The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has announced plans to build a center in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The proposal was made during the opening of the Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohanji Temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, on January 15, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as reported by Free Press Journal.
ISKCON Trustee and President Sura Das formally requested land from the government for the project. He pointed out that ISKCON has centers in countries such as Russia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh but does not have one in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sura Das shared, “Srinagar is a popular tourist destination, and a center here would provide people with sanctified food, a place to rest, and spiritual guidance. It will help spread the message of universal love, beyond caste or creed.”
Das also mentioned that he had discussed the idea with Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha. Although Prime Minister Modi suggested Jammu as a possible location, Das expressed a preference for Srinagar, explaining that the land requirement there would be just four acres.The proposed temple will feature traditional Kashmiri architecture, offering a simpler but enriching environment compared to ISKCON’s larger temples, such as the one in Kharghar.
A formal request for land allocation has been submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), and Das is hopeful for the government’s support. ISKCON, which already runs over 125 centers across India, aims to expand into Jammu and Kashmir to promote spiritual tourism and community service.
