By Radhika Kripa Mataji
Gurugram, earlier known as Gur-goan, carries a sacred place in India’s ancient history. The name itself means “the village of the Guru”, referring to Guru Dronacharya, the revered teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas in the Mahabharata. According to tradition, this land was offered to Guru Dronacharya by King Dhritarashtra as a token of respect for his wisdom and guidance.
Over time, “Gur goan” evolved into “Gurugram”, yet the spiritual essence of the name remained. Though the city has grown into a modern economic powerhouse—home to technology, innovation, and global enterprises—it continues to be rooted in its ancient identity. Underneath the skyscrapers lies a legacy of learning, discipline, devotion, and the timeless bond between teacher and student.
Today, as a temple rises in this historic city, it reconnects Gurugram to its original spirit—honouring the guru, celebrating dharma, and offering a sanctuary for spiritual growth. Gurugram is the modern “city of growth” attracting thousands to reside here.
It is in this inspiring environment of growth and grace that the new temple opens—offering residents a sacred space for peace, upliftment, and spiritual rejuvenation.
Gurugram – “The City of the Guru.”
The newly inaugurated ISKCON Temple in Sector 45, Gurugram—the second ISKCON temple in the city—stands as a breathtaking example of Rajasthani architectural grandeur blended with Vaishnava spiritual vibrance. The exterior façade draws immediate attention with its intricately carved sandstone-inspired patterns, graceful jharokha-style balconies, and traditional chhatris crowning the upper levels, evoking the regal aesthetics of Jaipur and Jodhpur palaces.
The temple’s warm, earthy color palette reflects the golden glow of Rajasthan’s desert palette, creating a sense of timeless beauty. Delicate stone-work motifs, lotus carvings, and symmetrical arches lend the structure a divine elegance, while the tall shikharas rising above the sanctum add a majestic verticality that announces the temple’s sacred presence from afar.
With its fusion of devotional artistry and royal Rajasthani charm, the Sector 45 temple stands as a beacon of culture and spirituality—a proud addition to Gurugram’s growing ISKCON family, following the first temple established in Badshahpur. The new temple’s exterior already radiates the promise of becoming an iconic landmark, offering both architectural inspiration and transcendental upliftment to all who approach it.
Every brick, every carving and every detail of the temple reflects the love, service and sacrifice of the vaisnavas who served selflessly under the guidance and blessings of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami.
From the initial planning to the final finishing touches, devotees contributed in diverse ways—some through physical service, some through expert skills, some through financial assistance, and many through heartfelt prayers. Teams worked day and night, often in challenging circumstances, united by one single desire: to please Guru Maharaja and Srila Prabhupada and offer a beautiful temple that stands as a testament to their vision.
This temple is not merely a structure of stone and artistry—it is a monument of collective devotion, built on the sincere determination of the devotees who never gave up, even when obstacles appeared. Their consistent efforts echo the spirit taught by Srila Prabhupada: “Working together in harmony for Krishna’s pleasure is the essence of devotional life.”
In the year 2014 after a prolonged and persisitent effort HG Acyuta Hari das and his wife HG Anirudha devi dasi were finally able to obtain the land from HUDA. They endured many challenges and finally secured the land paving the way for this sacred project.
The groundbreaking ceremony happened that same year in the presence of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami ji and many esteemed guests.
The project was initiated though moved forward only at snail’ pace. The construction commenced yet the progress was extremely slow. Under the direction and mercy of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja ,HG Veda Vyas Prabhu and HG Rasapriya prabhu joined the project’s service. With a history of successful service in Bahadurgarh , Badshahpur and Rohini their team added great strength to the project. Rasapriya Prabhu’s exquisite taste in art reflects beautifully in the temple’s exteriors and interiors. The interiors radiate a sublime taste of art.
The altar is an exquisite marble shrine adorned with 24-carat gold leafing, creating a divine and regal atmosphere around the Deities. It is crafted from pure white marble, giving it a serene, luminous base .The marble surface is polished to a high shine, reflecting light beautifully and creating a pristine, sacred environment.
