The TOVP Story 1971-2024 ~ From Kutir to Mandir

Follow the incredible story of the rise of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) from a straw hut in rat and cobra infested rice fields in the middle of nowhere of 1971 West Bengal, to the largest Vedic temple in modern history in 2024, scheduled to open in 2026.

- Srila Prabhupada

A Few Words of Introduction

It is in the words of great saints, prophets and holy men that we receive inspiration, knowledge and the key to our eternal life. And their words are also often prophetic and reveal a glorious spiritual future for all of humanity. The words and teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, following in the footsteps of the Gaudiya Vaishnava Parampara (preceptorial succession), certainly fulfill this caliber of wisdom and prophecy, as all his sincere followers can attest. And particularly with respect to the divine avatar of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, non-different from Sri Krishna, such revealing words as the ones above present a vision and hope for humanity that the floodgates of love of God as opened to the world by Lord Caitanya Himself will continue to remain so for thousands of years to come.

on the part of the followers of Srila Prabhupada to fulfill his final, epochal desire and offering to his predecessor gurus and Lord Caitanya. By building this magnificent temple/planetarium at the birthplace of Lord Caitanya in Sridham Mayapur, West Bengal, the Lord is being glorified and His message spread like never before. It is hoped that the temple will reach a level of influence and importance as to become one of the future wonders of the world. This book, The TOVP Story 1971 - 2026, presents a concise history and photo collection of the project from its earliest inception to its current status. It is our hope that after perusing this book the reader will also be inspired to participate and help the project financially so we can together offer this wonderful and unique temple to Srila Prabhupada at its three month Grand Opening in 2026.

The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) represents a humble attempt

From the front cover quote

Srila Prabhupada, now that the Lotus Building is complete, should we demolish the straw house since we don’t use it anymore? ‘No, let people see – this is what we were’, and with a grand swing of his left arm he pointed up to his left where the TOVP now stands and said, ‘and what we have become’. -Srila Prabhupada, 1971

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Founder- Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977)

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is widely regarded as the foremost Vedic scholar, author, and teacher of the modern era. He is especially respected as the world's most prominent contemporary authority on bhakti-yoga - devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, as taught by the ancient Vedic scriptures of India. He is also the Founder- Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). During the last twelve years of his life, he single-handedly launched one of the fastest-growing spiritual movements in the history of the world. He circled the globe fourteen times, bringing the teachings of Krishna Consciousness to millions of people. With the help of over 5,000 full- time disciples and followers he opened over a hundred temples and rural communities. He also authored over seventy books on Krishna bhakti, which

are highly respected by scholars, philosophers and religious leaders for their authority, depth, clarity, and fidelity to tradition. The Mayapur Project in Navadvipa, West Bengal, India, the birthplace of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, is one of Srila Prabhupada’s foremost gifts to his followers, and a shelter for all ISKCON devotees. He requested his followers from all over the world to come to Mayapur and live according to the principles laid down in the Vedic literatures. He envisioned not only an astonishing temple that would inspire a religious experience and transformative knowledge, but a city dedicated to spiritual education, culture, and community; a perpetual festival of devotion to Lord Krishna.

Vision

Now you all together make this Vedic Planetarium very nice, so that people will come and see. From the description in the Srimad-Bhagavatam you prepare this Vedic Planetarium. My idea is to attract people of the whole world to Mayapur.

-Srila Prabhupada, 1976

Chairman ' s Message

Vice Chairman’s Message

To all our TOVP supporters, I happily present to you this TOVP memento about the progress of this world-changing, historic project since its original inception by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1971, up to the present year, 2024. We are forever grateful to you for your dedication and devotion to help make this a reality. Most recently we opened the Nrsimhadeva Wing in March, 2024, the largest Nrsimha temple in the world and home of our Divine Protector. Coming in February, 2025 will be the opening of the A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Legacy Museum in the TOVP, which, when completed will be a 21,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art museum, the largest of its kind for any spiritual leader in history. In 2026 we will be opening an immense yajnasala in front of the TOVP in preparation for the TOVP opening. Simultaneously, we are also focusing on the completion of the main Wing and altar, and are already making preparations for a 3-month-long Grand Opening Festival for the TOVP to begin in December, 2026 until Gaur Purnima, 2027. Thank you for being a part of this unprecedented, transcendental journey. I hope to see you in Mayapur soon. Braja Vilasa das

