Traveling Naive Guide to Mayapur: Inside the World’s Biggest Temple (TOVP)

How To Reach

There are several ways to reach Mayapur, depending on your starting location:

1. By train: Mayapur has its own railway station, which is located on the Sealdah-Lalgola section of the Eastern Railway. Many trains from Kolkata and other major cities in West Bengal stop at Mayapur Railway Station.
2. By bus: Mayapur is well-connected by road and there are regular bus services from Kolkata and other major cities in West Bengal. You can take a state-run or private bus to reach Mayapur.
3. By car: If you are traveling by car, you can reach Mayapur by taking the National Highway 34. The journey from Kolkata to Mayapur takes about 3 hours by car.
4. By air: The nearest airport to Mayapur is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, which is located about 90 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mayapur.

Regardless of which mode of transportation you choose, it is a good idea to plan your trip in advance and make any necessary bookings or arrangements ahead of time.

Things Todo

There are several things to do in Mayapur, depending on your interests:

1. Visit the Mayapur Iskon Temple: This is the main attraction in Mayapur and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Hinduism or the philosophy of Krishna consciousness. The temple complex is large and features several beautiful shrines and temples, as well as a large auditorium, a library, and a guesthouse. Visitors can participate in various rituals and ceremonies, such as kirtan (devotional singing) and arati (worship with lamps).
2. Explore the local market: Mayapur has a vibrant market where you can shop for souvenirs and other local items. You can find a variety of items, including handicrafts, clothes, and traditional sweets.
3. Visit the Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir: This is a proposed temple project that is being built in Mayapur. When completed, it will be the tallest temple in the world. Visitors can take a tour of the construction site and learn more about the project.
4. Enjoy the local cuisine: Mayapur is known for its delicious vegetarian food, which is prepared according to the principles of Krishna consciousness. There are several restaurants and cafes in the area that serve a variety of dishes, including traditional Bengali cuisine and international favorites.
5. Take a boat ride on the Ganges: Mayapur is located on the banks of the Ganges River, and you can take a boat ride to enjoy the scenic views and learn about the local culture and history.
6. Participate in cultural and educational programs: The Mayapur Iskon Temple offers a variety of cultural and educational programs, such as seminars, workshops, and classes on topics related to Hinduism and the philosophy of Krishna consciousness. You can participate in these programs to learn more about the local culture and religion.

Tips For planning a trip To Mayapur

1. Plan ahead: It is a good idea to plan your trip in advance and make any necessary bookings or arrangements ahead of time. This will help ensure that you have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
2. Check the weather: Mayapur has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather year-round. Be sure to check the forecast and pack appropriate clothing and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
3. Respect local customs and traditions: Mayapur is a sacred place for Hindus, and it is important to respect local customs and traditions while visiting. For example, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering a temple or shrine.
4. Learn about the culture and religion: Mayapur is a great place to learn about Hinduism and the philosophy of Krishna consciousness. Consider participating in cultural and educational programs or taking a guided tour to learn more about the local culture and religion.
5. Stay hydrated: The hot and humid weather in Mayapur can be tiring, so be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and electrolyte-rich beverages.
6. Take care of your health: Mayapur is generally a safe and healthy place to visit, but it is always a good idea to take precautions to protect your health. Be sure to bring any necessary medications with you and consider getting vaccinated against common travel-related illnesses.

By following these tips, you should be able to have a comfortable and enjoyable trip to Mayapur.

Local food and drink

Mayapur is known for its delicious vegetarian cuisine, which is prepared according to the principles of Krishna consciousness. Here are a few famous local foods in Mayapur that you might want to try:

1. Bhog: Bhog is a special offering of food that is made to the deities in the Mayapur Iskon Temple. It typically consists of a variety of dishes, such as rice, dal, vegetables, and sweets. Bhog is typically served on banana leaves and is considered sacred and auspicious.
2. Sandesh: Sandesh is a popular Bengali sweet made with chenna (a type of fresh cheese) and sugar. It is usually shaped into small balls or other shapes and is often flavored with cardamom or saffron.
3. Rosogolla: Rosogolla is a spongy, round sweet made with chenna and soaked in sugar syrup. It is a popular dessert in West Bengal and is often served at festivals and celebrations.
4. Luchi & Cholar dal: Luchi is a type of deep-fried, puffed bread that is commonly served with curries or dal in West Bengal. It is made with all-purpose flour and is usually served hot and crispy.Cholar dal is a popular Bengali dish made with split Bengal gram (chana dal) and coconut. It is typically seasoned with aromatic spices and served with luchi or rice.

