Krishna House in Gainesville, established in 1971 following Srila Prabhupada’s vision, has been a hub for prasadam distribution, kirtan, and spiritual education. The Bhakti Academy, launched in 2008, has trained over 500 students, with many committing to a lifelong spiritual path while excelling in academics and careers. Krishna Lunch and Krishna CARES serves thousands of meals annually to students and those in need. Now, with six Krishna Houses across North America, the movement continues to expand. However, financial struggles threaten its future, prompting its first in-person fundraiser to sustain Krishna Lunch and the Bhakti Academy’s mission.

Krishna House, Gainesville, and The Krishna House Movement

Srila Prabhupada spoke on June 29th, 1971, “So do something wonderful there in Gainesville. Wonderful means you simply chant loudly and distribute prasadam. That is not very difficult. It is very easy. Simply if you do it enthusiastically and sincerely, then success will be there.” The devotees had first arrived in Gainesville in 1970, and by 1971, students from the University of Florida had established the city’s first ISKCON center. Srila Prabhupada personally visited Gainesville in July of that year, further inspiring his students to distribute prasadam and perform kirtan at the university.

Since then, following Prabhupada’s desire, Krishna House has distributed low-cost prasadam to students every semester without a break, founded a wildly successful Bhakti Academy (Ashram Training Program) that has brought a surge of youth to Krishna Consciousness, developed weekly preaching programs bringing students to Bhakti, and started a movement of opening Krishna Houses across North America. 

The Bhakti Academy

The Bhakti Academy was established in 2008, a live-in school for students wanting to learn and practice Krishna Consciousness, in many cases while completing their academic degrees. Since then, more than 500 students have participated in the Bhakti Academy. Around 350 have made a life-long commitment to spiritual life. Many have graduated from college with honors and gone on to start successful careers. Many are working actively, part or full-time, to spread the Krishna consciousness movement in America, South America, Europe, and South and East Asia.

Krishna Lunch

Krishna House serves thousands of plates of prasadam to the UF students each year. Along with the prasadam distribution, there is Harinam Sankirtan daily, and Bhakti Academy participants engage with the UF students to fulfill Krishna Lunches’ vision: “Enriching lives with sustainable insight and joy.” Krishna Lunch strives to make a positive difference in the students’ lives. UF alumni remember fondly eating Krishna lunch years ago.

Krishna CARES

Krishna House started a charity during COVID called Krishna CARES, which distributes over 15,000 plates of free meals per year to those in need, be they homeless, elderly, disabled, victims of domestic abuse, single mothers struggling, those unable to cook for themselves, families at Ronald McDonald House who have kids at UF Shands Hospital – and many more people who really appreciate not just a nice meal but also knowing someone cares about them. All of these meals are distributed for free.

Krishna House

Krishna House goes above and beyond distributing prasadam to live its mission: “To share the spiritual values and practices of Krishna Consciousness.” Krishna House lives by the spiritual values of equal vision and choice, without harm, teaching by example, humility, and affection. This is the heart of Krishna House and its Bhakti Academy: the residents are a family and invite everyone to join the family. The ashram includes a lively and enthusiastic morning program, service together as a team with kindness and compassion, and a spirit of making Krishna Consciousness fun with ashram trips, outings, and games. Everyone who comes to Krishna House experiences a positive transformation that leaves an impact for a lifetime.

Krishna House holds programs twice a week or more for students and the community to share the teachings of meditation, music meditation, and bhakti yoga in a way that is relevant and accessible to all with the intention to help the community’s mental health, happiness, stress-relief, and to give opportunities for increased purpose and meaning in life. Countless students have gone from situations where they were struggling either physically or emotionally, or even in difficult life situations, and have turned their lives around after becoming part of the Krishna House family.

North America Krishna Houses

Now, the Krishna House movement is spreading all around North America due to Kalakantha Das’s efforts. Six Krishna Houses have been opened in North America with the same mood and vision to bring the youth to bhakti, and the goal is to open many more gradually.

Financial Challenges

Over the years, Krishna House has been able to meet its expenses and provide accommodation for those serving in full-time positions to bring Krishna Lunch to the UF campus with the proceeds from Krishna Lunch. But, with increased food and utility costs after the 2020 pandemic, Krishna House has been struggling to maintain the Krishna lunch program. Krishna House has been in financial loss since 2023. At the same time, the devotees want and strive to keep Krishna lunch affordable for all the UF students, especially those going through food insecurity. The devotees also want to be able to continue the valuable Bhakti Academy program. 

First In-Person Fundraiser

Krishna House, Gainesville, is holding its first-ever in-person fundraiser to raise funds for the continuation and expansion of our project. Expect an enlivening evening with beautiful kirtan, talks by Kalakantha Das and other notable guest speakers, testimonials by Krishna House graduates, video and visual presentations by the Temple President, and a sumptuous feast in an elegant venue. The event will be held Wednesday, May 28th, from 6:30-9:30 PM at the Gainesville Woman’s Club at 2809 W University Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607.

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