The entire structure—columns, arches, borders, and panel carvings—is richly decorated with 24-carat gold leafing. The gold work is not just applied but intricately patterned, enhancing every carved detail.
The pillars glow with a warm golden radiance, elevating the spiritual aura of the temple room.
The combination of marble purity, gold opulence, and devotional artistry makes this altar an extraordinary example of temple craftsmanship. It radiates grandeur, devotion, and meticulous attention to detail—perfectly befitting the worship of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath with beautiful Lalita and Vishakha.
The wooden carved doors welcome every visitor with their intricate craftsmanship, setting a tone of traditional beauty right from the entrance. A graceful fountain outside the temple adds serenity to the surroundings, creating a peaceful ambiance for all who approach.
Inside, Śrīla Prabhupāda’s āsan stands as a stunning masterpiece, intricately carved in the form of a majestic peacock, symbolizing devotion, purity, and divine artistry.
Perhaps the most beautiful highlight of the entire complex is the Book Shop—The Matchless Gift Shop. Its charm is elevated by stunning stained-glass panels depicting Śrīla Prabhupāda, Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam,Krishna book and Back to Godhead magazine with the picture of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj, making it a spiritual treasure house for seekers and devotees alike. The Book Shop’s intricately hand carved wooden walls glow with stained glass depictions of divine images creating a sacred serene atmosphere.
Illuminated stained glass brings to life the serene images of cow,parrot ,peacock adding a sacred vibrancy to the space.
The inaugration of the temple took place on the 4 th and 5 th November 2025 graced by the presence of esteemed GBC members and several senior devotees. HH Guru Prasad Maharaja ji (GBC Chairman) and HG Mahaman (Zonal secretary) presided the ceremonies ,lending his spiritual guidance to the auspicious events. The celebrations began on the 4 th with auspicious “Netro Milan” followed by ’Shayan Adivas.” Words fail to capture the unmatched beauty of the Deities ,radiating divine love and bliss. Their beauty is unparalleled.
During the auspicious Deity installation ceremony atmosphere became spiritually surcharged by the divine kirtan of His Holiness B B Govinda Swami . His ecstatic, heart-melting kirtan uplifted everyone present and transformed the entire ceremony into a transcendental celebration of the Lord’s arrival.
Devotees felt immense grace as Maharaj’s chanting invoked deep devotion, unity, and joy. The holy names resounded throughout the temple, creating a sacred ambience.
Deities new residence resplendent with devotion and magnificence welcomes all.
Rasapriya prabhu’s hard work and unwavering dedication brought the temple project to fruition. His divine designing imbued the temple with a transcendent beauty. Through his inspired design work, the temple was transformed into a sacred ‘Masterpiece.” His meticulous designing reflects both devotion and artistic excellence.
I vividly remember my promise to HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja ji (Guru Maharaja ji) in the month of March 2024. He was discussing this particular project with my husband (Rasapriya prabhu) and expressed his concerns and worries. Just like Srila Prabhupada Guru Maharaja ji too desired the temples to be extraordinarily beautiful like palaces for the Supreme Lord. I repeatedly assured him that this would turn out to be very beautiful and he will be amazed when it would be ready.
On the 4th and 5th November my question to all the senior devotees and sanyasis those who all visited the temple on it’s inaugration was “How they found the Temple?”
They lovingly said “Beautiful,” “Magnificent,” “Exquisite,” “Mesmerising,” and it felt as though Guru Maharaja ji’s heart was smiling.
With heartfelt gratitude, I can say that my promise has been kept.
At the Lotus Feet of Guru Maharaj ji, I humbly declare : my promise kept.
Today, as the Sector 45 temple opens its doors, it stands not only as the second ISKCON temple in Gurugram but also as a shining example of what devotees can achieve when inspired by the blessings of Guru Maharaja and united in the service of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath.
Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116732%20imp
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