Radha Madhav Dham,the main U.S. center of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, a nonprofit organization located on more than 200 acres of land in Hays County, south of
Austin, Texas
Austin ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital city of the U.S. state of Texas. It is the county seat and most populous city of Travis County, Texas, Travis County, with portions extending into Hays County, Texas, Hays and W ...
.Kurien, P.A. 2007. ''A Place at the Multicultural Table: The Development of an American Hinduism''. NJ:
Rutgers University Press
Rutgers University Press (RUP) is a nonprofit academic publishing house, operating in New Brunswick, New Jersey under the auspices of Rutgers University
Rutgers University ( ), officially Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a Pub ...
. It is a Hindu temple and
ashram
An ashram (, ) is a spiritual hermitage or a monastery in Indian religions, not including Buddhism.
Etymology
The Sanskrit noun is a thematic nominal derivative from the root 'toil' (< Walker, J.K. 2007. ''The Concise Guide to Today's Religions and Spirituality''.
Harvest House
Harvest House Publishers is a Christian publishing company founded in 1974 in Irvine, California, United States, and is now located in Eugene, Oregon. It publishes Christian fiction and non-fiction books, coming out with over 160 new books a y ...
Publishers.
Radha Madhav Dham is a nonprofit, religious, educational, and charitable organization that follows the path of ''raganuga bhakti''.Wu, E. (March 8, 2007) "Walk is part of mission to aid needy in India"
The Dallas Morning News
''The Dallas Morning News'' is a daily newspaper serving the Dallas–Fort Worth area of Texas, with an average print circulation in 2022 of 65,369. It was founded on October 1, 1885, by Alfred Horatio Belo as a satellite publication of the ' ...
Ludwig, M. March 9, 2002. "Houses of worship". ''
Austin American-Statesman
The ''Austin American-Statesman'' is the major daily newspaper for Austin, the capital city of the U.S. state of Texas. It is owned by Hearst Communications. The distribution of the following ''The New York Times'', ''The Washington Post'', '' ...
'' (TX) The temple is involved in numerous charitable educational projects including JKP Education, which won the Nelson Mandela Peace Award instituted by the Economic Growth Society of India in April 2014.''Nelson Mandela Peace Award bestowed on the charitable organization supported by Austin based Hindu temple'' . April 24, 2014. Voice of Asia''Austin-based Hindu Temple gets Nelson Mandela Peace Award''. April 23, 2014. India Herald. ''. April 20, 2014.
IANS
Indo-Asian News Service or IANS is a private Indian news agency. It was founded in 1986 by Indian American publisher Gopal Raju as the "India Abroad News Service" and later renamed. In December 2023, Adani Group, Adani group, known for its clos ...
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was an Indian religious leader, and the founder of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP), a worldwide Hindu nonprofit with five main ashrams, four in India and one in the United States. Radha Madhav Dham is the main ashram of JKP the United States. The temple was founded by Prakashanand Saraswati. Saraswati was later sentenced to prison in 2011 for sexual misconduct and no longer has any involvement in the temple.
History
Radha Madhav Dham was established in 1990 as the main US center of the International Society of Divine Love, which was founded in the 1970s. Radha Madhav Dham was built to be a representation of the holy land of
Braj
Braj, also known as Vraj, Vraja, Brij or Brijbhumi, is a region in India on both sides of the Yamuna river with its centre at Mathura-Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh state encompassing the area which also includes Palwal, Ballabhgarh and Nuh in ...
in India where
Radha
Radha (, ), also called Radhika, is a Hindu goddess and the chief consort of the god Krishna. She is the goddess of love, tenderness, compassion, and devotion. In scriptures, Radha is mentioned as the avatar of Lakshmi and also as the Prak ...
and
Krishna
Krishna (; Sanskrit language, Sanskrit: कृष्ण, ) is a major deity in Hinduism. He is worshipped as the eighth avatar of Vishnu and also as the Supreme God (Hinduism), Supreme God in his own right. He is the god of protection, c ...
are believed by Hindus to have appeared, over 5,000 years ago. Harvard Plurism Project ''Perks, K.S.L. August 24, 1997. ''Hindus honor supreme deity with festival''.
Austin American-Statesman
The ''Austin American-Statesman'' is the major daily newspaper for Austin, the capital city of the U.S. state of Texas. It is owned by Hearst Communications. The distribution of the following ''The New York Times'', ''The Washington Post'', '' ...
Prothero, S.R. 2006. ''A nation of religions: the politics of pluralism in multireligious America''.
University of North Carolina Press
The University of North Carolina Press (or UNC Press), founded in 1922, is a not-for-profit university press associated with the University of North Carolina. It was the first university press founded in the southern United States. It is a mem ...
It has been designed as a place of pilgrimage in America. Areas of Radha Madhav Dham have been developed to be the places for meditation. Places of Braj like
Govardhan
Govardhan also called Giriraj, is a key pilgrimage centre in India and a municipal town; a nagar panchayat; seat of an MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly (India), Member of Legislative Assembly) of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Uttar ...