If you are planning a trip to Mayapur and are looking for food recommendations, here are a few suggestions:

1. Govinda's Restaurant: Located in the Mayapur Iskon Temple complex, Govinda's Restaurant is a popular choice for vegetarians and fans of traditional Bengali cuisine. The menu includes a variety of dishes, such as rice, dal, vegetables, and sweets, as well as international favorites like pizza and sandwiches.
2. Ananda Ashram: Located in the Mayapur Iskon Temple complex, Ananda Ashram is a peaceful, serene place to enjoy a meal. The menu includes a variety of healthy, vegetarian dishes, such as soups, salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
3. The Old Temple Kitchen: Located in the Mayapur Iskon Temple complex, The Old Temple Kitchen is a popular choice for traditional Bengali snacks and sweets. The menu includes a variety of dishes, such as pakoras, samosas, and jalebi, as well as fresh juices and smoothies.
4. Bhaktivedanta Academy Canteen: Located in the Mayapur Iskon Temple complex, Bhaktivedanta Academy Canteen is a popular choice for traditional Bengali dishes, such as rice, dal, vegetables, and sweets. The canteen is run by the Bhaktivedanta Academy, a spiritual education center in Mayapur.
5. The Bhagavad-gita Press Canteen: Located in the Mayapur Iskon Temple complex, The Bhagavad-gita Press Canteen is a popular choice for traditional Bengali dishes, such as rice, dal, vegetables, and sweets. The canteen is run by the Bhagavad-gita Press, a publisher of spiritual books in Mayapur

My Journey

On July 13, 2022, I had a sudden urge to visit the Mayapur Iskon Temple, which had always been on my bucket list. Located just 70km from my hometown, I had never had the chance to visit before. So, I borrowed a bike from a close friend and set off at 12:30 in the afternoon.

The journey to Mayapur took about two hours, due to strong winds that slowed me down. There are two ways to reach the temple - either directly from Nabadwip by ferry, or the more conventional route by bus or car, which adds an extra 15km to the journey. As I was traveling by bike, I took the ferry option and saved myself 15km. The ferry ride only cost me 20 rupees, which was a cheap and convenient way to travel.

Upon arriving at the temple, I was immediately struck by its majestic beauty. My camera came out of my bag automatically as I marveled at the complex, which was home to a variety of facilities such as a money exchange office, ATM services, and flight and rail booking counters. There were also colorful stores selling handmade clothes and products made from the temple's own in-house farm. I enjoyed exploring the complex by walking or taking a paid ox-drawn cart.

After tiring myself out from exploring the complex, I joined a group of young monks from Indor Iskon who were on a group tour. We headed down to the river, where they danced and chanted while I watched in awe. As the sun began to set, I heard about a river tour and decided to join. It was a spiritual experience, as we wandered along the river and waited for the sunset. Suddenly, it started raining for a few minutes, and a rainbow appeared in the sky.It was a mesmerizing sight from the boat, and I felt lucky to be experiencing it. The tour cost me 100 rupees and only happened once a day in the afternoon

After the boat ride, I stayed by the river to take some sunset photos before heading back to the temple. On the way home, I gave a lift to a stranger on my bike to the ferry ghat. As I passed through Nabadwip, I couldn't resist stopping at a famous shop to try some of the local dhai (curd) made with jaggery. All in all, it was a memorable and fulfilling day trip to Mayapur Iskon Temple.

Conclusion

I had a memorable experience visiting Mayapur and the ISKCON temple in West Bengal. It can be enriching to visit places with different cultural or spiritual backgrounds, as it allows us to expand our understanding and appreciation of the world around us. It is always rewarding to have the opportunity to experience new things and learn from them, whether we are spiritual or not. Overall, I would recommend everyone to visit Mayapur and the ISKCON temple, and that it was a meaningful and enjoyable experience for you.