History, Timing, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Hare Krishna Temple and Cultural Center of Houston, Texas, America
The Hare Krishna Temple and Cultural Center is popularly known as ISKCON by Hindu followers. This is a Hindu pilgrimage. It has many branches in India as well as in other countries. One of the most popular branches is in Houston (the United States). The temple is solely devoted to Lord Krishna. It was built in Houston in 1972. Apart from the temple of Lord Krishna, temples for Sri Sri Giriraj Govardhan, Sri Sri Chaitanya Chandra, and Sri Sri Radha Nila-Madhava are also present. There is a large hall in the temple, known as Gauranga Hall. All the cultural programs and gatherings are held in the hall.
ISKCON is collectively known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The ISKCON in Houston is also called Hare Krishna Dham. It was constructed in 1972 as a non-profit association. The temple was shifted to a bigger capacity on Rosalie Street Downtown. Here the temples of Sri Sri Chaitanya Chandra and Sri Sri Nitai Chandra were built. The fund for constructing the temple mainly came from the distribution of books. Devotees of ISKCON are everywhere in the world. The western followers also made themselves involved in the temple services. The deities of Sri Sri Gaura Chandra and Sri Sri Nitai Chandra were installed in 1979. Although, the number of followers was getting increased day by day. With the increasing number of followers, it required a bigger space.
By the year 1984, an old church was bought at the present location on West 34th Street. The temple was shifted at that place. The followers cordially involved themselves in the reformation of the temple. The work was finished in 1986 and the Sri Sri Radha Nila-Madhava Temple was established. Three years later the Sri Sri Giriraj Govardhan temple was established. Finally, the Sri Sri Radha Giridhari Temple was set up in 1992. The cultural Hall was constructed in 1996.
The temple complex covered an area of about 24,000 square feet with a central dome. The central dome was 72 feet tall. The interior of the temple has a giant space for the followers. Keeping the number of followers in mind, the interior was extended to a bigger space. The cultural hall is another extended portion of the temple. Followers of Krishna from different parts of the world gather in the hall. All the religious and cultural performances are done in the hall. The architecture of the temple is mainly inspired by the Vedic pattern of architecture.
There are special rituals performed in the temple regularly. The rituals start at 4.30 am and end at 9.00 pm.
The Mangala Aarti starts at 4.30 am
The curtains remain closed from 5.00 am to 7.00 am
At 7.00 am, the Shringara-darshan and Guru Puja take place
The Srimad Bhagawat Geeta class starts at 7.30 am for one hour.
Another Aarti is performed at 8.30 am
Rajbhog Aarti is performed at 12 noon
The temple remains closed from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm
The evening Aarti starts at 4.30 pm
The Gaura Aarti and Nrisimha prayers are performed at 7.00 pm
The curtains remain closed from 7.30 to 9.00 pm
The final Aarti of the day is done at 9.00 pm.
Gaur Purnima is the major festival celebrated in the temple. ISKCON has a large number of followers in every corner of the world. The followers of Houston and neighboring areas participate in this festival. They follow all the rituals related to worship. The temple gets a different outlook during the festival.
The temple opens at 4.30 am and closes at 9.30 pm. Although, the gates remain closed from 12.30 pm to 4.30 pm.
ISKCON is a very popular Hindu pilgrimage with a large number of followers. Many Hindu and international followers visit here from various parts of the world.
How to Reach Hare Krishna Temple, Houston, ISKON Houston, Texas, USA
People traveling from India can catch a flight to the George Bush International Airport or William P. Hobby Airport. Cab facilities are available outside of both airports to reach the ISKCON temple. As it is a famous tourist destination, buses are also available from the nearby cities.
