The temples of the Hare Krishna Movement have been built mainly with the involvement of the native devotees. This has been Srila Prabhupada’s desire that native devotees construct the Hare Krishna temples in their respective localities. Be it architecture, prasadam, etc. every element has been adapted to the taste and understanding of the native place where the temple is being built.
Srila Prabhupada encouraged the construction of temples very much to facilitate Deity darshan, participation in festivals, learning the timeless wisdom of the vedas especially the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavatam and much more. He would point out that ISKCON temples are like an oasis in the middle of the desert which would provide much needed relief from the blazing fire of material existence. Within a span of just 12 years, Srila Prabhupada had supervised and constructed 108 Hare Krishna temples around the world. Under the banner of the Hare Krishna Movement led by HDG A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, this is a feat unparalleled in history.
To understand the motives and instructions of Srila Prabhupada in constructing grand temples, let us examine his instructions and advice from his letters, books and talks.
Once, Srila Prabhupada said, “If you build a temple of Lord Krishna in this world, He will build a palace for you in the spiritual world- Vaikuntha”
In a letter written in 1968 to his disciple Sri Mukunda Dasa, Srila Prabhupada says “Yes, it is very good idea to build a nice Temple for Krishna, apply all energy for Krishna. How one is successful in his work is tested by whether or not Krishna is satisfied. The Impersonalists cannot enjoy this bliss of how to satisfy Krishna”
In a letter written in 1970 to his disciple Sri Tamala Krishna Goswami, Srila Prabhupada says
“I want the Temples should be constructed by the local natives—that is our success.”
“Yes, try to get the land you have mentioned and construct a nice temple. That will be a great credit for you. I think the people there will be very much attracted to this movement. It is being received enthusiastically all over the world.”
Letter to Mr. Deoji Punja (Fiji, 1974)
“So when I get some opportunity I shall take the advantage of constructing a temple and Varna-ashrama College as soon as possible”
Letter to Dr. Channa Reddy (Governor of Uttar Pradesh, India, 1975)
“Both distribution of books and construction of temples must continue side by side in parallel lines.”
Bhaktivedanta Purport (Chaitanya Charitamrita, Adi-lila 7.164)
“If you have got some money, don’t use it for constructing a big skyscraper building. Better you try to construct a very nice temple for Krishna’s situation. That is proper use.” – (Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.8, Bombay, December 26, 1972)
“This is Krishna conscious vision: ‘Oh, there are so many skyscrapers.Why not construct a nice skyscraper temple of Krishna?’This is Krishna consciousness.”
(Lecture in Bombay, 25 February 1974)
“Just like we have got a tendency to construct a skyscraper building. As in your country, you do. So you should not be attached to the skyscraper building, but you can utilise the tendency by constructing a big temple like skyscraper for Krishna. In this way, you have to purify your material activities.”
(Lecture in Vrindavan, 29 October 1972)
The above statements of Srila Prabhupada depicts his far-sightedness in the service of Lord Krishna and humanity. Srila Prabhupada says that Vaikuntha is present wherever the glorification of Lord Krishna takes place. Hence, the temples of Lord Krishna are no less Vaikuntha. Below are a few temples of the Hare Krishna Movement: Photos