Unexpected lovers: Latter-day Saints & Krishna devotees of Utah
Today we share the unexpected history between the Church of Jesus Christ and the Hare Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, which hosts the largest Festival of Colors in North America
Every year, thousands of people gather at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah for the Festival of Colors, the largest color festival in North America, which leaves you covered head to toe in vibrant colored powder. While it’s not hard to find someone in Utah who has participated in the event, many don’t know about the beautiful story between Latter-day Saints and the founders of the temple, and how that relationship endures today.
We’re sharing this story in advance of an event this weekend at the Compass Gallery with Caru Das, the leader of Utah’s Krishna Temples. Check it out!!
How did a Hindu temple end up in Mormonland?
The temple was built in 2001, by Caru Das and Vaibhavi Dasi, both leaders in ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The duo moved to Spanish Fork after purchasing what is now KHQN Radio Krishna, America’s only full-time Krishna radio station. The purchase came with a 15 acre plot of land. They had no set plans to build a temple, but believed everything was in Krishna’s hands.
At the time, they weren’t too aware of the prevalence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the area. Had they known, perhaps they wouldn’t have chosen to settle there. Ultimately, though, its unique location is key to the temple thriving.
What’s the relationship between the Church and the Krishna Temple?
In 1999, Caru Das applied for a grant from the Church for help building the temple. The Church has supported endeavors like this before, such as the restoration of the Catholic Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City. Shortly after applying, the Church made a $25,000 donation.
Hundreds of local Church members also volunteered their time to help build the temple, and over the years, thousands have helped maintain it. Last September, this ward spent National Day of Service there painting fences, landscaping, and caring for the animals on the grounds. The ward “wanted to serve in [their] community and get to know [their] neighbors better,” recognizing that “when we take the time to get to know our friends of other beliefs or religions, it gives us an opportunity to expand our knowledge, strengthen our communities, and to open our hearts to love more.”
In an interview with Deseret News, Caru Das remarked "Every time we've been interviewed during the past 15 years, the question always comes up about what it's like living among the Mormons. They are the most helpful, genteel people anywhere. We couldn't have picked a more congenial place to come and broadcast our religion."
The feeling appears to be mutual. When asked his opinion about the Krishna devotee community, a local Stake President expressed “They have any attribute of goodness one would want. They believe in strong families, chastity and morality -- all things that would make a community strong. Latter-day Saints have everything in common with them when it comes to ideas of love.”
Am I allowed to visit? Why should I?
Since temples belonging to the Church have a bit of a strict entrance policy, it’s natural to feel some hesitation about attending holy places belonging to other faiths. Rest assured, the Krishna temple is open daily for anyone to visit.
Although Latter-day Saints share common values with Krishna devotees, learning about a different faith can feel scary, especially if we are struggling with our own. Or perhaps you’re content with your faith, and don’t see how engaging with another could benefit you. Yet hearing things from a slightly different perspective can actually deepen our faith, and make sentiments we’ve heard our whole lives feel new again.
Perhaps your mundane feelings towards the sacrament could be rejuvenated by observing the sacred rituals performed by Krishna devotees. Or maybe you’ll gain strength to keep a tough commandment after learning about the reasons devotees keep theirs. Seeing why faith in God matters to others, can be a reminder of why it matters to you.
As temple co-founder Vaibhavi Dasi said, “Some people are afraid of hearing something different, but it’s not different, it’s expanding.”
How can I get involved?
The temples, in both Salt Lake and Spanish Fork, are open daily for drop in tours as well as a variety of other activities:
Tune into the Compass Gallery event this Sunday with Caru Das
Participate in the celebration of Holi at the Festival of Colors on March 29
Stop in for lunch or dinner at their buffet located inside the temple, open 11am-6pm
Join for temple worship nightly at 6pm, followed by a short study of the Bhagavad-Gita
Attend a Krishna Love Feast, including worship, a spiritual message, and a meal. Saturdays at 7pm in SLC and Sundays at 5pm in Spanish Fork.
Take an animal tour of the grounds and see llamas, peacocks, koi fish and more!
Attend a donation based yoga class