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.
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