Radha Krishna Temple

The Radha Krishna Temple stands in Soho Square, a quiet garden square in the heart of London’s West End. It serves as the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in the United Kingdom, a role it has held since the late 1960s. The temple traces its origins to Bury Place in Bloomsbury, where six devotees from San Francisco arrived in 1968 to establish the first UK branch. Among them were Mukunda, Shyamsundar and Malati, who later rose to senior positions within ISKCON. Their early efforts included public chanting, leafleting in busy areas like Oxford Street and meeting figures such as George Harrison. The temple gained prominence through its connection with the Beatles. In 1971, devotees recorded an album with Harrison on Apple Records, including the international hit ‘Hare Krishna Mantra’. The single reached number 12 on the UK charts and was performed on BBC’s Top of the Pops. Harrison’s support helped secure the temple’s first permanent home in central London before it moved to Soho Square in 1979. The recording introduced the Maha Mantra to Western audiences and fulfilled a 16th-century prophecy by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Inside the temple, visitors find a peaceful sanctuary with altars dedicated to Radha and Krishna. The walls are adorned with traditional deities and colourful decorations. Outside, Soho Square offers a shaded retreat from the city’s bustle. The temple continues to host kirtans, lectures and festivals, welcoming people of all backgrounds. Its history is visible in photographs and memorabilia from the 1960s and 70s. The atmosphere remains one of devotion and simplicity, reflecting the values of its founders.