Vyasa Puja is a sacred day for devotees to pay respect and express heartfelt gratitude to ISKCON Founder-Acharya, His Holiness A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada. It is a time of reflection, celebration, and recommitment to the mission of Krishna consciousness. While every ISKCON temple around the world honors Srila Prabhupada on this day, some temples offer a uniquely powerful atmosphere because of their historical, spiritual, or emotional connection with him. Here are some of the most inspiring ISKCON temples to visit during Vyasa Puja: 1. Sri Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir, Vrindavan, India This temple is the spiritual home of Srila Prabhupada. Located in the holy land of Vrindavan, the Krishna-Balaram Mandir was founded by him personally. Srila Prabhupada spent his last days here, and his samadhi mandir (resting place) is located within the premises. On the day of Vyasa Puja, the atmosphere is filled with devotion – tearful offerings, lively kirtans, and heartfelt tributes from around the world make this celebration even more touching.
- ISKCON Mayapur, West Bengal, India
Srila Prabhupada envisioned Mayapur as the global spiritual capital of ISKCON. As the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, it is already saturated with transcendental energy. On Vyasa Puja day, devotees from every continent gather at this sacred dham to honor Srila Prabhupada with lavish offerings, global video tributes, and cultural programs. The massive temple being built here – the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium – is one of Prabhupada’s boldest dreams coming to life. - ISKCON Juhu, Mumbai, India
One of the most dramatic and inspiring stories of Srila Prabhupada’s preaching unfolded here. After a long struggle to secure the land in Juhu, he finally established this temple of Sri Sri Radha Rasbihari in Mumbai. The temple now stands as a vibrant center of devotion, with beautiful darshans, continuous seva, and large-scale programs. Vyasa pujas in Juhu are grand and deeply emotional, often attended by senior disciples who witnessed those early struggles firsthand. - ISKCON Los Angeles (New Dwaraka), USA
This was Srila Prabhupada’s main base during his time in the West. He spent long stretches of time in Los Angeles, and the temple became a model of deity worship and temple management. Today, ISKCON LA is one of the most active and inspiring centers. On the occasion of Vyasa puja, the temple hosts soulful offerings, video presentations, and exhibitions, connecting devotees deeply to Srila Prabhupada’s times. - Bhaktivedanta Manor, London, UK
Donated by George Harrison of the Beatles, this stunning temple in the English countryside is a major spiritual center. Srila Prabhupada personally stayed here, and the manor continues to have a warm, inclusive, and deeply devotional atmosphere. During Vyasa puja, the grounds come alive with music, prasad, drama, and stories of Srila Prabhupada’s influence in the West.
Honorable Mentions:
ISKCON Chowpatty (Mumbai) – for deeply philosophical and culturally rich ceremonies.
ISKCON Bangalore – grand architecture and large-scale public events.
ISKCON Nairobi or ISKCON Moscow – powerful examples of how Srila Prabhupada’s message has taken root even under challenging circumstances.
Radha Gopinath Mandir (Chowpatty) – known for deep spiritual energy and highly artistic ceremonies.