The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has expressed its intent to establish a spiritual center in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), seeking land specifically in Srinagar for the project. The request for the land was made during the inaugural ceremony of the Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohanji Temple in Kharghar, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present.
The temple was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on January 15
The appeal for land allocation was put forth by ISKCON Trustee and President, Sura Das, while he expressed his gratitude for the Prime Minister’s presence at the event. “I have been contemplating this project for a long time, and a few years ago, I had also discussed this with the Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha as plots are allocated to other religious organisations ,” he stated.
Highlighting the global reach of ISKCON, with centers in countries like Russia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, the trustee questioned why J&K still lacks an ISKCON center. He emphasized that Srinagar, being a popular tourist destination, attracts visitors from across the world, and an ISKCON center there would provide sanctified food, resting facilities, and spiritual guidance. “The idea behind this project is purely service to mankind, beyond caste and creed, as our Dharma teaches love for all,” he added.
Currently, ISKCON operates over 125 centers across India, and the proposed temple in Srinagar is envisioned to blend with the region’s traditional architectural styles. “Unlike the grand temple in Kharghar that is providing numerous facilities, at J&K the emphasis is on providing a holistic environment to visitors, with a simple yet culturally rich structure,” he explained.
The land required for the project is estimated to be approximately 4 acres. ” The Prime Minister suggested considering Jammu for the temple, but my preference remains Srinagar. In fact, the land needed here is much smaller than that in Kharghar,” said Sura Das.
He also mentioned that a formal request has already been sent to the PMO, and he awaits further approvals. However, he acknowledged that security concerns and fears of radical elements might be causing delays in the process.
“The proposed ISKCON center in Srinagar would be a significant addition to the spiritual and cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, offering a peaceful retreat for devotees and visitors alike. The trust remains hopeful for government support to bring this vision to reality,” signed off the trustee.
