ISKCON Newcastle celebrates 40th Anniversary.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness, also known as Hare Krishna Society, recently held its 40th anniversary at the ISKCON temple last Sunday.

It also celebrated the arrival of His Divine Grace, A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada to South Africa.

Upon his arrival in October 1975, he visited a property in Chatsworth, south-west of Durban, and requested a temple to be erected as this was known as prime land.

His mission was to comply with the order of his spiritual teacher, and in October 1985, 10 years after his arrival, a temple was opened in Durban.

Various programmes were held to promote the well-being of society by teaching the science of Krishna Consciousness according to Bhagavad-Gita and other ancient scriptures.

During his tour of South Africa, he also rendered discourses at the Pietermaritzburg Hall and the University of Witwatersrand.

His Divine Grace, A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada later departed to America to propagate the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra.

Thereafter, hundreds of temples have been erected throughout the world, the largest n Russia.

Every year, Russian Krishna devotees embark on a pilgrimage to different temples in India, chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra to develop spiritual enlightenment and encourage peace in society.

“The ISKON centre in Newcastle is glad to announce its operation as a fully functioning temple with regular Sunday programmes from 4pm to 6pm. We would like the community to take note of our festivals and join us in our prayers,” encouraged priest, Nityananda Pran-Das at the ISKCON temple.

November further commemorates the holy month of Karttik, were during this time pilgrims come from far and wide to offer a candle to Mother Yasoda and Lord Krishna. Binding devotees with love and requiring only purity and devotion of the heart in return.

“Our aim and objective is to propagate the chanting of Krishna,” concluded priest, Nityananda Pran-Das