Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Holy man. Small storefront. Spiritual revolution.
A worldwide spiritual movement is born.
Welcome to the historic first location of the Hare Krishna movement in the Western world. From this modest little storefront on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, a 70-year-old swami from India started giving classes on spirituality and singing the names of God. By the time he passed away 11 years later, his movement had expanded to include over 100 temples, ashrams, and cultural centers across six continents.
How It All Began…
September 22, 1965
Ambassador of Bhakti-yoga Arrives in Pennsylvania
Following his historic arrival in America, Srila Prabhupada was featured in The Butler Eagle newspaper while staying with his sponsors in Butler, Pennsylvania.
June 23, 1966
A Humble Real Estate Listing Awaits History
A small classified advertisement appeared in The Village Voice, listing the vacant storefront at 26 Second Avenue that would soon become the first Hare Krishna temple in the West.
June 30, 1966
The Underground Press Introduces Bhaktivedanta Swami
The Village Voice formally introduced Bhaktivedanta Swami to New York's countercultural readership, portraying him as a dignified Indian spiritual teacher conducting kirtans in the East Village.
The Roots of ISKCON
The Place Where It All Began
Sacred Beginnings
26 2nd Avenue Offerings
See all
Media
Archived photos of the earliest activities at 26 2nd Ave.
Our Story and Legacy
Where the global spiritual revolution began.
Our Timeline
Trace our incredible journey from a humble Lower East Side storefront to a worldwide spiritual phenomenon.
Continuing the Legacy
Honor the Past. Sustain the Future.
The journey that began in this humble East Village storefront relies on collective guardianship to endure for generations to come. Whether you choose to explore our historical archives or directly support the structural preservation of this sacred landmark, your presence keeps the heart of 26 2nd Avenue beating.