History, Timing, Architecture, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Radha Krishna Temple, London, United Kingdom
The Radha Krishna Temple of London is originally the headquarters of the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) since the 1960s. The temple was founded by six followers from San Francisco’s Radha Krishna temple in Bury Place of Bloomsbury. The leader of ISKCON A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada sent these followers to set up a UK branch for the Hare Krishna movement in 1968. George Harrison of the Beatles participated in this movement to spread Krishna Consciousness among people.
The head and originator of the ISKCON, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada first built the Radha Krishna temple in New York in 1966. This movement was followed by a local office in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco. This movement kept continuing in North America by 1968. In the temple of San Francisco, he met three married couples, who used to serve the temple. He asked them to set up a foundation in England.
Arriving in Britain, the 3 couples started to live in different accommodations across London. They faced a huge financial struggle. They started meeting each other to carry out their missionary activities. These included the circulation of promotional leaflets in the busy areas of London, public chanting, attending noteworthy public services, or cultivating new affiliates. They started to rely on the kindness of the local Indian society and eventually stayed in a warehouse complex in Covent Garden. This served as their momentary temple. In December 1968, George Harrison met the devotees at the warehouse. Eventually, the work of building a temple was in progress. After a long struggle and the complete renovation of the underway at Bury Place, the construction of temple started to be built.
Architecture of ISKON London
The pattern of the temple follows a modern style of architecture. Such type of architecture is very uncommon in traditional Hindu temples. It resembles the structure of British architecture. The interior of the temple has a large hall where all the worship rituals are performed.
Festival celebrated at Radha Krishna Temple London
Janmashtami is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated in the temple. Janmashtami is the day when Lord Krishna was given birth. Many Krishna devotees from various parts of the country come to visit this temple during Janmashtami.
The festival of lights is also celebrated here with great zeal. The devotees participate in all the rituals with great fidelity. The temple gets decorated with a completely different look at this time. The local people seem to enjoy this festival a lot.
The Rath Yatra or Chariot festival is the most important festival celebrated in this Radha Krishna temple. It is one of the most significant festivals for the Hindus. The Chariot festival is mostly celebrated by the end of June or the beginning of July. A huge chariot is shown in the way of a procession on the roads. Many people gather to participate in this procession. The roads from where the chariot moves become decorated with flower petals and colors. Rath yatra is mainly the festival of Lord Jagannath and his two siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. The long march is such a beautiful thing to witness.
Holi is said to be the festival of colors for the Hindus. Holi is celebrated with great passion in this temple. The devotees take part in the festival of colors. Apart from the Hindus, foreign visitors also seem to enjoy the festival a lot.
ISKON Temple London Daily Darshan timing
The temple remains open from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm every day. Visitors are not allowed to enter after 6.00 pm.
To have any information further, people can contact the ISKCON members directly at info@iskcon.london or +44 (0) 20 7437 3662.
The Hare Krishna movement is famous worldwide. All the temples under ISKCON are very much popular among the devotees. The London branch is the most famous one in Europe.
How to Reach Shri Radha Krishna Temple, London, Britain.
The London Heathrow Airport (LHA) is the closest option for the ISKCON temple. Cab facilities are available outside the airport. Buses or Taxis are also available from the neighboring places to reach directly at the temple.