Dear Friends and Well-wishers,

The most prominent external features of the TOVP will be its three towering domes. The highest and central dome, more than three hundred feet tall and the largest of its kind in the world, will house three sets of Deities. With an overall square footage of 700,000 square feet to the temple, the main temple hall, 2.5 acres in size, is alone capable of holding ten thousand people. The temple superstructure, was built by Gammon India, one of the largest construction companies in India, under the guidance of Mr. Vibhuti Choudhary, the main consultant. External and internal finishing work is now moving ahead rapidly with the expert guidance of a world leading Project Management Consultancy (PMC), Cushman & Wakefield. As a token of love and immense gratitude for the unfathomable gift of Krishna consciousness that Srila Prabhupada gave to the world, the TOVP Team desires to present this grand temple to him in 2026. Please accept this book as an invitation to join in this incredible journey. By assisting Srila Prabhupada and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to build this temple, you will create immeasurable spiritual assets for your family for generations to come. It is the greatest philanthropic effort for the eternal welfare of all humanity.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to read about an amazing, world-class project, which at this moment is rising in the holy place of Sridham Mayapur in the beautiful district of Nadia, West Bengal. Mayapur is the birthplace of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu - the scheduled incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, for this age of Kali. Sri Caitanya appeared over five hundred years ago to inaugurate the yuga-dharma of chanting the Holy Names of God, Hare Krishna, and to freely distribute pure bhakti, love for the Lord. His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada named the Mayapur Temple complex ‘Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir - Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP).’ Chandrodaya means ‘Rising Moon,’indicating that the moon of Lord Caitanya’s mercy will rise in Mayapur and spread around the world. Srila Prabhupada had a clear vision for the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, one he often expressed. He wanted a unique Vedic planetarium/temple combination to present the Vedic perspective of life, including a gigantic display of the material and spiritual worlds, which visitors could view from different levels as they walked through the planetarium. He wanted something startling and state- of-the-art to attract people from around the world to Mayapur. This new temple will be the largest Vedic temple built in the last one thousand years, and Srila Prabhupada is the original architect for the project. In his letters and conversations, he clearly outlined its key features, which have served as the prototype for the TOVP.

Alfred Ford (Ambarisa Dasa), great-grandson of the famous American industrialist Henry Ford, Chairman of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Braja Vilasa das, Vice Chairman and Director of Development of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Mayapur Office

U.S. Office

Canada Office

UK/Euro Office

BrajaVilasa das Director of Development brajavilasa.rns@gmail.com

Daya Sita devi dasi Office Manager tovpfoundation@gmail.com 386-462-9000 TOVP Foundation, Inc. PO Box 609 Alachua, FL 32616 Checks: TOVP Foundation

Indresh das Country Coordinator tovpcanada@gmail.com 888-412-7088 TOVP Canada Seva Office PO Box 825 Maple, ON L6A 1S8 Checks: ISKCON Brampton

Sukanti Radha Dasi Region Coordinator tovpuk@gmail.com +44 7803 608641 TOVP UK - ISKCON Natl. Off. 1 Watford Road Radlett, Hertfordshire WD7 8LA UK Checks: ISKCON (For UK only!)

+91 96359 90391 ISKCON Mayapur TOVP Seva Office Sri Mayapur, Nadia WB 741313

With deep gratitude and sincere best wishes,

Ambarisa dasa

Stay Informed

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TOVP photography by Thakur Saranga Das Layout and Design by Balaram Dauji Das © 2009-2024 Temple of the Vedic Planetarium

An Astounding Temple

eka adbhuta mandira ei haibe prakaça gauraìga nitya-seva haibe vikaça

“An astounding temple will appear and will engage the entire world in the eternal service of Lord Caitanya.”