, Radha Kund, Prem Sarovar, Shyam Kuti, and others are represented in Radha Madhav Dham where a natural stream named Kalindi represents the
Yamuna river
The Yamuna (; ) is the second-largest tributary river of the Ganges by discharge and the longest tributary in List of major rivers of India, India. Originating from the Yamunotri Glacier at a height of about on the southwestern slopes of B ...
of Vrindaban.Ciment, J. 2001. ''Encyclopedia of American Immigration.'' Michigan: M. E. Sharpe.
On January 9, 2024, News9live shared Radha Madhav Dham to be one of the ten famous Hindu Temples Outside of India.
In April 2011, following the escape and disappearance of its founder Prakashanand Saraswati after his conviction on 20 charges of sexual indecency with a child at Barsana Dham, the organization changed its name.
In 2012, on the one-year anniversary of the trial, Radha Madhav Dham spokeswoman Vrinda Devi stated, "What we've been trying to do since then is moving forward... As far as araswati'spresence, we've subdued that in order to go on and survive as a minority religious community."
Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple
The Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple at Radha Madhav Dham is the first Hindu temple built in Austin, Texas, and one of the largest Hindu temples in the USA.Srinivasan, T.M. 2000. "The True History and the Religion of India: A Concise Encyclopedia of Authentic Hinduism. (A Review)." ''International Journal of Humanities and Peace'', 16(1): 105 (Full Text) /ref> The temple encompasses about and is topped by a -high golden dome."Hindu Temple Opens in Texas", October 14, 1995. ''
The Washington Post
''The Washington Post'', locally known as ''The'' ''Post'' and, informally, ''WaPo'' or ''WP'', is an American daily newspaper published in Washington, D.C., the national capital. It is the most widely circulated newspaper in the Washington m ...
''. Section: METRO
The main prayer hall of the Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple is decorated with the pictorial representations of teachings from ancient Hindu scriptures, which are captioned in both Sanskrit and English. The philosophy of the Hindu scriptures are described in a continuous panel on the sides of the hall. A realistic depiction of the sky is portrayed on the ceiling.
The temple architecture is a blend of north and south Indian, and modern styles of architecture.Parker, J.M. October 25, 1996. "3,000 expected at Hindu celebration". ''
San Antonio Express-News
The ''San Antonio Express-News'' is a daily newspaper in San Antonio, Texas, founded in 1865. It is owned by the Hearst Corporation and has offices in San Antonio and Austin, Texas. The ''Express-News'' is the third largest newspaper in the sta ...
'' It was designed by two architects from India. The high temple dome is made of white and blue granite and gold. The tower is in the traditional shape, but it's built out of granite, whereas most in India are sandstone. The artwork of the temple's shrine was hand-crafted by 15 artisans from South India. The artisans carved the pillars and ceilings with images of peacocks and floral patterns. There are 84 columns and five levels in the building with covered area of . The temple was built using special construction techniques and processes that are intended to allow it to last for more than a thousand years.Stevens, D. 1995. "Far Eastern Religions expanding in Texas". Associated Press. A peach orchard, gardens of roses, jasmine and marigolds and wandering peacocks decorate the temple grounds.
Festivals and celebrations at the temple attract up to 8000 people. The temple and ashram complex is a center for traditional Indian cultural activities and weddings."Best of Austin Award 2003" ''
The Austin Chronicle
''The Austin Chronicle'' is an alternative weekly newspaper published every Thursday in Austin, Texas, United States. The paper is distributed through free news-stands, often at local eateries or coffee houses frequented by its targeted demogra ...
'' Weekly services are held every Sunday morning from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by a community lunch. Approximately 1000 families attend Radha Madhav Dham. 96% of these are Indian, the remaining 4% being Westerners and people of Caribbean descent."Barsana Dham Hindu Temple" . The Pluralism Project at Harvard University.
According to Rinehart (2006) and Lee & Nadeau (2011), Radha Madhav Dham is an example of how builders of Hindu Temples in the US have replicated the sacred Geography of India, providing a familiar space and experience for Hindus from India, and fostering an identification with their adopted homeland.Rinehart, R. 2006. ''Contemporary Hinduism: Ritual, Culture, and Practice''. ABC-CLIO.
Festivals
Radha Madhav Dham celebrates all the major
Hindu festivals
Hindus celebrate a significant number of festivals and celebrations, many of which commemorate events from ancient India and often align with seasonal changes. These festivities take place either on a fixed annual date on the solar calendar ...
Rath Yatra
Ratha Yatra (), or chariot festival, is any public procession in a chariot. They are held annually during festivals in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The term also refers to the popular annual Ratha Yatra of Puri that involves a public processi ...
festival at the temple, October 27, 2001 was named 'Radha Rani Rath Yatra Day' by Austin Mayor
Kirk Watson
Kirk Preston Watson (born March 18, 1958) is an American attorney and politician who has served as the 59th mayor of Austin since 2023, previously holding the office as the 54th mayor from 1997 to 2001. A member of the Democratic Party (United S ...
