Hare Krishna in Amsterdhama

Rooted in the ancient Vedic culture of India, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), widely known as the Hare Krishna movement, belongs to the monotheistic tradition of the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya.

The movement’s journey to the West began in the 1960s when His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, at the age of seventy, traveled from India to the United States. There, he began sharing the teachings of Krishna consciousness and chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. His message quickly resonated with many people, inspiring a growing community of followers.

The first Hare Krishna temples were established in New York City and San Francisco. From these early centers, devotees carried the movement’s message across the globe, leading to the establishment of communities and temples in cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, and many other locations throughout Europe.

The Hare Krishna movement arrived in Amsterdam in 1968 when the first devotee reached the city. Originally intending to travel to the United Kingdom, he was denied entry and instead made his way to the nearest major European destination—Amsterdam.

In 1970, Srila Prabhupada visited Amsterdam for the first time. During his stay, a Dutch television program recorded the chanting of the Maha Mantra for national broadcast, followed by a brief address from Srila Prabhupada. Two years later, in 1972, he returned to visit the first Hare Krishna temple in the Netherlands, located on Bethaniënstraat. During this historic visit, he installed the Deities of Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra, who today reside at Radhadesh.

Over the decades, the Amsterdam temple has been based at several locations throughout the city, including Van Ruysdaelkade, Keizersgracht, Herengracht, and Van Hilligaertstraat. Most recently, the congregation has moved from its location on Lizzy Ansinghstraat and is actively working to secure a new permanent home—one that will be owned by ISKCON Amsterdam itself.

For more than fifty years, the Hare Krishna movement has been a vibrant and enduring presence in Amsterdam. Through activities such as Harinama (public chanting), book distribution, Food for Life, spiritual programs, and cultural festivals, devotees strive to bring peace, joy, and spiritual inspiration to the city’s residents and visitors alike.

As we reflect on over half a century of service in Amsterdam, we look forward to continuing our mission: inspiring people, fostering spiritual growth, and making a lasting positive contribution to the cultural and spiritual life of this remarkable city.