ISKCON Temple Madurai: Is it worth a visit?

While I was looking for places to explore in Madurai, ISKCON temple came up as an option. As I was debating if I should go there, one taxi driver said he is not aware of ISKCON temple. Second one said “there is nothing, no need to visit”. Another Ola driver said “I know it is there, but don’t know if it is good or not”. Apparently no one in Madurai seem to take this temple seriously. Internet literature confirmed that temple exists but very small.

With no other attractions left worth visiting around Madurai town, I decided to go there anyway and take a look. ISKCON Madurai is a super small building located in a small alley some 2kms away from Meenakshi temple. in Below are my findings and opinion about ISKCON Madurai.

As I entered, I was given a print out with the krishna chant (Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare) to be recited 108 times. I took my seat on left side of the hall (Right side is for women) after clicking two pictures. While I could see the deity, soon it was closed with the curtain. There were just a few staff. After sitting down for about 10-15 minutes I left, not before taking the Theertham and Prasad offered by one of the staffer

Is ISKCON Madurai a must visit attraction?

NO. It is very small and if you have visited bigger ISKCON temples (say in Bengaluru, Chennai or elsewhere) then this one can be easily skipped

Is ISKCON Madurai worth a short visit?
Yes. If you have an hour to spare and nothing else critical to do/visit, do drop by at ISKCON Madurai. It is good for a short meditation and visit

Is there a fee involved to visit ISKCON Temple in Madurai?
No. Entry is free, Shoe Stand is free. Free drinking water is provided for visitors. Of course you are free to donate or buy some books.

What are ISKCON temple Madurai opening timings?
5.30 am to 1 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM is the opening hour. Even within this, most of the time the idols will be in a covered status. Which means you can enter the temple building, but if you wish to see the god, you will have to wait (few minutes to half an hour or so max) till the curtain in-front of the idols is removed. So if you are going there go with at least 30 minutes to spare.

Where exactly is ISCON Temple in Madurai?
Madurai's ISKCON is listed on Google maps so there shouldn't be a challenge locating it. Address is
12/37, Maninagaram Main Road, Madurai, TN 625001. About 2 kms from Meenakshi amman temple, in the heart of Madurai city.

I wonder why cash rich ISKCON management settled for such a small campus in Madurai.

Similar: ISKCON Chennai Puja timings *