ISKCON Atlanta: A Local Guide to the Hare Krishna Temple in Atlanta, GA

If you search for “ISKCON Atlanta”, you’re usually looking for one of three things:
where the Hare Krishna temple is located, what happens there on a typical day, or how to visit and get involved while you’re in Atlanta, Georgia.

This guide walks you through all of that in a clear, local-focused way.

What Is ISKCON Atlanta?

ISKCON Atlanta is the local temple of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement.

In Atlanta, it functions as:

• A place of worship and meditation
• A community and cultural center
• A venue for festivals, vegetarian food, and spiritual classes

You don’t need to be Hindu or have any prior knowledge of Indian traditions to visit. Many Atlantans and visitors stop by simply out of curiosity, for the music and food, or to learn more about a different spiritual path.

Location, Directions, and Contact Basics

ISKCON Atlanta is commonly referred to as New Panihati Dhama within the Hare Krishna community.

Temple Location (ISKCON Atlanta – New Panihati Dhama)
📍 1287 S Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
☎️ It’s best to look up the current main phone number and email before visiting, as contact details can occasionally change.

The temple is in the Intown Atlanta area, accessible from neighborhoods like Inman Park, Poncey-Highland, Virginia-Highland, and Midtown.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

• By Car

  • From Downtown Atlanta: Take Ponce de Leon Ave NE toward the east; the temple sits off this corridor.
  • From Midtown: Head south or east toward Ponce de Leon Ave NE, then continue to the South Ponce De Leon section.
  • Street parking and nearby neighborhood parking are common; always observe posted signs.

• By MARTA

  • Use the Blue or Green rail lines to Inman Park/Reynoldstown or King Memorial and connect via bus or ride-hail.
  • Check the latest MARTA bus routes that run along or near Ponce de Leon Ave NE for the most direct trip.

• From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

  • Drive via I-75/85 North toward Downtown, then connect to the Ponce de Leon corridor.
  • Ride-hail services often recognize “ISKCON Atlanta” or “Hare Krishna Temple Atlanta” as a destination.

What You’ll Find at ISKCON Atlanta

The Main Temple Hall

The heart of ISKCON Atlanta is the temple room, where:

• Deity worship is performed according to Vaishnava tradition
• Kirtan (devotional chanting with music) takes place
• Visitors can sit quietly, meditate, or observe ceremonies

The atmosphere is typically:

• Lively and musical during major programs and festivals
• Quiet and reflective during off-peak hours or between services

Daily Worship and Typical Schedule

Program times can vary slightly by day and season, but you’ll typically find:

• Morning programs with chanting and prayers
• Midday or afternoon darshan (viewing the deities)
• Evening arati (a worship ceremony with lamps, incense, and music)

Because schedules can change on special festival days or holidays, it’s wise to:

• Check a current daily schedule before visiting
• Call the temple or review posted hours once you arrive

Prasadam (Sanctified Vegetarian Food)

One of the most popular aspects of ISKCON temples worldwide is prasadam – vegetarian or vegan food offered first in worship, then shared with guests.

At ISKCON Atlanta, you may find:

• Sunday Feast prasadam – often a hearty, multi-course meal
• Daily or event-based snacks and light meals
• Food that is lacto-vegetarian, with many vegan options at larger events

🍽 Local tip:
If you’re new, the Sunday open program (often called the “Sunday Feast”) is a convenient time to experience both the worship and the free or donation-based meal afterward.

Major Events and Festivals at ISKCON Atlanta

ISKCON Atlanta hosts both regular weekly programs and larger annual festivals that attract people from across the metro area.

Weekly and Ongoing Programs

Common recurring gatherings include:

• Sunday Program / Sunday Feast

  • Usually features kirtan, a talk on scripture or philosophy, and prasadam.
  • Visitors often find this the easiest time to blend in and learn.

• Bhagavad-gita or spiritual study classes

  • Typically offered in English and open to newcomers.
  • Some may be beginner-friendly; others assume some prior background.

• Kirtan and meditation gatherings

  • Group chanting with musical instruments such as harmonium, mridanga (drum), and kartals (hand cymbals).

