The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), popularly known as the Hare Krishna movement, has played a significant role in Nepal’s spiritual and cultural landscape since its establishment in 1977. Rooted in the teachings of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ISKCON Nepal has grown into a flourishing network of temples, centres, and outreach projects that bring together devotion, education, and humanitarian service.
The Heart of ISKCON Nepal
The principal temple of ISKCON Nepal is located at Budhanilkantha, on the slopes of Shivapuri Hill, beside the sacred Vishnumati River in Kathmandu. This serene location serves as a spiritual refuge for thousands of devotees and visitors each year.
The temple’s presiding deities are Sri Sri Radha Govinda Hari, accompanied by Jagannath, Baladeva, Subhadra, Sri Sri Gaur-Nitai, and Lord Narasimha. Daily worship includes arati ceremonies, kīrtan (devotional chanting), and scriptural discussions such as readings from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. These practices create an atmosphere of devotion and peace, offering both locals and international visitors a glimpse into the path of bhakti.
Festivals and Celebrations
Among the major annual events organised by ISKCON Nepal, the Jagannath Rath Yatra is particularly renowned. Drawing over 5,000 participants, the colourful festival features a grand chariot procession accompanied by singing, dancing, and joyous chanting through the streets of Kathmandu. This public celebration of devotion is one of the most visible expressions of Krishna consciousness in the country.
Other festivals, such as Janmāṣṭamī (the appearance of Lord Krishna) and Gaura Pūrṇimā (the appearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu), are also observed in temples, although Rath Yatra is the most widely documented on a national scale.
Humanitarian Outreach
Beyond worship and festivals, ISKCON Nepal is deeply engaged in humanitarian service. Through its affiliate, Food for Life Nepal, the movement distributes prasadam (sanctified vegetarian meals) on a daily basis, reaching schools, orphanages, and elderly care centres.
ISKCON Nepal also played a critical role during the 2015 earthquake relief efforts. Volunteers quickly set up relief camps in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, serving thousands of hot meals daily, providing food packages, and coordinating with medical teams and international supporters to assist those in need.
Leadership and Guidance
The growth of ISKCON Nepal has been guided by the leadership of prominent ISKCON figures such as Jayapataka Maharaja (GBC zonal secretary), Bhakti Purushottam Maharaja, Mahavishnu Maharaja, and Patri Prabhu. Their vision and guidance have supported the expansion of temples, festivals, and community service across the country.
From its central temple in Budhanilkantha to its network of outreach projects, ISKCON Nepal has established itself as both a centre of devotion and a force for humanitarian service. By combining worship, education, cultural preservation, and compassionate relief, the Hare Krishna movement has become an integral part of Nepal’s spiritual landscape.
For pilgrims, travellers, and seekers alike, ISKCON Nepal offers not only a place of worship but also an opportunity to witness the living tradition of bhakti in the heart of the Himalayas.
PC: Wikimedia Commons
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