About
The Sacred Seed
26 Second Avenue and the Birth of ISKCON
The Founder-Acarya (one who teaches by example) of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, also known as Srila Prabhupada. He left India and crossed the Atlantic Ocean on a freighter ship named The Jaladuta. After first docking in Boston two days earlier, he arrived in New York on September 19, 1965, and initially spent a month in Butler, Pennsylvania at the home of his sponsor. Srila Prabhupada returned to New York City to spread bhakti-yoga (the yoga of devotion and service to God) throughout the western world. He struggled for several months, during which time he was subject to a bitter New York winter, theft of his meager belongings, and abuse from a roommate with addiction. Yet he was determined to bring about a spiritual revolution.
In the summer of 1966, with the help of just two followers, Srila Prabhupada rented a storefront on New York City’s Lower East Side at 26 2nd Avenue. The storefront was previously a curio shop called “Matchless Gifts,” which he considered an apt name for what he had to offer. This is where he established the headquarters of ISKCON, and where the Krishna Consciousness movement would burgeon. Later, he often remembered those early days fondly as he saw his fledgling society quickly grow into the worldwide movement we see today. As his number of followers increased, the storefront became too small, so the temple moved to larger locations, leaving the humble but sacred space behind.
About 25 years and hundreds of worldwide temples later, the directors of the ISKCON temple in Brooklyn were able to regain the space and once again lease the original temple at 26 2nd Avenue. To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the founding of ISKCON, members of the Brooklyn temple renovated the site, rededicated it, and reopened it to the public in July of 1991.
Since that time, 26 2nd Avenue has become a beacon of Krishna Consciousness in New York City. Moreover, for followers of the Hare Krishna movement all over the world, it is nothing short of a sacred place of pilgrimage, a tirtha (holy place).
To learn more about Srila Prabhupada, visit Prabhupada.net, an incredible repository of information by and about this great 20th century saint.
From a Humble Storefront
The Timeline of a Spiritual Revolution
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.
July 12, 1966
The Inauguration of the Sunday Feast Tradition
Srila Prabhupada hosted the very first Sunday Feast for sixteen guests at 26 Second Avenue, establishing a weekly tradition of vibrant kirtan and sanctified vegetarian hospitality.
July 13, 1966
Incorporating ISKCON as a Global Society
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness was formally registered as a legal organization in New York City, transforming a small local gathering into an institution poised for global expansion.
September 8, 1966
ISKCON's 1st Initiation Ceremony
On Janmastami, Srila Prabhupada initiates his first 11 American disciples in his apartment. Among those initiated were: Hayagriva, Umapati, Mukunda, Janaki, and Raya Rama.
September 12, 1966
The First Sacred Wedding Ceremony
In his apartment, Srila Prabhupada performed the first traditional Vaishnava wedding ceremony in the West, uniting his disciples Mukunda Dasa and Janaki with a sacred Vedic fire sacrifice.
September 23, 1966
The 2nd Initiation Ceremony
On Radhastami, Srila Prabhupada initiates his second group of American disciples in his apartment consisting of Kirtanananda, Satsvarupa, Brahmananda, and Acyutananda.
September 1966
Tabloid Headlines Capture the Public's Attention
The Midnight tabloid published a sensationalized article comparing the Hare Krishna mantra to psychedelic experiences, signaling that the small movement had successfully penetrated mainstream American consciousness.
Fall 1966
National Television Audiences Witness the Movement
CBS Television broadcasted a national documentary titled "Happiness on Second Avenue," bringing scenes of vibrant temple kirtans directly into living rooms across the United States.
October 9, 1966
The First Public Kirtan in Tompkins Square Park
Under the shade of an iconic elm tree in Tompkins Square Park, Srila Prabhupada led his followers in the very first public outdoor congregational chanting in the Western world.
November/December 1968
The Move to 61 2nd Avenue
Srila Prabhupada and his fledgling society move two blocks north to a larger two-story storefront in order to accommodate his expanding movement.
The Roots of ISKCON
The Place Where It All Began
Explore the Legacy
Plan Your Visit and Guided Tours
Discover the rich history and spiritual significance of Matchless Gifts, the historic birthplace of the Hare Krishna movement. We invite you to join our guided tours, where you’ll explore the meticulously re-created 1966 storefront, delve into the early days of Srila Prabhupada’s mission in New York, and experience the vibrant energy that launched a worldwide spiritual phenomenon. Learn about the iconic Matchless Gifts Banner, original artwork and hear the first ever record of Srila Prabhupada and the Maha Mantra.
We are currently open during scheduled timings, or check our Programs page for other events.
If you’d like to arrange a special visit or tour outside of these times, or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly on (347) 931-0683. Alternatively contact us here.
We’ll do our best to accommodate your request and share the profound legacy of 26 2nd Avenue with you.
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.