Temple is a Sanctuary of Spiritual Education
"Temple means people should come, people should learn the science of God. Temple should not be a business. Temple means spiritual educational shelter. People should come and learn what is spiritual life, what is God, what is my relationship with God."
ISKCON Wellington
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Free Meals
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Festivals
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Spiritual Benefits of Donation for a Temple
Those who build temples for Vishnu are freed from all sins. They attain the supreme abode of Vishnu, which is free from sorrow and fear.
– Skanda Purana
The building of a temple is beneficial not only for the builder but also for his ancestors and descendants for seven generations.
– Agni Purana
As rivers flow into the ocean, all pious activities flow toward the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord. Building a temple is the most pious activity.
– Padma Purana
One who constructs a temple for the Lord is worshiped in this world and after death, attains the eternal spiritual world.
– Vishnu Dharmottara Purana
ISKCON Wellington Rising
Helping People find True Happiness
Our Mission
Who We are
Our History
What We Do
Our mission is to create a go-to place for all spiritual seekers in Wellington, offering a positive, loving, and welcoming environment that fosters spiritual growth through Krishna consciousness.
A spiritual home in the heart of the capital
ISKCON Wellington is a vibrant, family-oriented community in New Zealand’s capital, dedicated to sharing the timeless wisdom and joyful bhakti-yoga practices taught by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda. From daily kīrtans and lively Sunday feasts to youth programs and our popular Higher Taste vegetarian restaurant, we strive to create an inclusive spiritual home where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience the power of chanting, sacred study, and compassionate service. Centered on love for Krishna and service to others, we aim to nourish hearts, uplift society, and inspire meaningful, purposeful living.
From a simple home temple to a thriving spiritual community
ISKCON Wellington began in the late 1990s as a humble gathering of Krishna devotees inspired by the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda. In 1998, a small property in Newlands was acquired and transformed into a simple temple, serving as the heart of our growing spiritual family. Over the years, with the blessings of Lord Krishna and the dedication of our community, we established vibrant programs, including the popular Higher Taste restaurant, outreach events, and youth activities, all aimed at sharing devotional culture and spiritual wisdom with the people of Wellington.
Serving with devotion, sharing with love, growing in community
At ISKCON Wellington, we engage in a wide range of devotional and community activities centered around bhakti-yoga, the path of loving devotion to Krishna. We host weekly kīrtans, Sunday Feast gatherings, children’s programs, spiritual discourses, and festivals that celebrate the rich culture of Krishna consciousness. Through our Higher Taste vegetarian restaurant, school outreach, and value-based education, we share prasādam (sanctified food) and timeless wisdom with the wider community. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, cultural connection, or meaningful service, our doors are open to all.
Inner Peace begins with Daily Practice
Bhakti Yoga
Devotional service (Bhakti Yoga) connects the soul to the Supersoul, awakening love for Krishna and leading to eternal fulfillment.
Devotee Association
Association with devotees nourishes the heart, strengthens faith, and accelerates our journey toward Krishna.
Mantra Meditation
Mantra meditation helps us train the mind, turning it from our worst enemy into our best friend.
Reading Scriptures
Reading scriptures sharpens our intelligence, strengthens our determination, and helps us clearly distinguish right from wrong.
Sanctified Food
Eating sanctified food calms the senses and nourishes both body and soul.
Become a Part of Us
Contribute your skills
Devotees with technical and creative skills can make a valuable contribution to temple renovation by supporting key infrastructure and design elements.
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP)
- Artisans and designers
- Local building codes, safety standards, and sustainable practices
By offering their expertise, devotees can help transform the temple into a beautiful, functional, and spiritually uplifting space for all.
Contribute material
Renovating a temple requires a thoughtful selection of materials that balance durability, tradition, and spiritual aesthetics. Common materials include high-quality marble and granite, teakwood or carved timber for altar, for doors, panels, and decorative elements, and brass or gold-plated metals for deity paraphernalia and fixtures. For interior finishes, eco-friendly paints, soundproofing materials, and acoustic ceiling panels are used to enhance the devotional atmosphere, especially during kīrtans. Additionally, materials like LED lighting systems, wiring components, PVC and copper pipes, and ventilation ducts are essential for modern MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) upgrades. The selection of each material should reflect both spiritual sanctity and practical sustainability, ensuring the temple remains a sacred and welcoming space for generations to come.
Volunteer for services
Renovating and fundraising for an ISKCON temple requires the collective support of many volunteers. Devotees can help by spreading awareness, inspiring others to contribute, and assisting in organizing events and community gatherings. Simple yet valuable services like helping with setup, cleaning, prasadam distribution, and welcoming guests go a long way in creating a warm and devotional atmosphere. Every effort, big or small, helps bring the temple project closer to completion and makes it a true offering of love to the Lord.
What Have We Already Done