-Lord Nityananda

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu A Devotional Renaissance

In 1486, Sri Caitanya appeared in Mayapur, West Bengal, India. In His youth He became famous as a scholar and teacher of logic. But after His initiation from Isvara Puri, He absorbed Himself instead in the chanting of Lord Krishna’s names in devotional ecstasy. In opposition to the rigid social practices of the day, Sri Caitanya and His followers recognized no barriers to participation in sankirtan, the congregational chanting of the Lord’s holy names. Their devotional enthusiasm and egalitarianism gave birth to the sankirtan movement, inspiring people from all walks of life to experience the highest spiritual state, pure love of God, and to share it freely with others, regardless of caste, race, or creed.

Sri Caitanya accepted the renounced order of sannyasa in His twenties and traveled the length and breadth of India, teaching and promoting the practice of bhakti-yoga—especially the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra—for this age of Kali. He taught that spiritual development should be the central goal of human society. This was India’s devotional renaissance. He was not only accepted as a saint by common men, but also as a divine incarnation - the Golden Avatar - by His devout followers.

Prophecies

When our Lord [Caitanya] disappears, by His desire the Ganges will swell. The water will almost cover Mayapur for a hundred years and then recede. For some time, only the land will remain, devoid of houses. Then by the Lord’s desire, Mayapur will again become prominent and people will live there as before. All the ghats on the bank of the Ganges will again become visible and the devotees will build temples . . . In this way, the devotees will reveal the lost places. Know this for certain: at the end of four hundred years, the task of recovering the lost holy places will begin. - Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Navadvipa Dhama Mahatmya

Srila Prabhupada’s vision of the ISKCON Mayapur Project was born from a prediction made by Lord Nityananda, the closest associate of Sri Caitanya. Speaking more than four hundred years ago, the Lord told Srila Jiva Gosvami:

Aerial view of the TOVP from across the Jalangi

Bird's-eye view of the entire TOVP structure with domes and chatris

Inheriting the Legacy

In 1893, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura rediscovered Lord Caitanya's original birthplace. He then personally collected a single rupee from over 50,000 homes in order to build a magnificent temple at the Yoga-pitha - the birth-site and place that connects the mundane earth to the spiritual world. Ever since, the reputation of Mayapur and the appreciation of Lord Caitanya’s teachings has grown steadily. Lord Caitanya’s birthplace and the sites of His early pastimes in Mayapur have immense significance for devotees, Hindus, scholars and spiritually-minded people throughout the world. In his time, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura stood alone in believing that Lord Caitanya’s birthplace could inspire worldwide appeal. His son, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, continued to develop Mayapur, and expanded his father’s work by establishing sixty-four temples in India. He instructed his followers to share the teachings of Lord Caitanya in the West. His wish was not broadly fulfilled until 1965, nearly thirty years after his demise, when his disciple, Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, arrived in New York with no resources or support. Within a decade, Bhaktivedanta Swami, later known as Srila Prabhupada, had established the worldwide confederation of temples, educational centers and farm projects known today as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

The temple at the Yogapitha, birthsite of Sri Caitanya in Sridham Mayapur, established by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur on March 20, 1893

Fulfillment of the Mission

A day will come when the fortunate Russians, Prussians, English, French, Americans and all other nations shall come together in Sri Mayapur under the banner of Sri Caitanya and raise kirtan throughout the land of Nadia !

- Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, 1896

This prediction was fulfilled less than a hundred years after its utterance. For more than 50 years now, devotees, pilgrims and spiritual seekers of all paths have come together in Sridham Mayapur through kirtan. All differences become insignificant, all designations disappear. By this joyful process, envy, anger and greed are cleansed from the heart, and our desire to serve the Supreme Lord and all living beings blossoms. But so many more could benefit.

