ISKCON Malaysia – International Society for Krishna Consciousness in Kuala Lumpur

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as ‘the Hare Krishna’ movement, was founded in 1966 in New York City by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. While some classified it as a new religious movement, its core philosophy is based on scriptures such as the Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, both of which date back more than two millennia. The distinctive appearance of the movement and its culture come from the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, which has had adherents in India ever since the late 1400s. Early converts to the movement were dated to early 1930s.

Non-sectarian in its ideals, ISKCON was formed to spread the practice of ‘Bhakti yoga’ (The Yoga of Devotion); wherein aspirant devotees (Bhaktas) dedicate their thoughts and actions towards pleasing Supreme Lord, Krishna (seen as non-different from God).

About ISKCON Malaysia

ISKCON Malaysia was established in 1980. Today, there are over 14 registered branches and over 20 active preaching centres nationwide, not including the innumerable number of get-togethers. Most of these centres are managed by congregation devotees who volunteer their time and resources for the service of Lord Krishna.

ISKCON worldwide is managed by the Governing Body Commission comprising of more than 40 elected members. They meet once a year in Sri Mayapur Dham, India , the ISKCON headquarters, for the annual meeting. Members of the GBC are in charge of overseeing preaching activities in different parts of the world. They are called Governing Body Commissioners.

The Governing Body Commissioners for Malaysia are His Holiness Jayapataka Swami and His Holiness Prabhavisnu Swami. The Regional Secretary is His Grace Simhesvara dasa.

ISKCON Malaysia’s President is His Holiness Bhaktivrajendranandana Swami and the Vice-President is His Grace Vrindavana Candra dasa.

Each of the branches or Nama hattas in Malaysia, is managed by a committee comprising of elected members. The centres are financially self-sufficient and manage their affairs independently. Periodically, all the local leaders convene to discuss matters of individual and collective concern.

The total number of congregants nationwide (those who are chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and accept Lord Sri Krishna as Supreme Lord and Srila Prabhupada) is circa 10,000.

Activities

The core activity is to teach, train and disseminate Vedic culture and philosophy as presented in Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. This is achieved through various means, such as:-

• Providing place for worship and learning.
• Distribution of spiritual books and learning tools.
• Free food distribution to the needy.
• Organising Vedic festivals.
• Spiritual counselling at prison and drug rehabilitation centres.
• Spiritual counseling for individuals and families.
• Care for the old.
• Training/guiding children, youths, under-graduates.
• Welfare and charitable activities.

SJMKL History

The first preaching centre in Kuala Lumpur also known as Sri Jagannatha Mandir, SJMKL, was established in Jalan Anak Gasing, Petaling Jaya in 1981. His Grace Ramasharan prabhu was the first Temple President. In 1984, the centre was relocated to Taman Kanagapuram, Petaling Jaya, and since 1985, we have established our headquarters in Taman Yarl, Off Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur.

His Grace Vrindavan Candra prabhu took over the leadership for a brief period. During his time, many life-members were made whose contribution helped the movement financially.

His Grace Simhesvara prabhu was the third temple president and he managed for 13 years. During this time many young men joined as residential devotees or brahmacaris. Preaching expanded throughout the country vigorously. New preaching centres mushroomed from North to South of Malaysia and as well as to Kuching.

Since the beginning, Sri Jagannatha Mandir operated from residential premises with limited facilities. Nevertheless that did not hamper the growth of our ISKCON in all sectors – congregation, book distribution, preaching activities, festivals, etc.

Today, Sri Jagannatha Mandir is 450-congregant strong. His Grace Uttama Caitanya dasa, who has been at the helm of the management since 2001, is assisted by a team of dedicated congregants. The temple has seen major renovation and extension to facilitate the increasing activities and attendance during festivals. Plans are afoot for further extension of the current temple building. Innovative preaching techniques, elaborate festivals, devotee development and educational activities are just some of the attractions that are the order of the day currently at SJMKL.

Sri Jagannatha Mandir is and will continue to serve as a spiritual oasis for all the sincere souls seeking spiritual realization.

Mission of SJMKL

SJMKL is dedicated to the spiritual upliftment, and study and dissemination of Krishna consciousness aimed at developing God-conscious individuals for the betterment of society.

Objectives of SJMKL

The objectives are:

• To establish a place of worship of Their Lordships, Sri Sri Radha-Krishna.
• To provide a centre for the study, training, research and dissemination of Vedic culture and knowledge.
• To promote a balanced, natural way of life, based on spiritual values and principles.
• To assist develop God-conscious individuals.
• To increase spiritual fellowship among all living beings in a God-centred environments.
• To contribute to the national effort in eradicating social ills.

Deities

Sri Jagannatha Mandir is dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna in His deity form as Jagannatha, meaning Lord of the Universe ( Jag an translates to Universe , natha means Lord ). The temple is of great significance to followers of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, whose founder Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu had a special attraction to the Jagannatha deity and lived in Puri , India for many years. Followers of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Who is no-different from Lord Krishna Himself, accept Lord Sri Krishna as the Supreme Lord. He has many forms in which Lord Jagannatha is one of those.

This temple was established in 1985 and has served as the headquarters of ISKCON Malaysia for all these years.

On the main altar in the temple, there are three thrones (simhasana). On the central throne are seated Lord Baladeva (Krishna’s brother), Goddess Subhatra ( Krishna ‘s sister) and Lord Jagannatha (in that sequence).

Flanking them on the left throne are the deities of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Nityananda (to His right), and on the right throne is photo of the deities, Sri Sri Radha Syamasunder.

On the right of the main temple hall, is the life-sized murti or deity of the founder-acarya of ISKCON, His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada who is also worshipp ed everyday.

Deity darshan timings

7.30am – 12.45pm
4.15pm – 8.45pm

Daily temple programme

5.15am Mangala Arati & Tulasi Arati
7.30am Darsana Arati
7.45am Srila Prabhupada Guru Puja
8.00am Srimad Bhagavatam class
8.30am Dhupa Arati
12.20pm Raja-bhoga Arati
4.15pm Dhupa Arati
7.00pm Sandhya Arati
8.30pm Sayana Arati

Sunday feast

7.30am Darsan Arati
7.45am Srila Prabhupada Guru Puja
8.30am Spiritual discourse (English & Tamil)
Children’s class (4 yrs – 12 yrs)
9.45am Prasadam

Contact details

Sri Jagannatha Mandir
ISKCON Kuala Lumpur
Lot 9901, Jalan Awan Jawa
Taman Yarl, Off Old Klang Road
58200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

Tel: +603-7980 7355
Fax: +603-7987 9901

E-mail: president@iskconkl.com

Website: http://www.iskconkl.com

Distance from KL Internationl Airport: 45 minutes Distance from KL City centre: 25 minutes Nearest commuter station: Kg Pasir (5-7 minutes drive) Nearest LRT station: Bukit Jalil Stadium (6-8 minutes drive)

How to get there

Branches in Malaysia