ISKCON Somerset, located in New Jersey, USA, is rapidly developing into a prominent spiritual and cultural center under the leadership of Gopi Kantha Krishna Das. What began as a small initiative has grown into a thriving congregation, marked by its commitment to Krishna consciousness, active community outreach, and structured devotional programs.

Sharing his inspiration, Gopi Kantha Krishna Das recalled, “The Bhakti Vriksha modules highlight three pillars: Nama Amrita, which emphasizes chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra; Passage for Discussion, covering foundational topics like Karma (Action), Jiva (Soul), Paramatma (Super Soul), Kala (time) and Prakriti (material nature); and, most striking to me, Preaching Is the Essence, which emphasizes the importance of sharing this knowledge with everyone. This third pillar, ‘Preaching is the essence,’ inspired me to start preaching.” With no congregation at hand and a strong desire to serve, he began his journey by preaching to his own family. “I printed all the Bhakti Vriksha materials in Telugu and started classes with my parents and brothers from India—on Skype.”

Gopi Kantha Krishna Das’s first outreach in 2011 led to seven Namahatta centers in his home region in India. From afar, he arranged facilities and guided hundreds toward Krishna consciousness, all while preparing for his next mission in the United States.

In the US, Gopi Kantha Krishna Das faced new challenges. Door-to-door book distribution brought mostly refusals. Still, one devotee, Kusumangi Madhavi Devi Dasi, began attending, since she had heard that hearing the Bhagavad-gita benefits the child in the womb. When she couldn’t come, his only audience was his family—and his Gaura-Nitai Deities. “People or no people, I continued. I preached to my Deities,” he said with a smile.

Gradually, the effort had positive consequences. The first Bhakti Vriksha group, Nitai Kripa, grew as families joined, followed by Sri Krishna Chaitanya and then Radha Madan Mohan. After each 64-week cycle, weekly Srimad Bhagavatam classes were introduced to ensure continued spiritual growth. “We didn’t want anyone to fall back—these follow-ups provided care and continuity.”

In 2022, the community started growing, leading to weekly rental hall programs where all Bhakti Vriksha members could congregate. The gatherings attracted 100 to 250 attendees each week. “Even with all these programs, we never had financial difficulties,” he noted. “If we ever had a shortfall, I covered it from my salary. Krishna always arranged.”

With the steady rise of members in New Jersey – over 200 now practicing Krishna consciousness under Gopi Kantha Krishna Das’ guidance – and increasing participation in pilgrimages, festivals, and Bhakti Shastri courses, a larger vision took root. “We needed a permanent space. Renting halls was getting difficult, especially in winter,” he explained. A chance conversation with a cousin, whose father had once led street Harinams, was a blessing. Deeply moved by the efforts, the cousin came forward to support the dream of a center.

The project soon attracted the attention of senior ISKCON leaders. Gopi Kantha shared, “When I shared the proposal with Jaya Krsna Prabhu, he was so encouraging. The proposal was approved by the GBC, with support from global leaders like Anuttama Prabhu and the blessings of my spiritual master, His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaj.”

In Phase 1, the community acquired a 2.4-acre property with an old house that was repurposed into a fully functional preaching center. Internal walls were removed, allowing the house to accommodate 100–150 devotees. Plans are already underway for Phase 2: a 9,000-square-foot community center, and Phase 3: a grand temple for Sri Sri Radha Madhava.

“We want to reach all of Somerset County,” Gopi Kantha Krishna Das affirmed. “Our goal is to start more Bhakti Vrikshas, organize Harinams, expand book distribution, and serve the community based on their unique capacities.”

In line with this vision, multi-language Bhagavad-gita courses have drawn hundreds and are offered in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Odia, and English. The newly launched Vedic Sunday School, split into age-specific batches (4–9 and 10–14), is flourishing. Festivals are celebrated with grandeur—from Nrsimha Jayanti yajnas to Janmashtami abhishekams—all conducted in a home-turned-temple setting that feels divinely immersive.

The youth actively join Saturday Kirtan Practice sessions, learning harmonium, mridanga, and kartals, gradually forming a strong kirtan team. Collaborations with the ISKCON Youth Ministry are also underway to introduce more structured programs.

The community thrives on inclusivity, recognizing and channeling the talents of its members—whether in communications, prasadam cooking, web design, or presentation-making. “We identified the skills of each devotee and engaged them in meaningful service,” said Gopi Kantha Krishna Das.

The center has also hosted senior Vaishnavas like Bhakti Vasudeva Swami and Devaki Nandan Das (ISKCON Juhu, Minister of Fund Development), who expressed happiness at the project’s potential. “Initially, Devaki Nandan Prabhu was unable to give a time slot because of his busy schedule. But after he saw the sincere efforts in preaching, property, and our work, he said we must keep in touch with Madan Gopal Prabhu and move forward with GBC guidance,” Gopi Kantha Krishna Das recounted.

Patitapavana Balaram Das and his wife Varuni Balaipriya Devi Dasi, inviting everyone to visit the temple, shared, “We were first introduced to Krishna Consciousness in 2014. Up until then, we did not know the real purpose of life. Gopi Kantha Prabhuji and Kalindi Mataji guided us closely in Krishna Consciousness from the time we started attending the Bhakti Vriksha Program in 2016. Only after coming to Krishna Consciousness do we understand the real purpose and meaning of human life. The simple process of Chanting brings all auspiciousness into our life by purifying our heart; it frees us from anger, anxiety, and all kinds of fears.”

Kusumangi Madhavi Devi Dasi and her husband, Pritesh Ghelot, shared, “We have been part of ISKCON for the last eight and a half years. We first came to Krishna Consciousness in 2016, looking for something deeper in life. Joining the Bhakti Vriksha was a turning point. The association of devotees here is very uplifting. Everyone encourages you to grow spiritually. It feels like a real family. Gopi Kantha Prabhu and team have done a fantastic job converting Bhakti Vriksha to a temple.”

Reflecting on the journey traveled, Gopi Kantha Krishna Das emphasized two enduring principles: consistency and care. “There will always be ups and downs. Sometimes, you don’t get the expected cooperation, even from close ones. But don’t give up. Keep going—week after week.”

He credits the success to the Bhakti Vriksha model, describing it as a “systematic, time-tested pathway” that gradually brings people from curiosity to committed practice. “In the first eight weeks, they develop faith and start chanting. By 64 weeks, most are on 16 rounds and following four regulative principles.”

As the temple moves toward its next phase, Gopi Kantha Krishna Das is inviting global support. “We’ve created a foundation. Now we need the help of devotees worldwide to take ISKCON Somerset to the next level,” he said. 

For more information about the temple, please visit their sitio web and follow them on Facebook y YouTube. To learn how you may donate to the temple project, click aquí. 

See a gallery of photos from the event below: