ISKCON New Orleans

ISKCON of New Orleans stands today as one of the most historic and spiritually significant temples in the Western world. Its roots go back to the remarkable year of 1971, a year forever remembered in ISKCON history as the period when the most centers were opened during Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence—almost two new temples every month. Among those early expansions was the New Orleans preaching center, originally located near Tulane and Loyola Universities at the corner of Spruce and South Carrollton in Uptown.
 

From that humble beginning, the New Orleans center grew and eventually moved to its current sacred home on the historic and charming Esplanade Avenue. The temple building itself is a treasure—a 150-year-old Swiss cottage, originally built in Switzerland, transported piece by piece across the ocean, and reassembled in New Orleans. When the devotees acquired it, it was in a dilapidated condition. But with unwavering devotion, determination, and love, they renovated and restored it to its former glory. Devotees who had served on the New Vrindavan Palace of Gold project came to assist, and their craftsmanship is evident throughout the temple. The altar and much of the interior work are handcrafted by devotees, giving the temple a unique devotional signature rarely found elsewhere.

The presiding Deities—Sri Sri Radha Radhakanta, Jagannath Baladeva Subhadra, and Sri Sri Gaur Nitai—have adorned this temple since 1974, the very same year that Srila Prabhupada personally visited New Orleans. On July 31st and August 1st, Srila Prabhupada walked the same steps devotees use today, entered this very temple room, and took darśan of these very same Deities. Under the mighty oak tree still standing at the front of the property, he was honored as an Honorary Citizen of New Orleans by a representative of the mayor. His sacred presence remains eternally felt here.
 

Upon seeing Sri Sri Radha Radhakanta, Srila Prabhupada lovingly remarked, “They are beautiful.”

Not many temples in the world can say that the same temple building, the same Deities, and the same sacred atmosphere were personally witnessed by Srila Prabhupada. Many centers have moved, been rebuilt, or installed new Deities later. But here in New Orleans, the Deities remain exactly as Prabhupada saw them—an immeasurable blessing for generations to come.
 

In 2024, the community celebrated 50 years of the installation of Sri Sri Radha Radhakanta, and in 2025, 50 years since Srila Prabhupada’s visit—two monumental milestones honoring the temple’s deep spiritual heritage.

New Orleans

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The city of New Orleans itself—more than 300 years old, filled with history, music, culture, and hospitality—provides the perfect backdrop for this sacred community. Known as a city of parades, its second lines echo the mood of Harinam, and its festival-loving spirit resonates naturally with Ratha Yatra and other Vaishnava celebrations. Performing Harinam here is a joyful and unforgettable experience.
 

New Orleans is also known in ISKCON history as one of the world’s most powerful book distribution centers. The world-renowned sankirtan devotee Mohanashini Mataji, who became the #1 book distributor globally multiple times, did her service here. Many others still testify to the strong sankirtan potency flowing through this city—thus earning it the affectionate name: New Sankirtan Puri Dham.
 

Today, more than 70 devotee families from Śrīdhām Mayapur call New Orleans home, lovingly serving Sri Sri Radha Radhakanta as their own beloved Lord. The temple is enriched by a vibrant Bengali community, with over 50 children and many second-initiated devotees who actively participate in deity worship, daily seva, festivals, cooking, education, and temple maintenance.
 

Their presence fills ISKCON of New Orleans with the flavor, culture, warmth, and devotional mood of Mayapur. From the sound of the Bengali language to the aroma of traditional prasādam, from heartfelt kirtans to the joyful community spirit—here you truly feel as though you are stepping into a little Mayapur. This devotional atmosphere has become one of the temple’s greatest strengths and blessings.
 

We warmly invite you to come and experience all of this for yourself.
Come take darśan of Sri Sri Radha Radhakanta—Deities personally seen and praised by Srila Prabhupada.

Come feel the culture of Mayapur, the joy of sankirtan, and the sweetness of community life.

Come experience the devotion, history, and spiritual beauty that make ISKCON of New Orleans a true hidden gem.
 

Welcome to ISKCON New Orleans—where history lives, devotion thrives, and the mercy of Lord Krishna flows abundantly.
 

Hare Krishna.