."Mayor Watson declares Radha Rani Rath Yatra Day in Austin" , November 17, 2001. ''India Herald'' The 2011 Rath Yatra celebration was attended by "Bhajan Samrat" Anup Jalota."Rang De with Anup Jalota at Radha Madhav Dham, Austin" . Indo-American News Various other Mayors of Austin and Governor of Texas have visited or offered commendations to Barsana Dham. 50,000 visitors''Hindu cultural centre hosts speaker'' Daily Herald-Tribune from both Indian and Western communities participate in the lessons, religious programs and celebrations there.
Retreats and family camps
At various times throughout the year, the temple offers special weekend family retreats, mini-intensives, and weekend ''seva'' retreats. These retreats and programs include Hindi, yoga and Indian dance classes. Radha Madhav Dham has been named one of the "best places to relax, reflect, and renew".Ricci, J. ''Yoga Escapes: A Yoga Journal Guide to the Best Places to Relax, Reflect, and Renew.'' Celestial Arts. Radha Madhav Dham also conducts tours for schools, other educational institutions and community groups. In 2007, the temple and ashram was featured in National Geographic's "The 100 Best Vacations to Enrich Your Life".
Radha Madhav Dham also organizes free family camps and "Basics of Hinduism" courses in Hindu temples in Dallas, Houston, Washington, D.C., and New York.
Each fall, the Texas Yoga Retreat, organized by Charles MacInerney and Ellen Smith is held at the ashram. This retreat provides an opportunity to experience ashram living along with 250-plus other yoga enthusiasts.Ricci, J. (2004). "7 Destination Ashrams". Mar-Apr 2004 Edition. ''
Yoga Journal
''Yoga Journal'' is a website and digital journal, formerly a print magazine, on yoga as exercise founded in California in 1975 with the goal of combining the essence of traditional yoga with scientific understanding. It has produced live events ...
'' There is also a new year retreat organized by Radha Madhav Dham. This weekend long stay involves relaxation and meditation. Families are welcome to the yoga classes and meditation sessions, and a 24-hour continuous chant known as ''Akhand Sankirtan'' takes place from noon on New Year's Eve to noon the following day.
Educational and charitable activities
Radha Madhav Dham opened its doors to
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina was a powerful, devastating and historic tropical cyclone that caused 1,392 fatalities and damages estimated at $125 billion in late August 2005, particularly in the city of New Orleans and its surrounding area. ...
evacuees, and executed a fundraising drive in its wake. In September 2008, Radha Madhav Dham launched a fundraising drive for victims of the flooding in Bihar. The immediate goal of the drive was to raise US$150,000 for relief efforts. In the same month, hundreds of evacuees of
Hurricane Ike
Hurricane Ike () was a powerful tropical cyclone that swept through portions of the Greater Antilles and Northern America in September 2008, wreaking havoc on infrastructure and agriculture, particularly in Cuba and Texas. Ike took a sim ...
were given food and shelter at Radha Madhav Dham."Barsana Dham Temple Shelters Hurricane Ike Evacuees" Radha Madhav Dham is also active in a number of local and global charitable activities including housing rehabilitation work in Central Texas, flood relief efforts for India, and the ongoing support of hospital operations oversees. The temple hosted 300–400 evacuees from
Hurricane Rita
Hurricane Rita was the most intense tropical cyclone on record in the Gulf of Mexico, tying with Hurricane Milton in 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, 2024, as well as being the fourth-most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded. Part of the ...
in 2005. Radha Madhav Dham has organized charitable walks in Dallas to raise funds for its $2.3 million Kripalu Charitable Hospital in the town of
Barsana
Barsana is a historical town and ''nagar panchayat'' in the Mathura district of the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The town holds cultural and religious significance as the birthplace of Hindu goddess Radha, the chief consort of Krishna. Barsa ...
, India which was inaugurated in 2008. Besides the hospital in Barsana, JKP Radha Madhav Dham's center in India also opened the 'Kripalu Charitable Hospital' in Mangarh in 2003. That facility provides free diagnostic exams, treatment, surgical procedures, hospitalization, emergency services and medication to hundreds of patients daily. National eye camps and mother/child welfare programs also have been established throughout India, providing free eye exams, cataract surgery and polio vaccines to those in need.
Radha Madhav Dham participates in inter-religious services such as Austin Area Interreligious ministries, Hindu-Jewish Solidarity Day and PBS's Many Voices project."Collecting Many Voices" . 2004. The organization was selected to represent Hinduism at the
Parliament of the World's Religions
There have been several meetings referred to as a Parliament of the World's Religions, the first being the World's Parliament of Religions of 1893, which was an attempt to create a global dialogue of faiths. The event was celebrated by another c ...
in 1993.Nevans-Pederson, M. November 16, 2002. "Seeking Divine unity through Hinduism". ''The Telegraph-Herald''