Popular Bhagavad-gita class.

ISKCON’s Congregation Development Ministry is continually working to help temples and devotee communities grow and flourish by providing various preaching programs, such as Bhakti Vriksha, programs for children, and more. They also want to highlight the success stories from communities and events worldwide that would inspire devotees.

In this article, they highlight the expanding devotees’ service in the Whitefield area of Bangalore, which has grown into a large congregation of more than one thousand devotees and is growing even bigger. The CDM hopes the readers will be inspired to preach enthusiastically and grow as a community.

ISKCON Whitefield Bhakti Center

Here’s a narration reflecting how devotees’ determination, with the blessings of the Acharyas, led to the expansion of ISKCON Bhakti Centers, the celebration of Janmashtami at numerous locations, and the spreading of Krishna’s conscious message to tens of thousands of devotees.

The dawn of their journey 

It all began when the devoted ISKCON followers from Whitefield, a vibrant locality in the eastern part of Bangalore, made their way to Sri Narasimha Giridhari Mandir (SNGM) in the northeastern reaches of the city. This temple, renowned for its extensive and well-maintained cow shelter, or Goshala, is fondly known as the ISKCON Temple Goshala. The large and lovingly cared-for shelter became a central draw for the community, blending their spiritual practices with a profound devotion to cows, who hold a special place in Lord Krishna’s heart.

Navigating Bangalore’s notorious traffic often meant that commuting took a significant chunk of devotees’ time, leading many to wish for an ISKCON Bhakti Center in Whitefield. Such a center would allow them to engage more deeply in their devotional practices and make greater strides on their spiritual path. The prospect of having a local hub for bhakti would not only ease their travel burdens but also foster a stronger, more connected community.

Fueled by their unwavering devotion and Krishna’s divine blessing, the community celebrated their first Janmashtami in Whitefield in 2011. This milestone was a harbinger of great things to come, culminating in the establishment of the Bhakti Centers in Whitefield and the areas around it. 

Their Journey at a Glance

2011

August 22 – The inaugural grand celebration of Krishna Janmashtami in Whitefield was a landmark event, drawing an impressive crowd of approximately 8,000 attendees.

November 30 – Launched the first Bhaktivedanta Academy for Culture and Education (BACE) youth hostel, marking a significant milestone in providing dedicated accommodation and fostering enriching bhakti experiences for young devotees.

2014

August 1 – A congregation of approximately 70 devotees and volunteers hosted a grand-scale Janmashtami celebration, attracting over 10,000 attendees 

2017

May 7 – They launched the first ISKCON Bhakti Center (IBC), marking a significant milestone in expanding the reach of devotional services. This center marked a new chapter in their spiritual journey, providing a dedicated space for worship and community activities right in their own neighborhood.

Book distribution happens regularly.

Book distribution in a local school.

2018

August 28 – They expanded Janmashtami celebrations to two distinct locations, with events held in both Whitefield and the neighboring area of Kadugodi. The Whitefield celebration drew over 15,000 attendees, and Kadugodi saw more than 8,000 participants, reflecting the growing enthusiasm of people.

Additionally, they introduced a monthly youth festival named Utsaha, designed specifically for all unmarried boys in Bhaktivedanta Academy for Culture and Education (BACE) and attendees of the ISKCON Bhakti Center (IBC). This vibrant event fosters community, spiritual growth, and enthusiastic participation among the youth.

October 15 – They launched three additional Bhaktivedanta Academy for Culture and Education (BACE) youth hostels, significantly expanding accommodation and Krishna Consciousness for young devotees.

The number of Bhakti Vrikshas, Gita courses, and kids’ programs also consistently rose, reflecting the growing engagement and enthusiasm within the community.

As the Whitefield ISKCON Bhakti Center (IBC) continued to flourish, it was regularly graced by visits from senior devotees and disciples of Prabhupada, further enriching the community with Krishna Consciousness.

The center steadily expanded its outreach efforts, broadening its preaching activities to encompass a larger area around Whitefield.

2019

January 1: They expanded the grand Janmashtami celebrations to three distinct locations—Whitefield, Kadugodi, and Pannatur—significantly spreading the message of Srila Prabhupada.

The Whitefield ISKCON Bhakti Center (IBC) has experienced remarkable growth, with its congregation now numbering around 120 members. The center has expanded its offerings to include eight Gita programs, attracting over 400 devotees. Additionally, the number of Bhakti Vrikshas has risen to nine, and BACEs have increased to three, highlighting the center’s dynamic and flourishing community.

Youth preaching happens regularly.

College students attending their program.

2020-21

They launched an extensive online preaching initiative during the COVID-19 lockdown, utilizing digital platforms to connect with a broader audience and provide solace through Bhagavad Gita teachings amidst the uncertainty.

2022

The number of ISKCON Bhakti Centers (IBC) has expanded to four in neighboring areas (AECS, Panatur, Kannamangala, and Sarjapur). Additionally, the grand Janmashtami celebrations have been enhanced, now taking place at seven distinct locations in and around Whitefield.

The beautiful altar at the preaching center.

2023

As the center continued to thrive, its congregation grew to 1,000 members. The number of ISKCON Bhakti Centers (IBCs) expanded to eight, and Bhakti Vrikshas increased to 60. The grand Janmashtami celebrations were also significantly broadened, now taking place at 13 distinct locations throughout and around Whitefield. The Jaganath Rath Yatra is an essential and vibrant part of the celebrations where devotees gather with boundless enthusiasm and faith.

Additionally, a family from the congregation embarked on their Vanaprastha journey.

Daily Schedule of Whitefield ISKCON Bhakti Center

The Whitefield Center opens daily at 4:30 AM and closes at 8 PM. On Sundays, devotees are treated to a feast prasadam following the session on Srimad Bhagavatam.

Courses Offered 

1. Gita Course – exploring the Bhagavad-gita. Provides timeless wisdom that provides profound solutions to life’s challenges.
2. Bhakti Shastri is a certification course centered on the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, Nectar of Devotion, Nectar of Instruction, and Sri Isopanisad. It offers an in-depth study and understanding of these foundational texts.
3. Mantra Meditation – includes essential spiritual principles underlying chanting and techniques for deepening your meditation practice.
4. Bhakti Steps—This section guides devotees through various stages of bhakti, which encompass reading Prabhupada’s books, listening to his teachings, maintaining a regular chanting practice, and more.

To learn more about the Congregational Development Ministry, please visit their website or email them, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.