New Dvaraka History
Explore the rich history of New Dvaraka, inspired by the legendary city of Lord Krishna and its timeless spiritual heritage.
What is New Dvaraka?
New Dvaraka Dham (ISKCON Los Angeles), is a prominent temple, community, and bhakti-yoga hub located in busy and bustling Los Angeles. New Dvaraka was established under the guidance of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The name “New Dvaraka” is a reference to the ancient holy city of Dvaraka, where Lord Krishna lived during parts of his earthly pastimes.
Early History and Foundation
Srila Prabhupada first came to Los Angeles in 1968. At that time, devotees were operating out of various storefronts around the Los Angeles and Hollywood areas. In 1969, Srila Prabhupada rented a former Christian church on La Cienega Boulevard, not far from the current location on Watseka Avenue. He also installed the small deities of Radha and Krishna, Sri Sri Rukmini Dvarakanath that summer. It was here that Srila Prabhupada introduced regulated Deity worship and an increased emphasis on the weekly Sunday Love Feast. The success of these programs in Los Angeles were encouraging for Srila Prabhupada and made LA a model ISKCON center.
Establishment of the Current Temple & Community
On February 25, 1970 (the auspicious appearance day anniversary of Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura) the ISKCON devotees received permission to enter their new temple on Watseka Avenue in the Venice/Culver City area.
In Srila Prabhupada’s first address in the new temple he spoke the following:
This large new temple, Prabhupāda said, had been provided by Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī as a gift for the devotees to use in Krishna’s service. They should not become attached to the opulence, Prabhupāda said, but they should use this wonderful place for preaching. As he spoke, he wept.
Very quickly, New Dvaraka became very dear to Srila Prabhuapada. At the time, this was the only temple ISKCON actually owned and Prabhupāda wanted to design everything himself. He gave specific direction for all the details of the temple, especially for altar space, with a great emphasis on opulence.
In the summer of 1971, the presiding deities of Sri Sri Rukmini-Dvarakadisha (Radha-Krishna deities) were installed. Under Prabhupada’s personal direction, the Los Angeles center became a model for the rest of ISKCON–and eventually the Western World Headquarters for the ISKCON movement.
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Come and be part of the community. You can help plan festivals, assist with temple services or do a bit of gardening. Whatever your talent, we’ll fit you in.
Growth and Impact
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, New Dvaraka Dham grew into a vibrant spiritual community. It became a center for daily worship, Vedic study, and spiritual education, attracting not only ISKCON devotees but also members of the broader Los Angeles community. The temple’s influence extended beyond religious practices, as it became known for its cultural events, vegetarian feasts, and outreach programs.
The temple also played a pivotal role in ISKCON’s media efforts. The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT), ISKCON’s publishing arm, was headquartered in Los Angeles and produced translations of the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Chaitanya-Caritamrita and other key scriptures under the direction of Prabhupada. These publications helped spread Krishna consciousness around the world.
Translation of Books & BBT Headquarters
During His over 12 years of preaching, traveling, and establishing temples, Srila Prabhupada spent the most time in New Dvaraka outside of his time spent in India. Srila Prabhupada spent countless hours translating various books in his quarters in LA. One of the most notable and famous marathons was for the printing of the Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta. The BBT has been headquartered in Los Angeles since its inception and includes a large warehouse for distribution of books worldwide.
Community and Cultural Contributions
New Dvaraka Dham has, and continues to have, a lasting cultural impact in Los Angeles. Festivals such as Janmastami (the appearance day of Lord Krishna), and the annual Ratha Yatra Festival (Festival of Chariots) are celebrated with great enthusiasm, drawing large crowds from both the global devotee community and the general public. The temple’s presence in Los Angeles has made it a beacon for spiritual seekers and a center for Vedic culture in Southern California.
Modern Day
Today, New Dvaraka Dham remains a cornerstone of ISKCON’s activities in Los Angeles. Over 150 devotees live within the New Dvaraka Community premises. It continues to be a place of worship, education, outreach, and community, attracting both long-time devotees and newcomers interested in Krishna consciousness. The temple offers daily services, kirtan (devotional singing), classes, and a variety of spiritual and outreach preaching programs. It also operates a vegetarian cafe and boutique, Govinda’s, which is popular among both devotees and locals.
New Dvaraka Dham is not just a religious center but a vibrant cultural hub that has shaped the cultural and spiritual landscape of Los Angeles for over five decades. It stands as a testament to the lasting influence of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and the global reach of the Hare Krishna movement.
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