ISKCON Temple – For Krishna worship, chanting, spiritual education
The ISKCON Temple in Tbilisi, also referred to as the ISKCON Vedic Culture Center, is a Hindu spiritual and cultural centre affiliated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Situated in the Avchala area of Tbilisi, the centre is located at 16 Ivane Kacharava Street, Tbilisi, Georgia.
The centre serves as a place for Krishna worship, devotional chanting, spiritual learning, cultural programmes and community engagement. Historical ISKCON publications have also listed the Tbilisi centre on Kacharava Street, highlighting its long-standing connection with the Krishna-consciousness community in Georgia.
1. Temple Address
ISKCON Temple / Vedic Culture Center
16 Ivane Kacharava Street, Avchala,
Tbilisi 0162, Georgia
Contact: +995 591 108 108
2. Temple Timings
Hours: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM, Monday to Sunday
Special Events: Sunday gatherings generally include spiritual programmes and prasadam around 4:00 PM.
Recommendation: Devotees should contact the Vedic Culture Center before making a special journey, particularly if they wish to attend a specific ceremony or visit outside normal daytime hours.
3. Aarti Timings
As an ISKCON centre, visitors may encounter devotional practices including Deity worship, kirtan, chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, spiritual talks and other Vaishnava practices.
4. Temple Entry – Free or Paid?
Temple visitation is generally associated with free entry for worship and devotional participation rather than a compulsory entrance ticket.
Visitors should nevertheless understand that:
A recent Tbilisi ISKCON-related festival announcement specifically stated that the event was conducted through voluntary donations.
5. Locker Facility
A dedicated locker facility for ordinary visitors is not available. Devotees carrying luggage or valuable belongings should therefore avoid assuming that lockers will be available. For larger bags, overnight stays or festival visits.
6. How to Reach / Travelling Options
By Air
From Tbilisi Airport
Travellers arriving at Tbilisi International Airport can use a taxi or other airport transport to reach the temple. Allow additional time for traffic and the distance from the airport to northern Tbilisi.
The temple is situated in the Avchala area of Tbilisi, north of the central parts of the city.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Service
Taxi or app-based transport is one of the most convenient options for first-time visitors. Enter 16 Ivane Kacharava Street / ISKCON Temple Tbilisi as the destination and verify the location with the driver.
By Public Transport
Tbilisi has an extensive public-transport network, including buses and the metro. Visitors travelling by public transport should check the latest route information because the most convenient combination may depend on their starting point.
By Car
The temple can be reached by road, but visitors should confirm the exact entrance and parking arrangements locally before travelling.
7. Stay Options for Devotees
The Tbilisi Vedic Culture Center has traditionally been linked with an ashram or residential accommodation for devotees. According to the available information about a recent devotional programme, free accommodation was offered on the temple premises to participants, who were advised to bring their own sleeping bag etc.
However, this should not be assumed to be permanent or available to every visitor.
Devotees planning an overnight stay should contact the temple in advance and ask about:
Nearby Commercial Accommodation
A range of hotels and guesthouses can also be found in the wider Tbilisi and Gldani-Nadzaladevi area. Online accommodation listings indicate that several properties are located approximately 2–4 km from the temple, depending on the specific property and the route taken.
8. Practical Recommendations While Visiting
Visitors to ISKCON Temple Tbilisi should consider the following:
9. Rituals and Festivals
The Tbilisi centre follows the devotional tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism associated with ISKCON. Visitors may encounter:
The ISKCON festival calendar features major Vaishnava celebrations, including Janmashtami, marking the appearance of Lord Krishna; Nandotsava; Radhashtami; Gaura Purnima; Ratha Yatra; Narasimha Chaturdashi; Govardhan Puja; and other religious observances. The exact festival schedule and programmes in Tbilisi may differ from year to year.
10. What You Can Expect at ISKCON Temple Tbilisi
A visit to the temple can provide an opportunity to experience a Hare Krishna devotional environment in Georgia.
Visitors may expect:
Spiritual Atmosphere
The centre provides an environment for prayer, chanting, meditation and devotional practice.
Kirtan
Congregational chanting and musical devotional singing are important elements of ISKCON spiritual practice.
Vedic Culture
The centre describes itself as a Vedic Culture Center, focusing on activities related to Vedic philosophy, spiritual practices, and cultural education.
Community Interaction
Visitors may meet local devotees as well as international followers and spiritual travellers.
Prasadam
Depending on the day’s programme, visitors may have an opportunity to receive or participate in devotional vegetarian food offerings.
Festivals and Special Programmes
Major Vaishnava festivals can transform the centre into a lively gathering place with extended chanting, lectures, ceremonies and prasadam.
11. Nearby Attractions
After visiting ISKCON Temple Tbilisi, travellers can explore other attractions in and around Tbilisi and the surrounding region.
Tbilisi Old Town
The historic centre of Tbilisi features traditional architecture, narrow streets, churches, sulphur-bath areas, cafés and viewpoints.
Narikala Fortress
One of Tbilisi’s best-known historic landmarks, offering panoramic views over the city.
Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi
Also known as Sameba, this prominent cathedral is one of the major religious landmarks of the Georgian capital.
Mtatsminda
A well-known hill overlooking Tbilisi, with scenic views and recreational attractions.
Mtskheta
The historic city of Mtskheta lies beyond central Tbilisi and holds great significance for Georgia’s Christian heritage. The wider region is home to renowned landmarks such as Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
Visitors planning a sightseeing programme should allow sufficient travel time because the temple is in the Avchala area rather than in Tbilisi’s historic central district.
12. Conclusion
ISKCON Temple at 16 Ivane Kacharava Street, Tbilisi, Georgia, serves as an important centre for Krishna consciousness and Vedic cultural activities in the Georgian capital. Its connection with the Krishna-consciousness community in Tbilisi dates back many years. Today, the Vedic Culture Center continues to offer a space for devotional worship, spiritual learning, chanting, cultural programmes and community gatherings.
For pilgrims and travellers, the temple offers an opportunity to experience Gaudiya Vaishnava devotional traditions in Tbilisi. Because daily schedules, Aarti times, accommodation and special programmes can change, visitors are strongly advised to contact the centre before travelling and confirm the latest arrangements.
MandirMahima.Org Recommendation: Treat this as a devotional and cultural visit rather than simply a sightseeing stop. Respect temple etiquette, confirm the current programme in advance and allow sufficient time to participate peacefully in the spiritual atmosphere.