University District in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Iskcon Krishna House
Side A
In 1968, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) established the first practicing Vedic Temple in the state of Ohio. This building represents the beginning of a now growing population of Vaisnavas, worshipers of Vishnu or Krishna, in Ohio who have integrated into the mainstream daily life here without forsaking their own unique traditions. Daily worship ceremonies, formally installed deities, marriage ceremonies, final rites, and many other significant ceremonies related to Vedic culture are practiced at the temple. These ceremonies are prevailed over by authorized Pujaris or priests. The ISKCON House upholds and represents those values sacred to Vedic culture: peacefulness, tolerance, equanimity, patience, truthfulness, honesty, austerity, and mercy. In this sacred place, there is no breaking of the regulative principles of Dharma (religion): no meat eating, no intoxication, no gambling, and no illicit sex (outside marriage).
Side B
The exterior of the building is similar to the other historic homes on West 8th Avenue; however, inside there is a gorgeous golden altar with the archa vigraha forms of Radha Krishna deities. There is a life-like form of the founder-acharya, teacher of spiritual science, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. There are full sets of religious texts available from the ancient shastra, scriptures, translated from Sanskrit into English by Srila Prabhupada and his followers. There are also texts in other foreign languages. For over 30 years, the ISKCON House has been an open center of learning and education. The House is unique as it offers a training program for female monastics. Many students from the Ohio State University attend functions to fulfill class requirements as well as those who are simply curious.
Erected 2003 by Iskcon The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 70-25.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list.
Location. 39° 59.532′ N, 83° 1.017′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in the University District. Marker is on 8th Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on a small one-way brick street, behind the 9th Street parking garage at the Ohio State University. It is accessible from King Avenue, by Perry Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus OH 43201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. NECKO Neighborhood / E. J. McMillen Homestead Addition (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Neil Avenue Gate (approx. ¼ mile away); Ohio Farm Bureau Founded (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Modern Streamflow Measurement in Ohio (approx. 0.3 miles away); The King Avenue Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Underground Railroad on University Land (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named The Underground Railroad on University Land (approx. 0.4 miles away); Browning Amphitheatre / The Outdoor Performance Center (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 399 times since then and 13 times this year. Last updated on June 7, 2023, by Grant & Mary Ann Fish of Galloway, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 22, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.