FAQ
His Divine Grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) is the founder-acharya of the ‘International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)’. He is widely regarded as the world's pre-eminent exponent of the teachings and practices of bhakti-yoga to the Western world.
Bhakti is a Sanskrit word meaning devotion. However, because devotion is shown in action or service, the more precise definition of bhakti is “service done with devotion to the divine”
Bhakti is our essential nature; the core of who we are as spiritual beings. Since bhakti lies within us, bhakti-yoga directs us to awaken our dormant devotion through daily spiritual practices, and also demonstrate our bhakti in every aspect of our lives – and in every relationship.
Narasimha mantra is a very powerful mantra and it is a prayer to Lord Narasimha, a form of Lord Vishnu, who protects his devotees and fights evil. Let’s explore its story, meaning, and how to use it.
"Om Ugram Veeram Maha-Vishnum Jvalantam Sarvato Mukham Nrisimham Bheeshanam Bhadram Mrityur-Mrityum Namaamyaham"
When we say this mantra, we are telling Lord Narasimha: "I bow to you, the fierce and brave Lord Vishnu, who shines brightly, is everywhere, looks half-man and half-lion, scares evil but is kind to us, and helps us overcome death."
Bhoga means food that you offer to Lord Krishna. The offered food becomes prasadam, which means “mercy.” Prasadam is special because God or Lord Krishna blesses it. When you eat prasadam, it helps you become spiritually stronger. If you do this regularly, it will cleanse your heart and bring you closer to God or Lord Krishna. This practice is very important at ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).
Many people might wonder: "Why do we need to offer food only to Lord Krishna when there are gods from other religions, and even within our own Sanatan Dharma, there are many gods and goddesses like Ganesh, Shiva, Lakshmi, and others? Why specifically Lord Krishna?"
The answer is simple yet profound. Lord Krishna is considered the Supreme Personality of Godhead, meaning He is the ultimate source of everything, including all other gods and goddesses. Think of it like this: He is the root of a tree, and the entire world—along with all its beings and deities—springs from Him. When you water the root of a plant, the nourishment naturally spreads to the whole tree—its branches, leaves, twigs, fruits, and flowers. In the same way, when we offer food or devotion to Lord Krishna, it automatically reaches and satisfies all the other gods and goddesses, because they all come from Him.
Benefits of offering bhoga to Lord Sri Krishna:
- Feel closer to God: It keeps Krishna in your thoughts.
- Clean away sins: The Bhagavad Gita says eating unoffered food brings sin. Prasadam fixes that.
- Bring peace: Many people feel calm and happy after eating prasadam.
- Grow your love: It’s a way to build a bond with Krishna.
To know the full procedure of bhoga offering, click here
ISKCON Whitefield offers specialized courses designed to enrich the spiritual and personal growth of individuals across various demographics, including students, professionals, senior citizens, expecting mothers, and children. Our six core programs include:
- Gita Course – Deep dive into the Bhagavad Gita’s wisdom for practical life application.
- Bhakti Sastri – A structured study of key Vedic scriptures.
- Bhakti Steps – A guided journey into devotional life.
- Mantra Meditation – Learn the transformative power of chanting.
- Garbhadana Samskara – Spiritual preparation for conscious parenting.
- Youth Program – Festival of Enlightenment – Empowering young minds with timeless wisdom.
Garbhadhana Samskara is an ancient Vedic ritual that helps couples prepare for having a child in a thoughtful, spiritual way. It’s not just about the physical act of conception; it’s about creating the right environment for a soul to enter the world with good qualities. If you’re thinking about starting a family, this practice can guide you to make it a sacred and meaningful journey. Our dedicated program helps expecting parents, especially mothers in their journey of bringing a healthy and spiritually conscious child to this world. Know more about this program
Bangalore is known for its tech companies and busy streets. But it has another side—a spiritual one. The city is full of temples and holy places that tell stories of faith and history. These spots are special, each with its own charm. Let’s take a look at some of the most famous ones and see what makes them stand out. Here are a few of the top holy places in and around Bangalore:
- ISKCON Whitefield
- ISKCON Sri Narasimha Giridhari Temple
- Anjaneya Swamy Temple in Ulsoor, Bangalore
Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Observed on the ninth day of Chaitra month, it’s a time for devotion and righteousness. At home, you can celebrate by cleaning your space, setting up a simple altar with Lord Rama’s image, offering flowers and sweets, chanting bhajans, reading the Ramayana, and performing aarti. Many observe a fast (full or partial) for spiritual purification, and the festival also encourages charity—sharing prasadam and helping the needy reflect Lord Rama’s values of kindness and service. Know the right process and details here
Sri Krishna Janmashtami, the divine celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth, is a time to deepen our devotion and purify our hearts. Scriptures emphasize that the essence of any vrata (vow) is to always remember Krishna and never forget Him. Observing Janmashtami at home brings peace, removes negativity, and invites divine blessings. Even an unconscious fast earns Krishna’s grace, and a devoted observance draws His love even closer. You can celebrate in a simple (Sarala Vrata) or a detailed (Sampurna Vrata) way, depending on your time and devotion. The day begins with an early morning prayer, chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, and reading or listening to Krishna’s pastimes from sacred texts. Fasting until midnight—whether fully, with water, or with fruits and milk—helps purify the soul. Decorate your home with Krishna’s footprints, create a sacred altar, and prepare a vegetarian offering without onion or garlic, as Krishna accepts even the simplest food given with love. Worship includes bathing the deity or a picture of Krishna, offering flowers, incense, and singing bhajans. A grand midnight arati marks His auspicious appearance, concluding the vrata. The key is to remember Krishna with love, whether following the simple or elaborate method—He sees the heart, and devotion in any form pleases Him. Know the right detailed process for celebrating Sri Krishna Janmashtami
An altar (puja ghar or mandir) is a sacred space for worship. Here’s a simple guide to setting it up:
- Choose a Spot – Find a clean, quiet, and well-lit place, away from distractions like the TV or Kitchen.
- Gather Essentials – Start with pictures of Srila Prabhupada, Lord Caitanya & Associates, and Radha-Krishna. You can add water cups, candles, incense, and flowers for a devotional touch.
- Set It Up – Arrange pictures with Radha-Krishna in the center, Srila Prabhupada on the left, and Lord Caitanya on the right. Keep the altar neat and respectful.
- Daily Worship – Clean the altar, offer fresh water, incense, and food, and chant the Hare Krishna mantra with devotion.
- Right Mindset – Worship with love and sincerity, not as a routine task. The altar is a space to connect with Krishna and strengthen your devotion.
Start simple and grow your altar over time! Know the in-depth process here
The Bhagavad Gita is a special book that helps people understand life and find peace. It is a conversation between Lord Krishna, who is the Supreme God, and Arjuna, a warrior prince. This talk happens on a battlefield called Kurukshetra, right before a big war. The Gita answers deep questions about who we are, what we should do, and how we can be free from suffering. It is a guide for anyone who wants to grow spiritually and live a better life.
Food for Life is ISKCON’s global initiative to provide free, nutritious, and sanctified vegetarian meals to those in need. Rooted in the belief that no one should go hungry, this program serves millions of meals worldwide, uplifting communities and spreading compassion through the simple act of feeding. At present, ISKCON Whitefield distributes over 10,000 meals every month and our New ISKCON Whitefield temple once ready will host a large kitchen with a capacity to serve 50,000 meals everyday.