ISKCON’s newly completed Sri Sri Jagannath, Baladeva, Subhadra Devi Mandir at Myitkyina.
From November 24 to 26, 2025, more than two thousand devotees from various parts of Myanmar assembled in Myitkyina to witness a historic and supremely auspicious event—the grand inauguration of the first ISKCON Śrī Jagannātha temple in Kachin State. This sacred occasion marked a significant milestone in the unfolding history of Kṛṣṇa consciousness in Myanmar, for it was in this very region that the movement first began to take root within the country.
The celebrations were attended by senior Vaiṣṇava leaders, respected government officials, and devotees, reflecting the spiritual, cultural, and social importance of the occasion. The assembly was graced by His Holiness Bhakti Āśraya Vaiṣṇava Swami, Regional Secretary of ISKCON Myanmar, and His Holiness Lokanātha Swami. Distinguished guests included His Excellency Abhay Thakur, the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, and the Chief Minister of Kachin State. Their presence underscored the temple’s significance not only for the devotee community but also within the broader cultural and diplomatic context of the region.
Constructed from exquisitely crafted Burmese teak, the temple radiates an atmosphere of sanctity and warmth that naturally draws the heart toward devotion. The interior walls are beautifully adorned with vivid paintings depicting the divine pastimes of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the life and teachings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and the transcendental līlās of Lord Jagannātha, thus creating a spiritually immersive environment for all who enter.
A view of the temple exterior.
Sri Sri Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi.
The temple entrance and Srila Prabhupada inside the temple.
The Sudarshana Chakra Homa being performed.
The spiritual foundation of this temple was established three decades ago, when His Holiness Lokanātha Swami performed the original installation of Śrī Śrī Jagannātha, Baladeva, and Subhadrā Devī in 1994, during his first visit to Myanmar. This historic installation made the Myitkyina temple the first ISKCON Jagannātha temple in the country and laid the cornerstone for the flourishing of devotion in the region.
The revival and steady growth of Kṛṣṇa consciousness in this area began approximately thirty years ago through the tireless service and steadfast vision of Śrīvāsa Paṇḍita Dāsa, a senior disciple of His Holiness Gour Govinda Swami. His long-cherished aspiration to establish a beautiful Śrī Jagannātha temple in Myanmar has now, by the mercy of the Lord and the Vaiṣṇavas, manifested as the glorious reality celebrated by devotees today.
The inauguration ceremonies were conducted strictly in accordance with sacred Vedic injunctions. Central to the proceedings was the installation of the Sudarśana Cakra atop the temple dome—a rite described in the scriptures as essential for invoking divine protection. The ceremonies also included the Sudarśana Cakra homa, the abhiṣeka of Śrī Sudarśana Cakra, the installation and puṣpa-abhiṣeka of Śrī Śrī Jagannātha, Baladeva, and Subhadrā Devī, as well as the installation of the Garuḍa deity and a new deity of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, accompanied by elaborate yajña offerings.
Prior to the grand opening, the temple hosted the Śrī Jagannātha Kathā festival from November 19 to 23, 2025. For five consecutive days, devotees and well-wishers participated in hari-kathā, kīrtana, and satsaṅga, allowing both the local community and visiting guests to immerse themselves fully in the devotional spirit of the celebrations.
The abhisheka of Sri Sudarshana Chakra performed by Lokanath Swami.
Devotees watch the installation of the chakra.
The installation of the chakra on the temple dome.
Indian Ambassador to Myanmar HE Abhay Thakur and the Chief Minister of Kachin State both attended the event.
The path leading to this auspicious inauguration was marked by perseverance and faith amidst adversity. Although the physical construction of the temple had been completed four to five years earlier, prevailing political challenges necessitated a delay in the opening ceremony. When circumstances showed little prospect of improvement, senior Vaiṣṇavas guided the community to proceed with the inauguration, demonstrating the devotees’ unwavering commitment to the mission of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and to the propagation of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Over the years, the local community has responded with remarkable openness and receptivity. Reflecting on this, Priya Gopinātha Dāsa, Secretary of the ISKCON Myanmar National Council, stated, “The local community has been very receptive, and many people have embraced Kṛṣṇa consciousness through various preaching activities. Some portions of the temple remain incomplete, and we are working to complete them as conditions permit.”
The entire inauguration ceremony was live-streamed on ISKCON Myanmar’s official Facebook page, enabling devotees from around the world to take part in this momentous and spiritually historic occasion.
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