8 Most Impressive Hare Krishna Temples Abroad

The Hare Krishna movement, also known as ISKCON, have lovely shrines in honour of Lord Krishna in intriguing places all over the world. In the streets of many a Western city you might bump into a procession of devotees singing and chanting Hare Krishna.

Pic: Kind courtesy ISKCON

Bhaktivedanta Manor, United Kingdom

The elegant centre at Watford, in a manor gifted by Beatles guitarist George Harrison in 1973, is especially famous for its grand Janmashtami celebrations, drawing devotees from across Europe.

Pic: Kind courtesy user:Dn9ahx/Wikimedia Commons

ISKCON Temple, USA

Established in 1971, the Los Angeles temple is one of the earliest and most important centres in America, serving as a vibrant spiritual hub, sharing the teachings of Krishna consciousness through devotional gatherings and via other means.

Pic: Kind courtesy ISKCON

ISKCON, Canada

This is the largest ISKCON centre in Canada and it is within a beautifully restored historic Toronto church since 1976.

Pic: Kind courtesy ISKCON

ISKCON, Russia

Moscow too has an ISCKON centre and temple since 1989. It is at its 19A Kuusinena Street address since 2013. It was begun by Bharadvaja Prabhu, a Soviet devotees of Krishna, who went to Vrindavan and came back a devotee.

Pic: Kind courtesy ISKCON

ISKCON New Vrindaban, USA

Established in the late 1960s, nestled in foothills of Appalachia, near Wheeling, West Virginia, is this ISKCON centres famous for the stunning Palace of Gold, originally built as a residence for Srila Prabhupada and now a major pilgrimage attraction, serving excellent vegetarian food.

Pic: Kind courtesy ISKCON

ISKCON Durban, South Africa

Inaugurated in 1985, the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple -- widely known as the Temple of Understanding -- stands as the largest Hare Krishna temple in Africa.

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ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Londonishvara, United Kingdom

The London temple holds the distinction of being the first ISKCON temple founded in the UK, dating back to 1969.

Pic: Kind courtesy ISKCON

ISKCON Schenectady, New York

Located at a sleepy town in upstate New York is a growing Hare Krishna centre at 942 Cutler Street that holds chant sessions and shares the teachings of Lord Krishna.

Pic: Kind courtesy ISKCON
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