Welcome to Hare Krishna Melbourne

Hare Krishna Melbourne is the centre of the Bhakti Yoga Movement in Melbourne.

We help people find real happiness and inner fulfilment through mantra meditation, devotional music and service to society. Our movement is based on a profound ancient philosophy that reveals complete solutions to life's eternal problems.

ISKCON Melbourne Statement

Re. State of Emergency Self Isolation Directive for Returning Travellers

20.3.2020

Dear Devotees,

Perhaps some of you are unaware that from midnight on Sunday 15 March, everyone entering Australia from overseas has been required to self-isolate for 14 days.

People must not leave the premises where they are self-isolating except for the purpose of obtaining medical care or supplies; in any other emergency situation; or in circumstances where it is possible to avoid close contact with other persons. They also cannot allow visitors into their home. The penalty for failing to comply is a fine of up to $20,000.

As a Temple, we are following the Government’s directives to limit the spread of coronavirus to protect devotees and members of our wider community.

We applaud those who are voluntarily complying with this Victorian State of Emergency directive for returning travellers.

If you fail to self-isolate, please be aware that you are potentially endangering the community and may be reported to the police.

If you have questions about what you should do if you or your family-member returned from overseas before or after midnight, Sunday March 15, please read these guidelines.

Online Darshana During Current Temple Closure To Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus

16.3.2020

On your web browser go to mayapur.tv. Select Melbourne from the LIVE channels displayed.

Please note that the Melbourne LIVE channel will be visible/available at the following times only:

• Mangala Arati - 4:30am - 5.00am
• Sringara Arati - 7:00am - 7.30am
• Sandhya Arati - 7:00pm - 7.30pm

You can still view Srimad Bhagavatam class on YouTube, stream the audio using apps like VLC Media Player, or listen on SoundCloud.

Entry to Melbourne Temple for rostered services

15.3.2020

As you all are aware, to prevent the spread of coronavirus the Temple is closed until further notice from Monday, 16 March. Temple gates (front and back) will be locked at all times. Our managers have finalised how devotees will be given entry to complete their rostered services.

Access to Temple 

Phone numbers for department heads and some ashram devotees are displayed at the front gate.

Please call any of these numbers for access when you reach the gate. Service rosters are displayed to verify your service.

Important 

1. Entry is only for rostered devotees - not for anyone accompanying them - including family and friends.
2. Please leave the campus once your service is complete. Ask someone with the gate key to let you out.
3. All temple programs, including chanting sessions, are for temple residents only.
4. If you are feeling unwell, you must prioritise informing your department head. 

Considering the seriousness of this situation, we request everyone's co-operation.

Praying that you all stay safe and healthy,

Your Servant,
Arjuna Sakha Das (Staff Co-ordinator)

Access to Melbourne Temple restricted until further notice

14.3.2020

For the safety and well-being of our friends and supporters, and to prevent the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 in the ISKCON community, the ISKCON Melbourne Temple will be closed from Monday, 16 March 2020 to everyone except those performing rostered services.

1. Temple entry is only open to rostered staff and volunteers, and to resident ashram devotees from Monday, 16 March. 

2. Saturday and Sunday Feasts, Kirtana nights and the Urban Yoga program will be suspended until further notice. 

3. Prasadam meals will not be distributed to the public beginning from Monday, 16 March. 

4. Deity darshana and Bhagavatam classes will be available online. The implementation of the online Deity darshana will be deployed over the next week. Click on our Connect tile below for details. 

5. Sastra Courses and Children's Programs will be delivered online. Students should contact their teachers for details. 

6. Bhakti Vriksha groups are encouraged to co-ordinate programs using online facilities. 

7. Radhey’s Chai Bar remains open for business.

ISKCON Melbourne’s management will work on systems to enable staged visits to the Temple in the coming weeks. This is in the planning stage for the moment. It may require adherence to public health regulations, person-to-person distance rules, eligibility criteria, rosters, bookings, and your co-operation.

Your servant, Aniruddha Dasa - Temple President

ISKCON Governing Board Commission statement about Coronavirus

12.3.2020

Dear ISKCON Community Members,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Yesterday, we received the sad news of a beloved member of the Bhaktivedanta Manor Community in the UK passing from this world as a result of the coronavirus.

In light of the seriousness of the situation, we request all of our ISKCON communities, temples, and centres to adhere to the following recommendations:
Temple events will continue as scheduled.

However, we request that you do not visit the temple if:
1. You have any symptoms of COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus — fever,
cough, or shortness of breath.
2. You have been around anyone else with the above symptoms.
3. You have a compromised immune system and are therefore at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19.
4. You are worried about catching the coronavirus disease.
5. You have travelled to high-risk countries listed at https://www.cdc.gov or been in close
contact with someone who has travelled to one of these countries.
In any of the above cases, please refrain from participating in temple activities for at least 14 days after your return or after you are symptom-free.

We also request the following precautions:
1. Anyone involved in cooking or serving prasadam must wash their hands every 20 minutes with hot water and soap for 20 seconds. Servers must wear disposable gloves.
2. Anyone showing any symptoms of any illness should remain out of the kitchen and also not serve prasadam.
3. Avoid shaking hands.
4. Avoid touching your face.
5. Please do not distribute prasadam flowers, oil, or water at this time.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.
Hare Krsna,
Your servants,
Ramai Swami, Bhakti Caitanya Swami, Bhanu Swami (GBC Executive Committee)