Annual Festivals

The Atlanta temple typically celebrates major Vaishnava festivals, such as:

• Janmashtami – the appearance day of Lord Krishna
• Gaura Purnima – celebrating the appearance of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
• Ratha Yatra (Festival of the Chariots) – sometimes accompanied by processions and public kirtan
• Other holy days on the Vaishnava calendar

On festival days, expect:

• Larger crowds than a normal Sunday
• Extended kirtan, dramas, and speeches
• Elaborate decorations and special prasadam

If you live in Atlanta and enjoy cultural or religious festivals, these are often open, colorful, and family-friendly.

Etiquette and What to Expect as a Visitor

You don’t have to be part of ISKCON or of Indian heritage to attend. Many first-time visitors in Atlanta are just exploring.

Dress Code and Shoes

• Dress modestly:
  • Long pants or skirts are recommended.
  • Shoulders and midriff covered where possible.
• Shoes are removed before entering the main temple room.
  • You’ll typically see shoe racks or a designated area at the entrance.

If you’re coming from work or another event, simply aim for clean, respectful attire.

Behavior Inside the Temple

Some general guidelines:

• Speak softly and keep phones silent inside the temple room.
• Avoid pointing feet directly at the altar or sacred images while sitting.
• Ask before taking photos, especially of the deities or during worship.
• If unsure what to do, it’s fine to sit quietly and observe.

Volunteers and regular attendees are usually happy to answer basic questions if you approach respectfully.

Programs for Kids, Families, and Newcomers

Many Atlanta families visit ISKCON for both cultural exposure and spiritual interest.

For Families and Children

You might find:

• Kid-friendly kirtan and open spaces where children can sit with parents
• Opportunities for children to observe Indian music, dance, and rituals
• Occasionally, Sunday school–style classes or youth programs (when available)

For the latest on children’s programs, it’s best to:

• Ask at the reception or front desk area
• Inquire during the Sunday program about youth activities

For Spiritual Seekers and Newcomers

If you’re exploring spirituality in Atlanta and curious about the Hare Krishna tradition, ISKCON Atlanta may offer:

• Introductory talks explaining core concepts like karma, reincarnation, and bhakti (devotional service)
• Discussion groups or classes around the Bhagavad-gita and other texts
• Options to attend regularly without any formal commitment

You can usually show up, sit in the back, and see whether the atmosphere resonates with you.

Volunteering and Community Involvement

Like many religious and cultural centers in Atlanta, ISKCON relies on volunteers.

Ways People Commonly Help

Depending on need and your skills, this might include:

• Food preparation or serving prasadam
• Cleaning and maintenance of common areas
• Festival setup and logistics
• Music, sound, or event support for major gatherings

If you’re interested in volunteering, you can:

• Speak with a coordinator after a Sunday program
• Ask who manages volunteer scheduling and how to get on a list for larger festivals

ISKCON Atlanta in the Broader Atlanta Spiritual Landscape

Atlanta is home to a wide range of spiritual and cultural communities: churches, synagogues, mosques, Buddhist centers, Hindu temples, and more. ISKCON Atlanta fits into this landscape as:

• A Vaishnava Hindu–based community with a specific bhakti (devotional) focus
• A cultural bridge, introducing Atlantans to Indian devotional music, vegetarian cuisine, and traditional festivals
• A space where both long-time practitioners and newcomers can gather

Many people in metro Atlanta who attend ISKCON also visit other temples, churches, or centers. Attendance at the Hare Krishna temple typically does not require exclusivity or formal membership just to participate in public events.

Quick Reference: ISKCON Atlanta at a Glance

Practical Tips Before You Go

• ✅ Check today’s schedule: Program times can shift for holidays and special events.
• ✅ Plan parking or transit: The Ponce corridor can be busy, especially on weekends and festival days.
• ✅ Bring modest clothing and socks: Floors can be cool when you remove your shoes.
• ✅ Come with questions: Most regular attendees are used to explaining basic customs to first-time visitors.

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting and you’re curious about ISKCON Atlanta, you can simply show up during a public program, observe, share a meal, and see how the community feels to you.