ISKCON Bangalore

Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa conceived a magnificent cultural complex on Hare Krishna Hill in order to propagate the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and the message of Lord Krishna to society. Starting with practically nothing, from a meagre two-room rented premises in Bangalore, he built and led a team of selfless volunteers to work on this project.

He utilised his expertise in civil engineering and began designing the cultural complex on 6.5 acres of a rocky hillock, which was allotted by the Government of Karnataka in 1988. He also started organising efforts to raise funds for the construction of the complex. The next ten years unfolded an unprecedented scale of development on the hillock with the help of the generous donations from the people of Bangalore.

Constructing a splendid structure like ISKCON Bangalore was no smooth sail. Madhu Pandit Dasa recalls, “In the year 1988, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) allotted the land for temple construction within a matter of just 6 to 7 months, unlike its normal course that takes about 3 to 4 years for allocation. But, everyone opined that the land was not suitable for construction of the temple. Even the BDA note-sheet mentions the land as ‘kharab land’. Apart from this we were also asked to pay an amount of Rs. 10 lakhs within three months, which was a shock. Mulling over the whole matter, when we were walking on the barren hillock, I saw a bush of fully grown Tulasi plant in the middle of the rocks without any source of water. I was very surprised and elated to find that the Lord has already decided to make this place as His home. And today this is the exact place where the Girbha-griha stands!”

On May 31, 1997, this monumental temple complex was inaugurated by the then President of India, Sri Shankar Dayal Sharma. Since inception, ISKCON Bangalore has made a positive difference in the lives of millions of people, irrespective of caste, creed, or any other considerations. Today, it is one of the largest ISKCON temples of India. ISKCON Bangalore is also the headquarter of the ‘Hare Krishna Movement’ group of temples in India and abroad. These centres witness a yearly footfall of around 10 million visitors.

ISKCON Bangalore has been conducting various activities to preserve and promote India's glorious culture, heritage, and authentic spiritual traditions. The captivating beauty of Sri Radha Krishnachandra, strict standards of temple worship, and grand festivals have enthralled the devotees. The widespread distribution of spiritual literature like the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam and vigorous preaching activities have given people a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Under the exemplary leadership of Madhu Pandit Dasa, ISKCON Bangalore has also been involved in humanitarian and social welfare initiatives like the Akshaya Patra mid-day meal scheme and other feeding programmes to benefit everyone. The Akshaya Patra Foundation commenced its journey from the premises of this cultural complex with the vision of providing unlimited food for education.

World leaders, spiritual teachers, and eminent personalities have been constantly extending their support and encouragement to the temple and its initiatives.

The missionaries have also carried out extensive relief operations during natural calamities such as earthquakes and floods, as the situation demanded. The Government of India, various State Governments, and international organisations such as UNESCO have wholeheartedly appreciated our efforts. The temple ensures that the social outreach programmes continue to reach underserved communities who are expectantly looking forward to support and care.