Gita Press
A Monument of Dharma: Gita Press is a world-renowned publishing house and institution, established in 1923 by Jaya Dayal Goyanka and Hanuman Prasad Poddar. It is the world's largest publisher of Hindu religious texts, having published millions of copies of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramcharitmanas, Puranas, and other sacred literature in various Indian and international languages. Its primary mission is to promote the principles of Sanatana Dharma through accessible and affordable literature, often at a minimal price. The campus includes a main office, printing press, and the famous Leela Chitra Mandir (Picture Gallery). It is a non-profit organization that has significantly shaped the modern practice of Hinduism.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 HoursPlace Type:
Publishing House, Religious InstitutionEntry Fees:
General Entry: Free for all visitors. This aligns with its mission to make religious knowledge accessible.
Leela Chitra Mandir:: Free entry.
Cost of Books: Books are sold at cost or a very minimal price, fu...General Entry: Free for all visitors. This aligns with its mission to make religious knowledge accessible.
Leela Chitra Mandir:: Free entry.
Cost of Books: Books are sold at cost or a very minimal price, fulfilling the non-profit objective.
Parking Fees: Standard parking charges may apply for vehicles outside the complex.
Photography: Free for personal use. Exercise discretion, especially near the press machinery or staff working areas. :Timing:
Regular Timings: Typically open from Morning 10:00 AM to Evening 6:00 PM (bookshop and gallery). The press operation hours may vary. Closed on Sundays.
Ideal Visit Time: Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM) on a weekday for a balance of activi...Regular Timings: Typically open from Morning 10:00 AM to Evening 6:00 PM (bookshop and gallery). The press operation hours may vary. Closed on Sundays.
Ideal Visit Time: Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM) on a weekday for a balance of activity and crowd size.
Avoid: Sunday, as the entire complex is closed. Avoid closing time if you plan to browse the bookshop extensively.
Ideal Season: Winter is best, but as it's an indoor visit, any time of year is fine. :Special Events:
Gita Jayanti Celebration: The major festival, marking the day Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna (November/December), featuring special readings, discourses, and a book exhibition.
Founders' Anniversary: Annual events to hono...Gita Jayanti Celebration: The major festival, marking the day Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna (November/December), featuring special readings, discourses, and a book exhibition.
Founders' Anniversary: Annual events to honor the founders, often involving public lectures by spiritual leaders and literary figures.
Book Fairs and Exhibitions: The press often participates in or hosts large book fairs, offering discounts and special editions to the public. :Best Photo Spots:
The Leela Chitra Mandir Entrance: Capture the decorated entrance and facade of the Picture Gallery, emphasizing its traditional design.
The Book Stack Perspective: A photo inside the main bookshop, focusing on the sheer volume of books stack...The Leela Chitra Mandir Entrance: Capture the decorated entrance and facade of the Picture Gallery, emphasizing its traditional design.
The Book Stack Perspective: A photo inside the main bookshop, focusing on the sheer volume of books stacked on the shelves, to highlight the scale of their publishing.
The Gita Press Signage: A classic shot of the main institutional sign and building, marking the visit to the famous press.
Artwork Close-ups: Respectful, detailed non-flash photography of the painted panels inside the Leela Chitra Mandir, focusing on a favorite scene or character.
The Institutional Shot: A wide-angle view of the large, main administrative building for an impressive photo. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Visit the Leela Chitra Mandir:: Spend time viewing the hundreds of painted panels depicting the life stories (Leelas) of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, which are highly educational.
Purchase Religious Texts: Explore the vast bookshop to purchase affordable copies of the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and other religious/spiritual literature in various languages.
Observe the Printing Process (If Allowed): On non-peak days, you might get a brief, restricted view of the massive printing operation (always ask politely).
Attend a Discourse/Lecture: Check the local schedule for any spiritual discourses (Pravachans) or lectures being hosted on the premises.
Learn About the Founders: Read the plaques and information boards detailing the lives a...Visit the Leela Chitra Mandir:: Spend time viewing the hundreds of painted panels depicting the life stories (Leelas) of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, which are highly educational.
Purchase Religious Texts: Explore the vast bookshop to purchase affordable copies of the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and other religious/spiritual literature in various languages.
Observe the Printing Process (If Allowed): On non-peak days, you might get a brief, restricted view of the massive printing operation (always ask politely).
Attend a Discourse/Lecture: Check the local schedule for any spiritual discourses (Pravachans) or lectures being hosted on the premises.
