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London College of Vedic Studies, the educational arm of ISKCON-London, offers a wide range of courses based on ancient teachings of the Vedas. It is aimed at integrating spiritual teachings into everyday life through the academic study of Vedic philosophy and practical training.

Our aim is to share with you how timeless philosophy and wisdom from eastern Vedic culture can be practically applied in modern times so you can lead a healthier, happier and more balanced life. Below are our upcoming courses and seminars for you to choose from.

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Aashish Sharma

Aashish Sharma

This is a very special day for all ISKCON devotees as they joyfully glorify Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, on the anniversary of his appearance in this world. Devotees honour him by reading aloud heartfelt appreciations and homages of his profound influence in their lives and pray for blessings from him. Devotees observe a fast till noon on this day, followed by a feast in his honour.

The birth of Lord Krishna is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, celebrated all over the world. Krishna appeared on earth over 5,000 years ago in Vrindavan, India. Krishna means "the all-attractive one". He is the cause of all causes, the Supreme personality of the entire creation, both material and spiritual, He is the God of all gods, and the Lord within everything and separate from everything at the same time. This is the day devotees celebrate His beautiful pastimes, His presence in their lives, taking time to remember their eternal loving relationship with Him and His presence within all of our hearts. Devotees fast till midnight on this day, followed by a feast in His honour.

Lord Balarama is the first expansion of Lord Krishna appearing as His elder brother eight days before Krishna’s appearance in this world. While Krishna's complexion is like a dark bluish cloud, Balarama's complexion is like a white autumn cloud. He assisted Lord Krishna in His earthly pastimes of protecting the devotees and ridding the world of the misguided. Whilst Krishna is known for carrying a flute whose beautiful sound enchants His devotees, Balarama holds a plough in His hand that represents His strength. Devotees fast till noon on this day, followed by a feast in His honour.

This festival is one of remembrance of the Lord as the protector of His devotees and the remover of all obstacles and difficulties on the path of devotion to the Lord. Lord Nrsimhadeva, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, is known for His appearance in the world in order to save His devotee, a young child Prahlada. Lord Nrsimhadeva is prayed to daily at all ISKCON temples. This prayer is observed as a protection mantra. Devotees fast till dusk on this day, followed by a feast in His honour.

Lord Rama appeared on this planet millions of years ago in Ayodhya, India, and His appearance is celebrated on this day. Lord Rama’s tragic life - the losing of His kingdom, His wife Sita’s kidnapping, and the inevitable war against Her kidnapper Ravana who was King of Lanka - is depicted in the ancient epic scripture called the "Ramayana" - a famous literature read across all Hindu traditions. Lord Rama is known for His adherence to dharma (religiosity) through all situations He faced and is celebrated as the ideal devotee, king, and husband. Devotees fast until noon on this day, followed by a feast in His honour.

Lord Chaitanya, also known as Gauranga - the golden coloured incarnation of Lord Krishna - appeared in West Bengal, India, around 500 years ago. Gaura Purnima is the festival of His appearance, taking place in spring. The Lord appeared in His previous incarnations as Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, and Lord Nrsimhadeva. Lord Chaitanya transformed the hearts of everyone He met through singing of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra and re-establishing the Bhakti-yoga tradition that ISKCON continues through its lineage today. Devotees fast till moonrise on this day, followed by a feast in His honour.

Lord Nityananda's birth in this world is called Nityananda Trayodasi and takes place in spring. Lord Nityananda always accompanies the Lord in all of His incarnations: as Lord Balarama - the beloved brother of Lord Krishna, and as Lakshmana - the younger brother of Lord Rama. Lord Nityananda is known for His compassion on even the most fallen of living entities and is known as the original spiritual guide for all seeking souls. Devotees fast till noon on this day, followed by a feast in His honour.

Wednesday, 11 September 2024 00:00

Radhastami - The Festival of the Divine Female

Srimati Radharani’s glorious appearance on this planet occurred on this day around 5,000 years ago. She is the divine female energy of Lord Krishna, His loving potency, which He is all attracted by. Srimati Radharani is the queen of Lord Krishna’s heart and the queen of all living entities. She is Lord Krishna's eternal love and His dearmost devotee, exemplifying the standard of excellence of love and devotion towards Krishna. Devotees fast till noon on this day, followed by a feast in Her honour.

Saturday, 04 October 2014 00:00

See Our Shrine

Today's Shrine Photos

1-Altar
2-RK
3-Krishna
4-Radha
5-LF
6-GG
7-GN
8-JBS
9-Prabupa

About the Deities

On the right-hand side of the shrine, you will see Radha-Krishna deities, named Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara (the Lords of London), by Srila Prabhupada. They are the principal deities at our Temple. Installed by Srila Prabhupada in 1969, They are the movement's first full-size marble Radha-Krishna deities. Srila Prabhupada himself supervised Their installation on 14th December 1969 at Bury Place (opposite The British Museum). He was very fond of These deities. When asked who were his favourite deities, he replied, on more than one occasion, that Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara were the most beautiful.

Through the installation of Radha-Krishna deities in London, Srila Prabhupada had fulfilled a long-standing order of the previous spiritual masters in our lineage. They are one of the most prominent set of deities in the entire western world.

Near the feet of Sri Londonisvara is Giri-Govardhana - a small sacred stone that is worshipped to honour Govardhana Hill - the holy mountain in Vrindavana in India - which was lifted by Lord Krishna as a child.

On the left-hand side of the shrine, you will see Lord Jagannath (another form of Krishna on the right-hand side of this part of the shrine), Lord Baladeva (Krishna's brother, on the left-hand side) and Lady Subhadra (Krishna's sister, in between Jagannath and Baladeva). They were hand-carved in London in 1968 by Shyamasundara dasa, who was one of the original six devotees who came from the US to the UK, under the order of Srila Prabhupada to establish Krishna Consciousness here. These unusual deities are based on the original deities in Jagannatha Puri located in Orissa, India.

In the centre part of the shrine, you will see Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai - the incarnations of Krishna and Balarama - and who are the propagators of harinama sankirtan which is the process for spiritual perfection in this age.

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9-10 Soho Street
London W1D 3DL, UK

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Founder-Acharya
Srila Prabhupada
Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
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