Mauritius

History of ISKCON in Mauritius.

Upon arriving in Mauritius in 1975 devotees were enchanted by the beautiful setting of the place - a green, subtropical, paradise island surrounded by the transparent waters of the Indian Ocean. During his visit in October 1975, Srila Prabhupada approved the idea of acquiring some land for the establishment of a Krishna conscious community based on simple living and high thinking.

Soon after this meeting a committee was set up with interested lifemembers. Thus the planning began. Funds were raised to start the first basic construction, laying of water pipes and connecting electricity. It was now mid 1982. Two rooms were covered with iron sheets and the devotees started to live on the land in very simple conditions. In 1983 the first cow was donated. December 1984 one of the first biogas plants in Mauritius was inaugurated and thousands of people from all over came to visit the project. The name and fame of ISKCON VEDIC FARM spread quickly through the island. Preaching the message of Krishna consciousness went on in full force in the surrounding areas and people flocked to the Sunday love feasts in great numbers. The temporary transfer of Sri Sri Radha Golokananda in 1987 inspired the residents with a great desire to also install large marble Deities. It would be natural to have Deities of Krishna and Balarama in such a rural community. Plans were drawn for a Brijabasi-style temple and construction started soon afterwards.  Video gallery >>