ISKCON: A Worldwide Consciousness Movement
800+ Centers • 100+ Countries • 500M+ Meals Served — and a warm local home right here in Juja.
Srila Prabhupada: Relentless Faith, Timeless Wisdom
In 1965, at the age of 69, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada boarded a grueling cargo ship from India to New York City. He suffered two severe heart attacks at sea, possessed no institutional backing, and arrived with less than seven dollars in his pocket. What he did carry was an unshakeable faith in his spiritual master's instruction and a trunk filled with his translations of ancient Indian scripture.
While the Western world was undergoing massive social upheaval, Srila Prabhupada quietly launched a spiritual counter-revolution. He sat beneath an elm tree in New York's Tompkins Square Park and began the Hare Krishna chant — capturing the hearts of young seekers looking for real substance.
A Global Legacy Built in Eleven Years: He traveled the earth 14 times, establishing over 108 temples across six continents. He translated and published over 80 volumes including the Bhagavad Gita As It Is. He pioneered Food for Life, the world's largest vegetarian food relief network.
ISKCON: A Global Spiritual Network Built for the Modern Age
Founded in New York City in 1966, ISKCON (The International Society for Krishna Consciousness) belongs to the ancient Krishna-devotion tradition — a monotheistic path rooted in ancient Indian scripture, brought to the modern world to meet its psychological and spiritual needs.
Explore the official international network, worldwide temple directories, and global media archive.
Your Local Spiritual Sanctuary
The origin of the Hare Krishna Community Centre in Juja traces back to the global mission launched by Srila Prabhupada. Driven by his vision to bring practical spiritual knowledge and community to every corner of the world, Prabhupada brought the movement to East Africa in 1971, visiting Nairobi and Mombasa to establish roots based on universal equality and selfless service.
Following his visits, ISKCON established its primary East African hub in Nairobi's Ngara neighborhood — the Sri Sri Radha Bankebhari Ji Temple, the main anchor for the movement across the region ever since.
Decades later, that same lineage of support found expression in Juja during the closing days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeking to establish a spiritual sanctuary for university students navigating the town's prevailing party, gambling, and addiction culture, local practitioners set out to build an environment grounded in something deeper and genuinely soul-nourishing.
They began hosting intimate house gatherings, inviting local students for philosophical discussions and shared meals alongside experienced practitioners like Sriman Govinda. Curiosity quickly spread across campus when members of the group began wearing traditional devotional attire, sparking everyday conversations with peers who were searching for substance and mental clarity amidst the noise of student life.
With guidance and sponsorship supported by the established foundation of the Nairobi temple, well-wishers came together to help secure a dedicated local space, officially establishing the Hare Krishna Community Centre in Juja. Carrying forward Prabhupada's original vision, the center established a vibrant routine of mantra meditation, philosophical study, and interactive student engagement — offering youth a welcoming home for personal growth, authentic friendship, and higher purpose.
Today, the Juja center forms part of a vibrant, interconnected regional network across East Africa. From established urban centers in Kampala, Jinja, and Dar-es-Salaam, to Kenyan coastal and upcountry hubs in Mombasa (Nyali and Ganjoni), Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, and an emerging center in Kitale, the movement continues to expand. This network is further grounded by sustainable agricultural initiative hubs — such as the Thika farm in Ndula/Ngoliba and the Kabaa farm — offering communities places for eco-friendly living, spiritual retreat, and practical service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone visit ISKCON JUJA?
Yes. Visitors, families, students, and seekers are welcome. Join us Tuesdays & Fridays from 5:30 PM, or check our Events page for full program details.
Do I need to be Hindu to attend?
No. ISKCON programs are open to anyone interested in spiritual learning, music, food, community, and service — regardless of background.
What happens during a Tuesday or Friday program?
Both evenings run 5:30–7:00 PM with music and a free vegetarian feast. Tuesdays usually feature a talk or discussion, often with a guest speaker visiting from the Nairobi (Ngara) temple. Fridays are for reading and discussing a book together as a group.
Do you have a Sunday program?
Not locally — instead, we organize group visits to the main ISKCON temple in Ngara, Nairobi. The group usually travels Saturday evening or Sunday morning around 6:30 AM, and returns Sunday afternoon or evening. See our Events page for the Nairobi temple's Sunday schedule.
Can I bring children?
Absolutely. ISKCON JUJA is family-friendly, and youth activities are a growing part of our community.
How can I help or volunteer?
Visit our Get Involved page to join the cooking crew, music team, event setup, or support through donations and in-kind gifts.
Everyone Is Welcome
Anyone from any cultural or religious background is completely welcome at ISKCON JUJA. Join us Tuesdays & Fridays from 5:30 PM at Anthusia Apartments, Muraya Access Road, Juja.