The auspicious inauguration of ISKCON Raipur was held from August 17-19, 2024. The special grand installation ceremony of the Deities, Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari, took place on August 19th on the occasion of Balaram Jayanti, Lord Balarama’s Appearance Day.

Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh, is a vibrant and rapidly growing metropolis in central India. According to tradition, Chhattisgarh, and specifically the region around Raipur, is considered her birthplace of Mother Kaushalya, Lord Rama’s mother.

The three-day inauguration ceremony of ISKCON Raipur was filled with spiritual and cultural activities. On the first day, there was a cultural program, while the second day featured a fire yagya and kirtan. The highlight of the third day was a special kirtan performance by the Madhavas Rock Band.

The Pran Pratishtha ceremony on August 19th marked the culmination of years of effort and devotion of Bhakti Siddharth Swami, the Temple President, and other devotees, with the Deities of Sri Sri Radha Rasbihari being transferred from the existing temple to Their new altar. Initially, he installed the deities on November 1, 2004.

The history of this temple is a remarkable journey of faith and dedication. After acquiring a 3.5-acre plot of land in Raipur in 2001, Bhakti Siddharth Swami began laying the foundation for what would become a significant spiritual center. He initiated Sunday programs as part of his preaching efforts in Raipur, gradually building a community of devoted followers.

In 2005, Bhakti Siddharth Swami conducted two Bhumipujas, and a Shilanyas (foundation stone laying) for the new temple was held. The boundary wall was built in April 2006, all paving the way for the temple’s eventual completion.

Temple Vice-President Janardan Das reflected on this miraculous history, “In 2001, His Holiness Bhakti Siddharth Swami Maharaj secured this land with a vision to construct a grand temple. He encountered numerous challenges. Yet, through unwavering determination, the tireless support of the devotees, and his deep faith in the Lord’s divine grace, this vision began to take shape. The temple that stands today is a living testament to his perseverance and the collective devotion of our community.”

ISKCON Raipur is an architectural marvel with a gold-molded vyasasana of Srila Prabhupada. There are 13 shikharas, each crowned with a gold-leafed kalash. On the temple’s first floor, 14 dioramas are in place, which will soon depict various lilas (pastimes) of the Lord, offering devotees a visual spiritual experience. The temple complex, sprawling across six acres, with the temple constructed on around three acres of land also includes a guesthouse to accommodate visiting devotees and guests. 

The gathering of distinguished devotees visibly moved Gauranga Das, who attended the inauguration of ISKCON Raipur. Reflecting on the event, he expressed his joy and gratitude, stating, “It was wonderful to meet exalted Vaishnavas at the inauguration of the ISKCON Raipur temple.”

Sri Krishna Chaitanya Swami said, “After over two decades of unwavering dedication, His Holiness Siddhartha Swami Maharaja, at the age of 81, has finally seen his dream come true! This morning, with tears in his eyes and a voice full of emotion, he joyfully announced the grand shift of the beloved Lordships, Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari, from their humble makeshift temple to a majestic marble palace adorned with teakwood and granite. It was a moment of pure bliss, and I was beyond blessed to be there, singing kirtan for hours with all the assembled devotees.”

To follow the service of ISKCON Raipur and to discover more details and photos of the event, please visit their website, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.