The final purpose of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium is to effect a worldwide change in consciousness that will bring about the eternal welfare of all humanity. Krishna consciousness is the pure and original state of being of all souls, after attaining which we can enter into our eternal life of knowledge and bliss. To bring this immensely important opportunity and message to all peoples of the world is the sacred task we are charged with. Please join us in this endeavor and be forever blessed for your service to Godhead and humanity.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

1975 Gaura Purnima Festival in Sridham Mayapur attended by hundreds of devotees from around the world, fulfilling the prediction of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur

My son! This place of Mayapura-Navadvipa that you reside within is also purely transcendental. However, as there is a net of maya covering your perception, you are unable to realize the innate transcendence of this place. When, by the mercy of the saintly souls, your spiritual vision arises, then you will be able to see this holy land as it really is. You will see that Mayapura and Navadvipa are transcendental realms; then only will your stay here be realized as the perfection of vraja-vasa, residence in Vraja.

- Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, Jaiva-dharma, Chapter 13

A Holy Land

Front view of the TOVP

Navadvipa is described in the Vedic scriptures as a lotus with nine petals or 'islands.' Here, emerald-hued paddy fields spread out in all directions, veiling the spiritual reality with the beauty of the lush Bengali countryside. The center of that mystical lotus is Mayapur, the birthplace of Lord Caitanya, the Golden Avatar. Mayapur is a small town in the district of Nadia, in the state of West Bengal, 140 km north of Kolkata. To the casual observer, Mayapur is an obscure little

pilgrimage town. But history and scripture have shown that Mayapur is an extraordinary and powerful tirtha - a holy place where the Lord personally appeared, and wherein sacred deeds performed beget immeasurable spiritual and material benefits. The heart of the Mayapur city is the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, and its soul the Supreme Godhead, manifest in His gorgeous Deity forms.

Within the heart of the Deity, the innermost sanctum of Mayapur, lives divine love, now and always expressed by devotees through acts of devotional service, especially the chanting of the Holy Names of the Lord. All become united here in a common exchange of love and service amongst themselves and to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna.

We are trying to construct a city where people from all over the world can come to visit and live according to the Vedic tenets of 'simple living and high thinking.' - Srila Prabhupada letter to Mr. Hunter, 1976

Spiritual Capital of the World

As the setting for the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, Mayapur will continue to flourish into a vibrant, diverse and international city, a global community whose central goal is spiritual development in harmony with modern but simple material life. In practicing an ethic of sustainable development, Mayapur will model the social and economic principles of an ideal human society as outlined in the Vedic scriptures.

Today Mayapur is home to devotees from all corners of the world, who are contributing actively in its development. Devotees from different countries, speaking different languages, having different cuisines and cultures, are living harmoniously in Krishna consciousness. This is a major attraction for pilgrims from all over the world.

East View of TOVP

DFromntevCiehwakorfaSsri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir

A Shrine of our Time

The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium aims to make a wholesome, authentic spiritual life once again appealing to people throughout the world. Thousands of visitors arrive daily to experience the spiritual ambiance. Pilgrimage to Sri Mayapur has increased steadily over the past thirty years, largely due to ISKCON’s efforts in spreading the teachings of Sri Caitanya both within India and globally.

The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium will expand its service as a global center of pilgrimage to become the pre-eminent destination for seekers and students of spiritual culture. By the confluence of art, technology, philosophy, and religious culture, the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium will inspire, enliven, and educate millions of people in the universal principles of spiritual science.

Throughout the world there is no institution to impart education in the matter of spiritual understanding. So, we are going to open a big center in Mayapur where this education will be internationally imparted. Students from all parts of the world will go there to take education in this important subject.

-Srila Prabhupada, 1971

Aerial view from the rear east side

A Temple for the Millennium At the foundation of every civilization lies its world-view, which inspires its art and culture. This shared perspective shapes the values and sets the direction of a society. The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium will give visitors a unique insight into the Vedic world-view which is not only spiritual, but scientific and practical as well. Modern scientific thought asserts that creation is essentially mechanistic, impersonal, and without basis in a higher intelligence. Societies which adopt this viewpoint seek to benefit from an increased standard of living on the material level. Unfortunately, a tendency then follows to minimize or criticize religion as an impediment to progress. The results can be seen in societies both developed and developing: disintegration of the family, substance abuse, mental illness, and the general degradation of morality and culture. In a rapidly changing world that is as bewildered as it is bewildering, the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium will re-orient us to our place in the universe, and show us how to arrive at our heart’s true spiritual destination through the practice of Krishna consciousness. The mission of the Sri Mayapur Project, in establishing the Temple of the Vedic

Front view of Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir

The mission of the Sri Mayapur Project, in establishing the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, is to reclaim the credibility of the ancient Vedic knowledge - a comprehensive knowledge which accommodates both one's material and spiritual needs. In order to properly present the Vedic view, and at the same time expose the flaws in the materialistic concept of life, various subjects of contemporary and universal interest will be explored and developed within different areas of the Temple. I have named this temple Sri Mayapur Candrodaya Mandir, the Rising Moon of Mayapur. Now make it rise, bigger and bigger until it becomes the full moon. And this moonshine will be spread all over the world. All over India they will come to see. From all over the world they will come. -Srila Prabhupada, 1974 The temple is being designed according to the sacred architecture that has facilitated spiritual self-realization for millions of people throughout the ages. Simply seeing the outside of the temple will evoke appreciation, and awaken the dormant devotion for God in every sincere seeker. The centerpiece of the temple is the Vedic Cosmic Chandelier which offers a tour of the various regions of the cosmic creation. Beginning from the lower planets, pilgrims travel up through the earthly realm and then on to the higher planetary systems before passing beyond the boundary of the material universe. Within the spiritual realm, visitors view the various spiritual planets, before finally arriving at the topmost spiritual abode of the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna.

Project History

1971

1972

1976

1980

1986

1996

2004

2009

2016

2020

2018

2021

2024

Pujari Floor Completed

Chakra Installation

Prabhupada Murti Welcomed

Nrsimhadeva Wing Grand Opening

First Gaura Purnima Festival Installation of Ananta-Sesha Deity in the foundation pit of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium

Gaura Purnima Srila Prabhupada reveals details for his Temple of the Vedic Planetarium

Gaura Purnima Sri Radha-Madhava Deities are installed

Gaura Purnima 500 th Anni- versary Lord Nrsimhadeva Deity is installed

Gaura Purnima Srila Prabhupada's Puspa Samadhi Mandir is opened and murti installed

Gaura Purnima Sri Pancatattva Deities are installed

TOVP construction begins

Superstructure completed

Sri Mayapur Project established by Srila Prabhupada

Ambarisa laying the first auspicious copper plate at one of the four corners of the construction site, 2009

Srila Prabhupada placing the Ananta Sesha deity in the TOVP foundation pit, 1972

Tree clearing on the first day of grounds preparation, 2009

The first of 2500+ foundation ‘piles’ being driven, 2009

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a e p,

g e d e

Inauguration fire yajna, 2009

Sri Pancha Tattva installed, 2004

TOVP superstructure completed, 2016

Bajan kutir, 1971

Srila Prabhupada viewing first TOVP model, 1972

r e. a g s h ” o, a d s P

Sri Sri Chota Radha Madhava installation, 1972

Sri Sri Radha Madhava installed, 1980

Lord Nrsimhadeva arrives in Mayapur, 1986

Chakra Installation 2018

Pujari Floor Opening 2020

Prabhupada Welcome Ceremony 2021

Nrsimha Wing Opening 2024

Features of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium

Comparison to other Religious Structures The temple complex is 600,000 square feet, and the total height of the temple is 370 ft (113m).

1. This is the largest Vedic temple built in modern history at 600,000 sq. ft./65,032 sq. m. and a height of 370 ft./113 m., with three domes and eight Chatris, encompassing a footprint of 16 acres, and has been built to last for hundreds of years. 2. The temple hall is the largest in the world at 2.5 acres and capable of accommodating 10,000 people. 3. The main temple dome, at 177 ft./54 m. diameter and 114 ft./35m. height, is the largest stainless-steel dome of its kind in the world. 4. The solid titanium Chakras and Kalashes atop the three temple domes are the largest of any known Vedic temple, the main dome Chakra measuring at 23 ft./7 m. in diameter. 5. The exterior temple structure is adorned by in-house- manufactured cornices, volutes, peacock statues and other ornamental pieces, and specially crafted sky-blue ceramic tiles embellished with stars and ribbons have been mounted onto the three domes. 6. Immense, in-house-manufactured pillars stand throughout the interior and exterior of the temple, set with the highest quality marble in the world.

