ISKCON Phoenix
History of ISKCON Phoenix
In 1981 ISKCON moved from their centre in Rose-Hill to the famous “White House” building in Quatres Bornes. Until then, devotees had only rented small houses as preaching centres and to move to such a prestigious location was a big step forward for the society. Sri Sri Radha-Golokananda were installed in White House two years later. Many devotees then joined the temple and the Sunday Feast programme started attracting many guests.
In 1984 ISKCON purchased an agricultural plot of 6 ¼ acres in Phoenix, hoping to one day construct a grand temple for Sri Sri Radha-Golokananda there. At that time, there was nothing but sugar-cane fields all around.
In the meantime, 1987 the contract was terminated, Sri Sri Radha-Golokananda were temporarily transferred to the ISKCON Vedic Farm at Bon Acceuil. Devotees moved to smaller rented centres, first at La Rosaire, Quatres Bornes and then to Dr. Lister Lane also in Quatres Bornes, while construction of the first phase of Hare Krishna Land at Phoenix began. The foundation stone for the new temple was laid in 1988. In 1990,on the eve of Janmasthami when the first phase of Sri Sri Radha-Golokananda’s temple was completed, the Deities were welcomed to Their own temple, named Hare Krishna Land, in Phoenix.