Kalachandji's Hare Krishna Temple in Dallas
Hare Krishna (Hinduism)
5430 Gurley Ave Dallas, TX 75223
Phone: (214) 827 6333
Email: info@radhakalachandji.com
Websites:
• http://www.radhakalachandji.com
• http://www.Kalachandjis.com
• http://www.tkgacademy.com/
• http://www.facebook.com/TexasKrishnas?sk=info
Photographs:
• http://www.facebook.com/TexasKrishnas?sk=photos
About
Kalachandji literally translates as "the beautiful moon-faced one.” He was worshipped for
hundreds of years until the Moguls invaded India. Fearing for Kalachandji`s safety, His devotees
concealed Him from the plunderers. His followers prayed for the day when they could worship
Him freely again. Centuries later, the great devotee of Krishna and founder of the Dallas temple,
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, arranged to have Kalachandji brought
to America. In Dallas, he established a large temple so that He may be worshipped once more.
History
In 1972 Srila Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON (International Society of Krishna
Consciousness), instructed two of his disciples to travel to Jaipur, India to secure marble deities
for the new temple in Dallas. While searching the shops for a deity (Kalachandji) the disciples
found an ancient forgotten deity that was being used as a large doorstop. The disciples were
struck by the deity’s image and decided they must have it. The owner of the deity refused to sell
it initially but reluctantly gave in to the disciples. The deity, who was over 500 years old, came
to reside in Dallas at the Kalachandji Hare Krishna temple.
In 1970, devotees first established a preaching center at 5108 Mission Street. In the spring of
1971, the devotees briefly moved the center to Turtle Creek, a more fashionable district of
Dallas. They were looking for somewhere to set up permanent residence. Finally in late 1971
they bought what had formerly been a Christian church. This would be the start of the facility
that exists to this day. In 1972, the deities Sri Sri Radha-Kalachandaji were officially installed in
the newly purchased Dallas Temple by Srila Prabhupada himself. Srila Prabhupada came to
Dallas two weeks before the actual installation, showing the devotees how to do everything
properly. The deity of Sri Sri Radha Kalachandji is the oldest Deity form of Krishna found
outside of India (500 years old).
After a renovation in the early 80s, a restaurant was added to the property. Over time the temple
was expanded to include a community Gurukula. One of the largest Hindu temples in Dallas, the
community has flourished and has achieved acceptance by those who are not followers of the
religion.
Kalachandji’s Restaurant
The restaurant (located next door to the temple) was created in honor of Kalachandji and is one
of Dallas’s finest restaurants. The restaurant is consistently awarded by local press for its fine
cuisine. For 27 years the restaurant has served traditional Indian lacto-vegeterarian meals and
accepted only donations for their meals. Because the Ayurvedic art of cooking is rare, cooking
classes are offered at the school if students would like to keep the tradition alive.
The TKG Academy
Located on the same block as the temple and restaurant, the TKG Academy provides an oasis of
companionship and learning that will set the success of a child’s life. The philosophy taught in
the school is derived from the teachings found in the Bhagavad-Gita and functions as a
Gurukula. Working with children ages five to eighteen, the school offers a self-paced kinetic
approach to education. This sets the stage for lifetime learning and can serve as a college
preparatory setting.
Activities and Schedule
The temple is very large and is thus heavily involved in the community. A few of the activities
the temple offers are as follows:
Community Garden
The temple hosts a community garden for anyone to try their hand at gardening. Officials are on-
site to teach this peaceful and rewarding exercise.
Various festivals
The temple maintains a community presence by being active in most city festivals. These are
also opportunities for interfaith collaborations and exchanges.
Travelling guru visits
The temple hosts travelling gurus on occasion. These wise speakers impart their wisdom to the
community on their journey.
Guided Tours
The temple offers guided tours to those who schedule them. In these tours visitors learn the
history of the temple and see the beauty that exists with the temple and all followers of
Kalachandji. They will learn about the wider Hare Krishna movement and about the International
Society of Krishna Consciousness. After the tour, guests should have an introductory
understanding of Vedic philosophy.
Pujas & Havans
Samskaras are traditional sacramental ceremonies performed by qualified priests (usually within
temples). Performing them in the temple is most desirable but on occasion families may wish to
have rituals performed in their home. The temple offers these services for the comfort of family
members or to purify the dwelling. All payments for Pujas and Havans are suggested donations.
Yoga
It is believed that yoga can help clear the mind and open oneself to ideas that may be obscured
by our daily lifestyles. In this way they have a purifying effect. Group classes are offered
frequently in the main hall.
Food For Life
Food For Life is a unique food distribution program for serving vegan/vegetarian food to the
community. Srila Prabhupada desired that no one in a 10 mile radius around the temple should
go hungry. Food For Life continues his wishes. Currently, the program serves twice weekly in
two different locations. FFL in Dallas accepts volunteers for cooking, serving, and distribution.
Tax deductable donations are also welcome.
Schedule and Activities
The Temple offers daily Arati (worship) and Darshan (beholding of a deity). On Sundays, Arati
& Kirtan, Gita Class, Bhajans, and a feast are offered. Arati includes:
Mangala Arati
Deity Greeting
Dhupa Arati
Raj-Bhoga Arati
Vaikalika Arati
Sandhya Arati
Shayana Arati
Publications
Hare Krishna TV Show, Whole Life Experience
Date Center Founded
1972
Membership
• More than 15,000 followers now live in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
• There are presently 25 temple-owned homes in the immediate neighborhood.
Ethnic Composition
South Asian
Affiliation with Other Communities/Organizations
• International Society of Krishna Consciousness
• North Texas Food Bank
• Metrocare Mental Health Services
Profile by affiliate Dr. Pankaj Jain and student affiliates Heidi Bamberg and Michael Giulietti.