Learn About the Founders: Read the plaques and information boards detailing the lives and mission of Jaya Dayal Goyanka and Hanuman Prasad Poddar.
Quick Visit to Ghanta Ghar:: Combine the trip with a visit to the nearby Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) and its bustling market.
Take a Quiet Walk: Walk around the campus to appreciate the calm, institutional atmosphere. :
Information
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Why Famous:
Scale of Publication: Famous as the world's largest publisher of Hindu religious texts, an achievement of immense cultural and religious significance.
The Bhagavad Gita: The primary source for millions of affordable copies of the Bhagavad Gi...Scale of Publication: Famous as the world's largest publisher of Hindu religious texts, an achievement of immense cultural and religious significance.
The Bhagavad Gita: The primary source for millions of affordable copies of the Bhagavad Gita and other core scriptures.
Leela Chitra Mandir:: The Picture Gallery, which visually narrates the lives of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, is a major attraction.
Non-Profit Model: Famous for its unique, non-profit, non-advertisement model of operation, reflecting dedication to its spiritual mission.
Kalyan Magazine: Associated with the hugely popular spiritual magazine Kalyan, edited by Hanuman Prasad Poddar. : -
Architecture:
Functional and Institutional: The architecture is primarily functional, designed for mass printing and institutional operation, with a strong emphasis on simplicity and accessibility.
Dimension: The main complex includes large printing halls...Functional and Institutional: The architecture is primarily functional, designed for mass printing and institutional operation, with a strong emphasis on simplicity and accessibility.
Dimension: The main complex includes large printing halls, administrative blocks, and a book-selling center.
Leela Chitra Mandir:: The Picture Gallery is the most architecturally distinct part, designed like a small temple or exhibition hall to house the painted panels. It features large, high walls and well-lit spaces to display the artwork, creating an atmosphere of reverence.
Materials: Uses common local construction materials, prioritizing utility and durability over decorative extravagance, reflecting the institution's non-profit, simple philosophy. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest is Gorakhpur Airport (GOP), about 10 KMS away. Take a taxi directly to the press, which is very close to the railway station.
By Train: Nearest is Gorakhpur Junction Railway Station (GKP), approx. 1 KM away. It is within w...By Air: Nearest is Gorakhpur Airport (GOP), about 10 KMS away. Take a taxi directly to the press, which is very close to the railway station.
By Train: Nearest is Gorakhpur Junction Railway Station (GKP), approx. 1 KM away. It is within walking distance or a very short auto-rickshaw/cycle-rickshaw ride from the main station exit.
By Road: Located on the busy Railway Station Road near the city center, easily accessible by all city transport.
By Local Transport: E-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are the most common ways to reach it from the station or the main Golghar area. : -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Different Types of Seasons: Winter (November to February) is the Best Season for the overall trip. The press complex is pleasant year-round.
Different Parts of the Day: Morning on a weekday offers the best chance to see the press in operati...Different Types of Seasons: Winter (November to February) is the Best Season for the overall trip. The press complex is pleasant year-round.
Different Parts of the Day: Morning on a weekday offers the best chance to see the press in operation (if allowed). Daytime is generally fine.
Festival Time: Visit during Gita Jayanti (November/December) for the special atmosphere and events. : -
Near Tourist Places:
Clock Tower (1 KM), Gorakhpur Junction Railway Station (0. 5 KM), Golghar Market (2 KMS), Imambara (3 KMS), Indira Bal Vihar Park (2 KMS), Geeta Vatika (3 KMS), Gorakhnath Temple (6 KMS), Gorakhpur Railway Museum (2 KMS), Baudh Sangrahalay (7 KMS), Nehru Park (3 KMS):
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The area around the railway station and press can be busy; be cautious of traffic. Wear a mask if visiting the printing sections (ink/paper dust).
Packing: Carry a shopping bag (cloth bag is best) as you will likely buy se...Health & Safety: The area around the railway station and press can be busy; be cautious of traffic. Wear a mask if visiting the printing sections (ink/paper dust).
Packing: Carry a shopping bag (cloth bag is best) as you will likely buy several books. Carry a small water bottle.
Accommodation: Numerous budget and mid-range hotels are available right next to the railway station, or better hotels in Civil Lines and Golghar (2-3 KMS).
Dress Code: No strict code, but modest clothing is appropriate out of respect for the religious nature of the institution.
Scholarly: Plan your visit to the Leela Chitra Mandir and bookshop first, leaving ample time to browse the texts. :
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