Our
New Temple
We are thrilled to share the journey of our most ambitious and sacred project: the construction of a magnificent new temple for Sri Sri Radha-Murlidhar. This temple is not just a building of brick and mortar; it is a labor of love, a sanctuary for the soul, and a new spiritual landmark for all of Bhavnagar.
For years, ISKCON Bhavnagar has served as a center for spiritual learning, cultural activities, and devotional service. As our community of devotees and well-wishers has grown, so has the need for a larger space—a space that can properly host the Lord, accommodate our growing congregation, and expand our educational and outreach programs for generations to come.
This new temple is our humble offering to fulfill this need, creating a divine atmosphere where thousands can connect with Lord Krishna.
Fulfilling a Divine Vision
This project is a direct step towards fulfilling the heartfelt desire of ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya, Srila Prabhupada, who saw immense spiritual potential in the people of Gujarat.
“In Gujarat State we can open a Center in every city because the people are so much dedicated to Krishna. In Gujarat we can very soon make our movement very popular, because by nature they are devotees of Krishna” — Srila Prabhupada
In Gujarat State we can open a Center in every city because the people are so much dedicated to Krishna. In Gujarat we can very soon make our movement very popular, because by nature they are devotees of Krishna
The Guiding Inspiration: Srila Radha Govind Goswami
This monumental project is being guided by the divine blessings and keen desire of Srila Radha Govind Goswami Maharaj. He has long envisioned a beautiful temple in Bhavnagar, knowing the city’s deep cultural and spiritual roots.
“भावनगर सौराष्ट्र की सांस्कृतिक राजधानी है, इस नगर के निवासी बड़े ही श्रद्धालु एवं सुसंस्कृत हैं और कृष्ण भावना में इनकी स्वाभाविक रुचि है।”
“श्रील प्रभुपादजी का मनोभाव था की गुजरात के प्रत्येक महत्वपूर्ण नगर में हरे कृष्ण आंदोलन का एक मंदिर हो। श्रील प्रभुपाद की इस इच्छा की पूर्ति के लिये उन्हीं के आशीर्वाद से इस्कॉन भावनगर के भक्तगण भावनगर में एक सुन्दर मंदिर बनाने के लिये कटिबद्धत हैं।“ — Srila Radha Govind Goswami
भावनगर सौराष्ट्र की सांस्कृतिक राजधानी है, इस नगर के निवासी बड़े ही श्रद्धालु एवं सुसंस्कृत हैं और कृष्ण भावना में इनकी स्वाभाविक रुचि है।
श्रील प्रभुपादजी का मनोभाव था की गुजरात के प्रत्येक महत्वपूर्ण नगर में हरे कृष्ण आंदोलन का एक मंदिर हो। श्रील प्रभुपाद की इस इच्छा की पूर्ति के लिये उन्हीं के आशीर्वाद से इस्कॉन भावनगर के भक्तगण भावनगर में एक सुन्दर मंदिर बनाने के लिये कटिबद्धत हैं।
“Bhavnagar is the cultural capital of Saurashtra. The residents of this city are very faithful and cultured, and they have a natural inclination towards Krishna Consciousness. It was Srila Prabhupada’s desire that there should be a Hare Krishna Movement temple in every important city of Gujarat. To fulfill this wish of Srila Prabhupada, and by his blessings, the devotees of ISKCON Bhavnagar are committed to building a beautiful temple in Bhavnagar.” – Srila Radha Govind Goswami
The Auspicious Beginning: Bhumi Pujan
The journey began with the most auspicious Bhumi Pujan (groundbreaking ceremony), performed by the lotus hands of Srila Radha Govind Goswami Maharaj. This sacred event marked the official sanctification of the land, inviting the Lord to preside over the project and shower his blessings upon it.
A Historic Milestone: The Shilanyas Ceremony
Following the Bhumi Pujan, ISKCON Bhavnagar celebrated the grand Shilanyas (foundation stone laying ceremony). This event was a historic moment for the city, attended by thousands of devotees, esteemed guests, and spiritual leaders from across the region.
The Shilanyas is a vital Vedic ritual, where the Ananta Shesha Shila (the first sacred stone) is placed, establishing the temple’s foundation and officially commencing the construction. The atmosphere was surcharged with spiritual energy as kirtans, yajnas (fire sacrifices), and discourses filled the air.
Our Current Progress
By the grace of Srila Prabhupada and the dedication of our community, the temple construction is now in full swing.We are inspired to see this divine dream taking shape, day by day.
A Vision Led by Service
This entire project is being tirelessly managed under the leadership of our Temple President, Sriman Venu Gayak Das, who is dedicated to fulfilling the vision of his spiritual master.
“मेरे गुरु महाराज परम आदरणीय श्रील राधा गोविन्द गोस्वामी महाराज जब भी मुझसे मिलते है तब प्रायः इस मंदिर निर्माण की चर्चा करते है एवं प्रेरणा एवं आशीर्वाद देते है कि शीघ्र ही भावनगर में सुन्दर कृष्ण–मन्दिर का निर्माण हो।” — Sriman Venu Gayak Das
मेरे गुरु महाराज परम आदरणीय श्रील राधा गोविन्द गोस्वामी महाराज जब भी मुझसे मिलते है तब प्रायः इस मंदिर निर्माण की चर्चा करते है एवं प्रेरणा एवं आशीर्वाद देते है कि शीघ्र ही भावनगर में सुन्दर कृष्ण–मन्दिर का निर्माण हो।
“Whenever I meet my spiritual master, the most venerable Srila Radha Govind Goswami Maharaj, he almost always discusses the construction of this temple. He gives me his inspiration and blessings for the swift construction of a beautiful Krishna temple in Bhavnagar.” – Sriman Venu Gayak Das
The Path Forward
Our vision for this completed temple complex includes:
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A magnificent Temple Hall for Sri Sri Radha-Murlidhar
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A spacious Prasadam Hall to honor all guests with sanctified food
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An Auditorium for cultural and educational events
- A comfortable Guest House to provide accommodation for visiting guests and devotees
To complete this vision, we have much work ahead, including the intricate marble work, the creation of the main altar, and the finishing of all the surrounding facilities.
An Invitation to Be Part of This Legacy
As Srila Radha Govind Goswami Maharaj said in his appeal:
“आप सबसे हम नम्र-निवेदन करते हैं के श्रील प्रभुपादजी के इस पावन प्रकल्प में मंदिर निर्माण में सहयोग कर आप सब भाग्यवान एवं भाग्यवती बनें।“ — Srila Radha Govind Goswami
आप सबसे हम नम्र-निवेदन करते हैं के श्रील प्रभुपादजी के इस पावन प्रकल्प में मंदिर निर्माण में सहयोग कर आप सब भाग्यवान एवं भाग्यवती बनें।
“We humbly request all of you to become fortunate by cooperating in this sacred project of Srila Prabhupada.”- Srila Radha Govind Goswami
Building a temple for the Lord is one of the most meritorious services one can perform. It is a legacy that lasts for centuries, bestowing spiritual benefit upon all who participate.
We humbly invite you to contribute to this wonderful project. Your support, whether through donations, materials, or your valuable skills, is a crucial part of building this home for Lord Krishna. Help us make Srila Prabhupada’s dream for Bhavnagar a glorious reality.