number of budget hotels , but its best to stay in one of the guests house in the ISKCON temple Complex . They can accommodate up to 3000 visitors . The best place to eat is again the ISKCON temple . There are two types of thali and the quality of the food is excellent . ISKCON also runs the Chaitanya Bhavan Guest House . The canteen close to the gate has deep fried begun bhajas , pizza and dosas. The sweet it sells are for connnoisseurs and the eggless cake is pure magic. 

How to reach : Mayapur can be reached by boat and more commonly by train or bus . Iskon has its travel service , The Gauranga Travels offers cars , busses if u book before making your journey safe and comfortable . 

Nearest Railway Station : Krishnagar city Junction & Nawadip Dham . 

How to reach Mayapur from Krishnagar City Junction : U can simply take an auto rickshaw , private taxi & local busses from bus terminal . If u choose auto rickshaw , it will take you to Mayapur ghat  & from there u have to cross over the jalangi river to reach Hular ght at Mayapur. 

Fares & Travel Time : Auto- rickshaw : 20/ INR 

                                          Local buses : 15 to 20 / INR

                                          Private Taxi : 330- 400/ INR