Temple Timings
| 4:30 AM | – Mangala Arati |
| 5:00 AM | – Mantra Meditation |
| 7:15 AM | – Shringara Arati |
| 7:30 AM | – Guru Puja |
| 8:00 AM | – Bhagavatam Class |
| 1:00 PM | – Darshan Closes |
| 4:45 PM | – Darshan Opens |
| 7:00 PM | – Sandhya Arati |
| 7:30 PM | – Ashtottara |
| 8:00 PM 8.30 PM | – Shayana Arati – Darshan Closes |
Purpose of Hare Krishna Movement
Hare Krishna Movement is trying to give human society the opportunity for a life of happiness, good health, peace of mind and all good qualities through God consciousness.
Who started the Hare Krishna Movement?
The Hare Krishna movement was inaugurated by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is Krishna Himself, over 500 years ago. Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of the Hare Krishna Movement, a guru in the same parampara as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, has been instrumental in expanding the organization around the globe, making ‘Hare Krishna’ a household name. In 1965, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada travelled alone from India to America to establish a worldwide society of over 500 temples, farm communities and schools, with a membership of over three million members in the West, distributing fifty million books on Vedic literature worldwide. Srila Prabhupada wrote over 50 books on Krishna consciousness including the best seller Bhagavad-gita As It Is, now available in over 65 languages.
Where is the temple located?
The Hare Krishna movement’s Sri Sri Krishna Balarama temple at Chennai is located on Tiruvanmiyur Beach, overlooking the Bay of Bengal. The 4 acre campus, of which 2 acres are landscaped with greenery, now houses a small temple to Their Lordships. A monumental temple is planned on this serene and picturesque location.
What is Krishna Consciousness?
What is Krishna consciousness? Krishna means God. We are all intimately connected with Him because He is our original father. Krishna consciousness is the pure state of being connected to Him. But we have forgotten this connection. But because of our materially conditioned life, we have forgotten it. The process of chanting the Hare Krishna mahamantra—Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare—revives our natural Krishna consciousness.
What is the Hare Krishna Mantra?
A mantra is a spiritual sound vibration that purifies the consciousness and awakens love of God. The chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra-Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare is recommended in the Vedic literature as the easiest method to attain spiritual realization in this age. The meaning of the mahamantra is, “O Lord, please engage me in your service.” There are two ways to chant this mahamantra: group chanting (kirtana) and individual chanting as on beads (japa). No strict rules apply for either method, and anyone can chant at any time.
How can I participate?
The Sri Sri Krishna Balarama temple conducts many programmes that you can very joyfully participate in. Starting very early every morning from 4.30am onwards, elaborate aratis, soulful meditation and enlightening Vedic discourses are held till 9 am. In the evening, there is sandhya arati at 7pm followed by Shayana arati at 8 pm. There are special programmes every Sunday, and prasadam is distributed to all visitors. The programmes are open to all. However, one is free to contribute as much as he wishes to various donor schemes. Contributions to a temple bring unlimited auspiciousness to the donor and his family.
What are the Rules and Regulations?
There are no strict rules and regulations for practicing Krishna consciousness. There is no bias based on age, caste, gender, creed or colour for its followers. Krishna consciousness accommodates the whole spectrum of the society, allowing everyone an equal opportunity to advance spiritually. Distinctions based on bodily differences do not concur with spiritual unity, as Lord Krishna Himself says, “I am equal to all.”
