Bir Krishna Goswami’s Vyasa Puja gathering and celebration.
The Sri Sri Radha-Madhava temple in Makati, Manila, has served the community for many years, but its rented premises, limited space, and aging infrastructure have posed challenges for hosting festivals, accommodating senior devotees, and supporting outreach programs. Recognizing these limitations, ISKCON devotees, along with local Filipinos and members of the Hindu and Indian-origin communities, envisioned a new home for Their Lordships.
Through collective effort and fundraising, construction began on a new temple in Taguig City, strategically located near the airport and prominent areas such as Bonifacio Global City (BGC) and Makati. This purpose-built structure is designed to meet ISKCON’s standards for worship, education, and spiritual engagement.
The ISKCON Sri Sri Radha-Madhava Mandir in Taguig is now 80 percent complete, marking a significant milestone for the growing Vaishnava community in the Philippines. The project aims to provide a permanent spiritual home for devotees and visitors in Metro Manila.
A Vision Rooted in Service and Growth
The new Taguig temple is envisioned as more than a place of worship—it will serve as a hub for spiritual education, cultural programs, and community outreach. Plans include dedicated spaces for children’s classes, seminars on Vedic philosophy, and facilities to host visiting teachers and spiritual leaders. Our temple president, Mahendra Das, emphasises that the temple will also strengthen ISKCON’s efforts to share Krishna consciousness through prasadam distribution, kirtan programs, and book distribution across Metro Manila.
“This temple is not just a building; it is a spiritual center that will nurture devotion and inspire generations,” said one of the project coordinators. “We want to create a space where every devotee, well-wisher, and newcomer can experience the joy of bhakti.”
A Growing Movement in the Philippines
ISKCON’s presence in the Philippines dates back to the late 1970s, when the first devotees began organising programs and distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books. Over the years, the movement has grown steadily, with the Makati temple serving as the main center for congregational activities. Festivals such as Janmashtami, Gaura Purnima, and Ratha Yatra have attracted hundreds of participants, despite the limitations of the rented facility.
The new temple in Taguig represents a significant step forward, providing the infrastructure needed to host larger gatherings and expand outreach programs. Under the guidance of Janananda Goswami, our temple vice president, Indravali Devi Dasi, hopes the temple will become a focal point for spiritual and cultural events, drawing devotees from across the Philippines and neighbouring countries.
Indian Ambassador’s Visit: A Moment of Encouragement
Recently, temple representatives Indravali Devi Dasi, Gopal Das, Vinod Das, Bhakta Franky, and Rasa Sekhara Das visited the Indian Embassy in Manila and met with the Ambassador of India to the Philippines. The Ambassador expressed appreciation for the vision behind the new temple and acknowledged its role in promoting cultural and spiritual values. He assured his support in spreading awareness of the project among the wider community.
This meeting was seen as a positive affirmation of the temple’s significance not only for devotees but also as a cultural landmark for the Indian diaspora and local residents. The Ambassador’s encouragement reinforces that this temple will serve as a beacon of spiritual and cultural harmony.
Sri Sri Radha Madhava (Temple residing deities).
Presenting Temple updates to Shri Harsh Kumar Jain (center), the Indian Ambassador to Philippines.
Indian MP Shri Shankar Lalwani visited the new temple to see the progressing construction.
The Spiritual Merit of Temple Construction
Scriptural texts emphasize the profound benefits of supporting temple construction. The Vishnu Dharmottara Purana states, “Even by donating a single brick for the Lord’s temple, one attains worlds of everlasting happiness.” Similarly, the Skanda Purana notes that contributing to temple building benefits both ancestors and future generations.
Srila Prabhupada himself encouraged the establishment of temples as centres for spiritual education and community life. In a Letter to Satsvarupa on 21st August 1969, Srila Prabhupada said, “We should construct temples in all important cities of the world to give people a chance to become Krishna conscious.”
The Final Phase: A Call to Action
With the structure now standing tall, the final 20 percent of work includes interior finishing, installation of altars, and preparation for the Deities’ arrival. Temple President Mahendra Das stresses that this stage is critical and requires the community’s collective support.
“Every contribution, whether large or small, brings us closer to opening the doors of this temple,” said a member of the fundraising team. “This is an opportunity for all of us to serve together and create a spiritual home for generations to come.”
Devotees and community members are encouraged to participate through financial donations, material support, and by sharing information within their networks. Those who contribute will not only help complete the temple but also receive the blessings described in the scriptures—spiritual protection, purification, and prosperity.
Looking Ahead
Once completed, the Taguig temple will host daily worship, Sunday programs, and major festivals. Plans also include youth initiatives, cultural workshops, and outreach programs to share the teachings of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam with a broader audience.
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