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Isckon Watford
Image credit: Temple pic from ISKCON Watford

Radha Krishna Temple (ISKCON)

The Radha Krishna Temple (ISKCON), also known as the ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor, is a major spiritual and cultural center dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna and Radha. Located in the serene countryside of Hertfordshire, near London, this temple is a part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The temple serves as a spiritual sanctuary for devotees and visitors, offering a peaceful environment for worship, meditation, and cultural engagement. With its beautiful grounds, ornate shrines, and vibrant community activities, the Radha Krishna Temple is a beacon of Krishna consciousness and a hub for Hindu culture and education in the UK.

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  • Foundation: The Radha Krishna Temple was established in the early 1970s when George Harrison of The Beatles generously donated Bhaktivedanta Manor to ISKCON.
  • Development: Over the years, the temple has undergone significant renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of devotees and visitors.
  • Significance: The temple has become one of the most important ISKCON centers in the world, known for its outreach programs, educational initiatives, and the promotion of Krishna consciousness.
  • Milestones: The temple celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, marking half a century of spiritual service and cultural contribution.
  • Deities Worshipped:
    • Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda (Radha and Krishna)
    • Sri Sri Sita Rama Lakshman Hanuman
    • Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai (Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu)
    • Sri Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra
  • Temple Activities and Services:
    • Daily Aarti: Morning (Mangala Aarti), Noon, and Evening (Sandhya Aarti) rituals with devotional singing.
    • Kirtan and Bhajan: Regular congregational chanting sessions to glorify the names of the deities.
    • Sunday Love Feast: A weekly event offering spiritual discourse, kirtan, and a free vegetarian feast for all visitors.
    • Bhagavad Gita Classes: Regular study sessions and discussions on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
    • Deity Worship: Daily offerings and rituals performed by trained priests, with opportunities for devotees to participate.
    • Outreach Programs: Community service initiatives, including food distribution (prasadam), educational programs, and environmental projects.
    • Children and Youth Programs: Special activities and classes aimed at teaching spiritual values to younger generations.
    • Counseling and Spiritual Guidance: Personalized guidance and counseling services offered by temple priests and senior devotees.

Festivals Celebrated

  • Janmashtami: The grand celebration of Lord Krishna's appearance, featuring midnight prayers, kirtan, drama performances, and special offerings.
  • Rath Yatra: The chariot festival where Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra are taken on a grand procession through the streets.
  • Gaura Purnima: Commemorating the appearance of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu with special kirtans, lectures, and prasadam distribution.
  • Diwali and Govardhan Puja: Celebrated with festive lights, prayers, and the Annakut offering, where a mountain of food is presented to the deities.
  • Radhashtami: The appearance day of Srimati Radharani, marked by special prayers, kirtan, and celebrations.
  • Narasimha Chaturdashi: Observing the appearance of Lord Narasimha with devotional singing and special poojas.
  • Holi: The festival of colors, celebrated with joy, kirtan, and the traditional throwing of colors.

Facilities

  • Main Temple Hall: A beautifully adorned hall housing the deities, where daily worship and major festivals take place.
  • Community Hall: A versatile space used for lectures, cultural events, and gatherings.
  • Govinda’s Restaurant: A vegetarian restaurant on-site, offering delicious prasadam to visitors.
  • Guest Accommodation: Facilities available for pilgrims and visitors wishing to stay overnight.
  • Gift Shop: Offering a variety of spiritual items, books, souvenirs, and devotional music.
  • Gardens and Grounds: Expansive and well-maintained gardens that provide a peaceful setting for meditation and relaxation.
  • Parking: Ample on-site parking available for visitors.
  • Library: A collection of religious and spiritual texts available for study.
  • Restrooms: Well-maintained facilities available for visitors.
  • Children’s Play Area: A safe and fun space for children to enjoy during their visit.

Visiting Information

  • Address: Radha Krishna Temple (ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor), Hilfield Lane, Aldenham, Watford WD25 8EZ, United Kingdom.
  • Opening Hours:
    • Weekdays : 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ,4:00 PM-7:30 PM daily
    • Saturday :Closed
    • Sunday : 10 AM - 10 PM
  • Entry Fee: Free entry (Donations are welcome)
  • Dress Code: Modest attire is recommended; visitors should cover their shoulders and legs.
  • Photography: Restricted within the temple premises; permission is required for taking photos.
  • Guided Tours: Available upon request, with special tours for educational groups and schools.
  • Accessibility: The temple is wheelchair accessible, with facilities available for differently-abled visitors.

For the most up-to-date information on visiting hours, events, and services, visitors are encouraged to check the temple’s official website or contact the administration directly.