ISKCON Toronto

Our first involvement in ISKCON was in Toronto and our "first love" has always been Sri Sri Radha Ksirchor Gopinath. As we sort through the pictures there are many wonderful pictures from the early days of ISKCON Toronto. Many of these pictures are in 35mm slides and need to be scanned and converted. This project and content gathering is being done sporadically. There are already some Toronto temple pictures already in the "Memories" link but these are all with Srila Prabhupada and my interations with him.

In the late 60's and 70's there was a dedicated and enthusiastic group of young men and women that would do anything for Srila Prabhupada. Funds were limited but sankirtan spirit was unlimted. Limited resources were countered by resourcefulness.   This group of devotees helped foster my Krishna Conciousness and attachment to Radha Gopinath and Srila Prabhupada and for that I will always be grateful

As per Srila Prabhupada's direct instructions to Visvarkarma and me during his visit in 1975, I had the pleasure of  helping secure the the Avenue Road church as the new temple for Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON and the permanent home of Sri Sri Radha Ksirchor Gopinath.

We plan to add more pictures and content to this page so please stay tuned. But in the meantime, here is some of the collection...  

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All Deities on one altar during early days at new Avenue Road temple

A simpler time...

Devotees who pioneered the Toronto yatra in cramped quarters

Indresh & Minakshi talking to Srila Prabhupada

Srila Prabhupada on morning walk on Woodbine beach boardwalk in 1975

Srila Prabhupada at Toronto airport in '75. This is where he repeated his directive to Subhavilasa to help in securing church building.

Visvakarma leads kirtan. Notice the simple flip flops.

Another classic shot of Radha Gopinath in all Their glory!

The Govinda's before today's Govinda's. Great parties.

38 years of Ratha Yatra. Thank you Lord of the Universe. Jaya Jagantha!

Srila Prabhupada arriving.

Srila Prabhupada on main stairs to temple. First entry.

Srila Prabhupada takes darshan of Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha.

Srila Prabhupada on tour of Toronto temple. Prabhupada turns to Subhavilasa in the hallway and says 'Subhavilasa, I like this temple. Can I stay here forever...' Prabhupada is with us forever and this statement has kept me attached to Srila Prabhupada's Home.

Srila Prabhupada distributes cookies. Sweet indeed.

Srila Prabhupada upstair in 'Prabhupada's room'

Srila Prabhupada lectures despite a toothache.

A packed and attentive crowd hangs onto every word.

Srila Prabhupada explaining and instructing.

Thank you Srila Prabhupada for your darshans and blessings.

The always beautiful Radha Ksichor Gopinath

A dreamy Radha Gopinath

Aratik in a packed temple on Gerrard Street

Srila Prabhupada holds Indresh's piggy bank (see Excerpt link for story)

Srila Prabhupada being welcomed to our home

Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet at airport.

Aratik to Srila Prabhupada. Praharna devi dasi on far right.

Prema dhvani in middle of renovation. Note the church pews.

Daily sublime kirtans with full-time sankirtan devotees.

Ratha Yatra cart. Simpler times...

Srila Prabhupada entering temple. Ashalata, Minakshi & Indresh on left.

Srila Prabhupada enters main door. See how happy and pleased he is!

Srila Prabhupada reciprocate's with devotees...

Paying homage to our Guru and Saviour!

Prabhupada had enormous affection & interaction with his Granchildren

Srila Prabhupada giving a newspaper interview.

Srila Prabhupada went into trance during 'Jaya Radha Madhava...'

Srila Prabhupada interacts after the discourse.

Note Srila Prabhupada's expression!

Srila Prabhupada Lotus feet at our home (we saved the carpet!)