Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple (Spanish Fork)
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[edit] Summary
The Sri Sri Radha temple in Spanish Fork, Utah[1] was built to meet the needs of the Hindu community in Utah County, Utah. The temple is located at 8628 South Main Street Spanish Fork UT 84660. The temple hosts seasonal festivals, weddings, receptions, and other weekly services for prayer and meditation.
[edit] History
The history behind the Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple is rooted in devoted members of the ISKON and their efforts to bring awareness of their religion and Indian culture to western Countries. The influence of this movement can be traced back thousands of years to the basic beliefs surrounding Krishna, and additionally to modern advocates for Krishna Consciousness like Swami Prabhupada.
The Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple located in Spanish Fork, Utah is in existence mainly due to the efforts of Charu Das (formerly Christopher Warden) and his activity within the ISKCON. Das, is American by birth and left the United States in order to protest and avoid the war in Vietnam. Then he traveled through many different European nations, India, and Singapore. While in Singapore he met his future wife, and the two of them began a lifetime of work to further Krishna Consciousness. The two went to Australia where they lived and worked for a time. After spending several years with a community of Krishna devotees, Charu left Australia and returned to the United States where he served in several different positions for the ISKCON.
Das was first encountered Utah in 1975 when he traveled to BYU to sell books for a trust under the ISKCON. His impressions were positive, and he appreciated the atmosphere of tolerance and interest. Years later after leaving his position at a temple near Berkley he returned to Utah. On November 10, 1996 ground breaking ceremonies were held at the temple's current location in Spanish Fork, and on February 16, 1998 the construction of the temple began.
The Sri Sri Radha Krishna temple continues to thrive each year as it attracts thousands of guests for both tours and seasonal festivals.
[edit] Events, Festivals, and Grounds
Krishna houses a natural amphitheater with the capacity to accommodate thousands. Typically, from March through Octoberthe temple holds entertainments such as art and photography displays, tour guides, cuisine tasting, cultural exhibits on India, a gala pageant of the epic Ramayana, the burning of a 20' high ten-headed demon named Ravana, weddings and receptions, guided llama tours, and fireworks. There is a gift shop on site as well. Annually, the Holi festival (also known as the Festival of Colors) is held here, typically teaching a Hindu message to a mostly L.D.S. audience. Visitors can buy different colored chalk to throw it at a replica of Holika in the evening bonfire. Visitors are very broad: schools, scout troops, summer or senior organizations, and family reunions are all guests[2].
[edit] Weekly Services
The services at the Krishna temple are open to the public every day from 6 am to 7:30 am. At 5 pm on Sunday a feast and regular services are held and are especially open to students. Free yoga and meditation classes are also available.
