The Hare Krishna Temple in Christchurch is a place of great significance for not just the Indian community but the wider community as well. Established in 1982, it was a hub of spirituality for decades until it was destroyed in the devastating earthquake of 2011. After a lengthy battle with insurance companies, construction on the temple began in 2015 and opened to devotees in 2017.
The temple celebrated the 6th anniversary of the rebuild on March 4-5. On the occasion, special guests HG Kalasamvara Prabhu and HG Trivikrama Prabhu shared their memories of the temple, adding to the electric ambiance. A rare Maha Abhiseka of the deities was performed, previously done only in 1986, 1996 and 2017. The temple was filled with devotees immersed in the kirtan, creating a powerful atmosphere of devotion and spirituality. After the Gaura Arati, a sumptuous vegan feast was served.
The Hare Krishna movement has a long history in New Zealand, with the Auckland temple established in the early 1970s. The movement’s message of spiritual and cultural unity has resonated with many people over the years, including Prabhu Ramanuj, who is in charge of the Christchurch temple.
In a brief chat with The Indian Weekender, Ramanuj Prabhu talked about the temple's journey and shared how his involvement in the movement has shaped his own life.
Prabhu, who joined the Hare Krishna movement in 1987, has been a part of the Christchurch temple for over 15 years. His journey to the movement began when he was a teenager, felt a void in his life and had many questions. After coming into contact with Hare Krishna chanters in the street, he started reading their books and eventually joined the temple as an initiated devotee at the age of 21. Though it was initially a complete change of culture, it was a decision he never regretted.
Prabhu quotes Bhagwad Gita and says “Para? d???va nivartate”, which means to have better engagement, one will have to give up this inferior engagement. Prabhu spent over 20 years in India, spending time building Hare Krishna temples in Kolkata and Jaipur.
Prabhu recalls his experiences in India: "Visiting India for the first time is an experience like no other - a land of diverse cultures, languages, lifestyles, and attire that can leave you in awe. The extreme contrasts can be overwhelming at first, but soon enough, you begin to feel a sense of belonging amidst the chaos and beauty of this incredible country.”
Prabhu returned to Christchurch and took charge of the temple in 2007, spending several years refurbishing it before the earthquake struck. After the earthquake, the community gathered every Sunday in a community hall for six years until the new temple could be built.
The reconstruction of the temple began in 2015. Prabhu was instrumental in designing the new temple, which was built using earthquake-proof timber construction based on Japanese buildings. The temple’s design is based on Vaastu principles, emphasising harmony and balance in architecture. Initially destined for the Auckland temple, the deity statues built in India with Makrana marble were donated to Christchurch.
With weekly congregations and events like Krishnafest, the temple is now a place of tranquility and spirituality. It also operates a vegan cafe on Thursdays and Fridays, which is open to all.
One of the most striking changes in the temple’s congregation since the earthquake has been the increase in the number of Indians attending. Prabhu shares, “Previously, there were few Indians, but now up to 90 per cent of the congregation is Indian. Many are young families who want to keep their children connected to their culture.”
In many ways, the Hare Krishna Temple in Christchurch stands today as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the importance of spiritual and cultural connection.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment