Krsna Balaram Temple Opening in Vrndavan April 1975
Step back in time to April 1975 for the historic grand opening of the Krsna Balaram Mandir in Vrindavan, India.
This video is a rare and precious documentation of the moment Srila Prabhupada established this magnificent temple, fulfilling a profound vision for the spiritual heart of Vrindavan. This project brings history to life by combining original audio recordings from the event with a curated collection of archival photos offering a window into the devotion and energy of those monumental days.
In this video, you will experience:
The Atmosphere of 1975: Authentic visuals and sounds from the inaugural ceremonies.
Srila Prabhupada’s Presence: Audio and imagery capturing the Founder-Acharya during one of his most significant achievements.
This era marked the beginning of a transformation in Vrindavan that continues to inspire millions today. Whether you were there in person or are discovering this history for the first time, this documentation is a testament to the power of faith and the enduring legacy of the Krsna Balaram Mandir.
Audio Documentation & Photography: Gopati das ACBSP
Source Material: Vrindavan 50th Blog Post
The video captures the historic grand opening of the Krishna-Balaram Mandir in Vrindavan on April 20, 1975 (Ram Navami). On this day, Srila Prabhupada gave a speech focusing on the significance of the temple as an international center for spiritual education.
Below is the transcript of the primary speech given by Srila Prabhupada during that ceremony, included in this video:
"Your Excellency, the Governor, Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you very much for your kindly participating in this opening ceremony of Krishna-Balaram Temple in Vrindavan.
This Krishna-Balaram Temple is being opened for the benefit of the whole world. Our movement, the Krishna consciousness movement, is meant for presenting the message of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna appeared here five thousand years ago and gave His message in the *Bhagavad-gita*. Our mission is to spread this message of *Bhagavad-gita* as it is, without any unauthorized interpretation.
As it is mentioned in the *Caitanya-caritamrta*: (Madhya-lila 19.53)
*brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva*
*guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja*
Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Krishna. By the mercy of both Krishna and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
In this Krishna-Balaram Mandir, there is an international guesthouse. My idea is that people from all over the world—not only from India, but from all parts of the world—they should come and live here for some time and learn what is the science of God. We have got our branches all over the world, but this Vrindavan center is especially meant for international purposes.
Vrindavan is the most sacred place in the world. It is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. And anyone who comes here to Vrindavan, if he is a little serious to understand about God, he will very easily understand. Therefore, our attempt is to invite people from all over the world to come here, stay here, and understand what is Krishna consciousness.
I am very glad that our American, European, and Australian students—they are also very much interested. They have come here in hundreds and thousands. They are staying here, and I hope in the future more and more people will come. This temple is meant for everyone. There is no distinction of caste, creed, or color. Anyone who is interested in the science of God, he is welcome.
Thank you very much."