been fitted into the white-marbled exterior walls of the structure. 8. Inlaid marble walls and floors will cover the entire temple interior, along with beautiful, locally-made bas- relief panels and paintings on its walls. 9. Within the main temple hall is situated the largest Vedic altar in the world, made from the best blue and white marble with gold inlays (134 ft./41 m. long, 49 ft./15 m. tall, 48 ft./15 m. wide), giving darshan of the murtis of Radha Madhava and the Ashta-Sakhis, Pancha Tattva and the Gaudiya Vaishnava Guru Parampara. 10. The Deity Seva Facility (Pujari Floor) consists of 69 dedicated rooms such as kitchens, dress making and storage rooms, arati preparation rooms, festival paraphernalia rooms and flower garland making rooms, spanning an area of 2.5 acres, and is the largest of its kind in the world. 11. Hanging from the ceiling within the Main Temple Dome is the centerpiece of the temple, a massive rotating cosmic chandelier 200 ft./61 m. high and 100 ft./30 m. wide, depicting the universe according to Vedic authority, ascending from the material to the spiritual world. 12. The East Wing Dome houses the solid granite and marble-clad altar of Prahlad Nrsimhadeva embellished

with gold ornamentation and decorative elements in the form of chakras, peacocks, lotuses and other floral designs, and its size is 37 ft./11 m. in length, 26.5 ft./8 m. wide and 37 ft./11 m. in height. 13. Under the West Wing Dome will be the 200 seat, full-dome planetarium theater which will be used for screening a range of presentations of Vedic cosmology, philosophy and science, as well as for lectures, conventions and similar events. A Science Center/ Exhibition Hall will be on the lower level. 14. Four floors of exhibits encompassing 84,000 sq. ft./7,800 m. will utilize cutting-edge technologies such as projection mapping, virtual and augmented reality, holograms, motion-based simulations and more to present various aspects of Vedic science and philosophy, challenging modern mechanistic and atheistic views of reality. 15. Situated on over 60 acres of land, the temple will be surrounded by gorgeous gardens and walkways, water displays, residential quarters, shops, restaurants and schools, all within the expanding Vedic City of ISKCON Mayapur.

St. Peter's Basilica Vatican City 138m

Temple of the Vedic Planetarium Mayapur, India 113m

St. Paul's Cathedral London, United Kingdom 111m

Taj Mahal Agra, India 73m

Hagia Sofia Istanbul, Turkey 55m

7. 45 exquisite Jaipur-style sandstone windows have

ISKCON, The International Society for Krishna Consciousness

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), otherwise known as the Hare Krishna movement, was established in 1966 by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. In the fifty-plus years since then it has flourished into a worldwide community of devotees practicing Krishna Consciousness, or loving devotional service to Krishna. Today ISKCON includes over one thousand major temples, centers and rural communities all around the world. ISKCON belongs to the Gaudiya-Vaishnava sampradaya lineage , a monotheistic tradition within the Vedic or Hindu culture. Srila Prabhupada worked tirelessly to translate the main Vaisnava scriptures and their commentaries into English, and the great potency of his books is due to his resolute loyalty to the teachings of this authentic, unbroken lineage.

Services since 1966

ESTABLISHMENTS

OUTREACH

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

1000+ temples, centers, schools and colleges

95,000 initiated devotees 9 million + people worship at ISKCON temples each year

4.5 billion + meals distributed by Food for Life 1.2 million + meals being served daily to children in India 340,000 + patients treated at ISKCON hospitals annually

50+ schools and colleges 65+ ISKCON farms & rural communities

6000 public festivals every year

516 million books and magazines distributed in 87 languages

110+ vegetarian restaurants

TOVP.ORG © 2009 - 2024 Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. All rights reserved. Project of the International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Founder-Ācārya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda

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