Ever wondered how a simple mantra could become a global phenomenon? The story of the Radha Krishna Temple Shyama Ashram begins with a whisper and ends with a worldwide echo.
The Radha Krishna Temple Shyama Ashram stands as the UK headquarters for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. It is known as ISKCON. Its roots trace back to the late 1960s. Six devotees journeyed from San Francisco. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada sent them to establish a UK branch of ISKCON in 1968.
But how did this humble temple gain international recognition? The answer lies with George Harrison of the Beatles. He publicly embraced Krishna consciousness. This endorsement catapulted the temple into the limelight. Mukunda, Shyamsundar, and Malati were key figures among the initial six representatives. They later held prominent positions within ISKCON.
In 1971 the Radha Krishna Temple devotees recorded an album of devotional music with Harrison. It was released on the Beatles Apple record label. “Hare Krishna Mantra” became an international hit in 1969. It helped popularize the Maha Mantra in the West. “Govinda” was another popular track. Harrison’s financial support helped the Radha Krishna Temple secure its first permanent home. It was located at Bury Place in central London. Later, they acquired Bhaktivedanta Manor in Hertfordshire.
Prabhupada established the first Radha Krishna Temple in New York in 1966. In 1968, he asked three married couples to establish a base in England. Shyamsundar Das explained that the center of activity was shifting to London in 1968. Prabhupada was drawn to having a base in the United Kingdom. It was due to his upbringing as an Indian in the British Empire.
Initially, the three couples struggled financially. They lived in separate accommodations across London. They engaged in missionary activities. These included public chanting. They also distributed promotional leaflets. They eventually settled in a warehouse complex in Covent Garden. It served as their temporary temple. Malati recalled those early days. They had hardly any possessions, no money, and no protection.
Shyamsundar had the idea to meet the Beatles. He wanted them to introduce the Hare Krishna mantra into their songs. In October 1968, Mukunda and Shyamsundar went to Apple Records. Peter Asher passed a recommendation on to George Harrison. Harrison was interested in Indian philosophy and culture.
Harrison greeted Shyamsundar with enthusiasm. He said he had been waiting years to meet him. Harrison visited the devotees at their warehouse. He felt inspired. He introduced Shyamsundar to the other Beatles.
Harrison valued Apple Records. He saw it as a means to work with other artists. In July 1969, he invited the devotees to Abbey Road Studios. They recorded the Maha Mantra for release as a single. Harrison produced and performed on the song. Mukunda provided the musical arrangement. Yamuna and Shyamsundar served as lead vocalists.
Released in August and credited to Radha Krishna Temple London, “Hare Krishna Mantra” became a commercial success. It reached number 12 on the UK charts. The devotees performed the song twice on BBC-TV’s Top of the Pops. The Radha Krishna Temple played concerts across Europe. Mukunda said they went from street people to celebrity status overnight.
The single established the ancient mantra in the cultural mainstream. It attracted many new members to ISKCON’s centers. The Radha Krishna Temple’s recording was seen as fulfilling a prediction. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had written that the chanting of God’s names would be heard everywhere.
Prabhupada wanted a formal ISKCON temple before visiting London. Mukunda found a premises at 7 Bury Place. Harrison co-signed the lease and helped fund it. The devotees moved into the new Radha Krishna Temple in December 1969. Harrison donated the temple’s altar.
Harrison revered Prabhupada as a teacher and friend. He was moved by Prabhupada’s humility. He saw him as a servant of God. When Prabhupada first heard Harrison’s version of the Govindam prayers, he was moved to tears. He asked for the song to be played every morning. This practice continues today at all ISKCON centers.
The Radha Krishna Temple members made other recordings with Harrison in 1970. They also performed live concerts. They appeared on Top of the Pops to promote “Govinda”. In May 1971, Apple issued the album “The Radha Krsna Temple”.
ISKCON’s London chapter grew. The temple at Bury Place became too small. Harrison helped purchase a property in Hertfordshire. It was named Bhaktivedanta Manor. In 1979, the central London temple moved to Soho Square. The deities became known as “Radha-Londonishvara”. The Radha Krishna Temple Shyama Ashram stands as a testament to devotion. It also shows the power of music. It connects cultures and spreads a message of peace.