End Of Life Care Comes To ISKCON Midrand Temple Grounds

Rama Govinda Swami and Rathim Krishna Das cut the ribbon to officially open the new facility.

On November 25, 2025, devotees gathered at ISKCON Midrand for the opening of a facility that many described as long overdue. The new End of Life Care Room, developed by Devotee Care South Africa under the regional leadership of Jayananda Das, marks a turning point in how the South African devotee community supports its members in their final days.

The vision did not appear suddenly. It began almost a decade ago, when a devotee care workshop in 2019 inspired Jayananda and others to think more seriously about structured care for devotees nearing the end of life. “It touched our hearts,” he recalled. “We felt the need to be loved and to love. If the Lord comes for His devotees, then we should assist Him by helping the ones He loves.”

For Jayananda, this service carries deep personal meaning. After joining ISKCON in 1978, he served in many areas of the movement across South Africa and helped establish various programs, temples, and festivals. Yet this initiative has moved him in a different direction. “I see people happy. I see people appreciate what you do,” he said. “When we make devotees, so much effort goes in. We cannot lose them at the end when they need us most.”

The Journey to Finding a Home

Finding a home for the project was one of its greatest challenges. Devotee Care South Africa approached several temples around the country, but although leaders supported the idea in principle, no one had space or the means to host the facility. The team struggled without a location, funding, or formal support, relying only on their determination to keep the vision alive. “We were struggling very hard,” Jayananda said. “We could only give ourselves.”

Eventually, the team approached ISKCON Midrand. They explained that Midrand was their last hope. The management listened carefully and offered a small room in good faith. It was far from ideal, but it was enough to ignite momentum. Around the same time, Jayananda received encouragement from Rathim Krishna Das, a longtime friend. During a simple phone conversation, Rathim Krishna heard the difficulties and urged him not to give up, and helped secure the first donated hospital bed. It was a small item, but it gave the project new strength.

With renewed determination, Jayananda began contacting hospitals, suppliers, and various departments in search of further medical equipment. The process took months of phone calls and emails and required persistence at every step. Eventually, he secured two high-quality hospital beds. When they were brought to ISKCON Midrand, the management immediately recognized that the original room was too small. They then offered a new, much larger space on the quiet outer side of the property. The room was open, peaceful, and wheelchair friendly. “Once people saw that we were moving, they believed in the project,” he said. “Midrand management has been incredible. They give everything freely, from the space to water and lights. Their mood matches ours.”

What the Exit Room Provides

The new room has been named “The Exit Room,” a gentle and dignified description for a space intended to help devotees prepare for their final journey in a Krishna-conscious setting. The facility is not yet a full hospice, but it provides a calm, spiritually nourishing environment for devotees nearing the end of life who need support. High-quality beds and basic medical equipment allow devotees to rest comfortably, while volunteers offer companionship and spiritual care. Daily chanting, reading, and prayer create a devotional atmosphere, and families receive guidance and emotional support as their loved ones approach their final moments. “We see so many elderly Vaishnavas leaving the world in painful or unfavorable situations,” Jayananda said. “We cannot watch this and do nothing. Even if we start small, at least we start.”

The facility offers its services free of charge to both full-time devotees and members of the congregation. This was an important principle for the team. “We are one family,” he said. “Rich or poor, the price is the same. Zero. Only love and care.” The heart of the room lies in its emotional and spiritual support. Volunteers plan to sit with devotees, chant softly, read scripture, and provide the presence and comfort that is essential at the end of life. “We want to send as many devotees as we can back home, back to Godhead in a nice situation,” he said. “Not alone. Not in distress. Surrounded by devotees.”

Rathim Krishna Das offers arati to Srila Prabhupada in celebration of the opening.

Rama Govinda Swami offers flowers to Srila Prabhupada; devotees dance in kirtan; a view of the hospital bed and equipment.

Official logo for Devotee Care South Africa’s new End of Life Care Exit Room.

The First Reactions

The opening ceremony revealed just how meaningful the project had become to the community. Ram Govinda Swami and Rathim Krishna Das presided over the ribbon-cutting and toured the facility. When they saw the quality of the beds and the thought put into the space, they expressed genuine appreciation. Jayananda explained that the feedback was immediate and emotional. People approached him with tears in their eyes. Some hugged him, expressing relief that such care was finally available. One elderly devotee told him quietly, “In my old age, I know where I am going now. My bed is here.”

Moments like these brought new life to the Devotee Care team. For many years, the concept existed only in discussions and internal planning. Now there was something real, something tangible, something that the community could walk into and experience. “Now that people can see, they believe,” he said. “The team has new energy.”

Sustaining the Facility

Running the facility presents financial challenges. Devotee Care South Africa cannot draw from the same pool of donations that temples depend on, and they do not yet have NPO or PBO status. For now, they rely on private sponsors, donated equipment, and volunteer service. ISKCON Midrand continues to support the project by offering the facility and covering utilities. Jayananda remains hopeful. “The groundwork has been done,” he said. “Many doors are now open. Donations will come.”

Looking Ahead

The team sees the Midrand facility as the first step in a broader vision. They hope to develop a fully functional hospice in time, along with palliative care, frail care, day care, and wellness programs. A national website and database are planned for early next year to help track devotee needs and coordinate care across South Africa. The team also hopes to open similar facilities in other provinces where devotees require this level of support. “We want to make sure no devotee leaves this world neglected,” he said. “This is only the start.”

A Service of the Heart

As the first visitors entered the Exit Room on opening day, a sense of something important having shifted was palpable. Years of patient work and personal investment had finally come to fruition. The room felt peaceful and purposeful. “I am so happy just to see others happy,” Jayananda said. “This is a glorious service. The future is bright. Krishna will arrange. We just need to keep serving.”