Radha Kalachandji Hare Krishna Temple

About Radha Kalachandji Hare Krishna Temple

When His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada arrived in New York on September 17, 1965, few Americans realized the monumental mission he was on. He wasn’t just another immigrant; he was carrying the teachings of an ancient religion, originally from India, to mainstream America. In his lifetime, Srila Prabhupada succeeded in founding the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a worldwide network of over 100 temples, ashrams, and cultural centers.

Srila Prabhupada’s Early Life and Devotion

Srila Prabhupada, born Abhay Charan De on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta, was raised in a pious Hindu family. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement, he also met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati in 1922, a prominent religious leader in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. It was under Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s guidance that Abhay became a disciple and resolved to carry out his mentor’s wish of bringing the teachings of Lord Krishna to the English-speaking world.

The Journey to America

At the age of 69, Srila Prabhupada traveled to New York aboard a cargo ship. The journey was harsh, and Srila Prabhupada suffered two heart attacks while en route. Upon his arrival in the United States with just seven dollars and his translations of sacred texts, Srila Prabhupada began sharing the wisdom of Krishna consciousness. His message of peace and love resonated deeply with many young people, leading to the formation of a small temple in New York’s Lower East Side. The formal registration of ISKCON took place on July 11, 1966.

Global Expansion of ISKCON

Srila Prabhupada traveled across the globe, lecturing and establishing Krishna Consciousness centers on six continents. He not only created temples but also inspired the formation of rural communities, educational institutions, and the world’s largest vegetarian food relief program. Through his teachings, the Vaishnava tradition experienced a revival, with Srila Prabhupada opening numerous temples in India, including major centers in Vrindavana and Mayapur.

Srila Prabhupada’s Literary Contributions

Srila Prabhupada’s written works have had a profound impact on the spiritual and academic world. He authored over 70 volumes on the Krishna tradition, including the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, the Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the Sri Caitanya-caritamrita. His writings have been translated into 76 languages and are revered for their authority, depth, and clarity, with many used as textbooks in academic courses.

The Story of Kalachandji

Five centuries ago, in India, Kalachandji, meaning “the beautiful moon-faced one,” was worshipped as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. His temple was a grand structure with elaborate decorations, and devotees from all walks of life visited him daily. However, during the Mogul invasion of India, Kalachandji’s opulent worship came to an abrupt end, and his followers had to hide him to protect him from plundering invaders.

The Search for the Kalachandji Deity

While in Jaipur, Srimati discovered a beautiful deity, which had been overlooked and used as a doorstop in a shop. Though initially considered too old for sale, after much negotiation, Srimati was able to purchase the deity. The deity was shipped to Dallas, where it was eventually installed in the newly established ISKCON Dallas temple.

Srila Prabhupada’s Satisfaction with Kalachandji’s Installation

After the installation of Kalachandji in Dallas, Srimati recalls Srila Prabhupada’s satisfaction with the temple’s new deity. Prabhupada even personally wrote a document to commemorate the occasion, further solidifying the importance of Kalachandji’s presence in America and the expansion of Krishna Consciousness worldwide.

Conclusion

The Radha Kalachandji Hare Krishna Temple in Dallas holds a deep spiritual and historical significance, not just for its community but as a part of Srila Prabhupada’s broader mission to spread Krishna consciousness. The temple continues to serve as a beacon of faith, devotion, and service to all who visit.