New Vrindaban Timeline

Background Information: Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada came to the United State from India to spread the message of Krishna Consciousness to the western world. Kirtanananda, one of Swami Prabhupada's disciples, believed he knew what would be best for the movement, and wanted to change Krishna Consciousness in America to appeal to western sensibilities, particularly Christianity. Kirtanananda, who's birth name is Keith Ham, was eventually kicked out of the movement for betraying Swami Prabhupada's trust. Kirtanananda devised a plan to be reinstated into the movement, hoping to eventually gain control of the entire organization with the death of Swami Prabhupada, by creating an elaborate temple, and community, dedicated to Krishna and the Swami and pledging his devotion to the movement.

1968- Kirtanananda Swami and Hayagriva das obtain a 99-year lease from Richard Rose for his 130 acre farm located in Marshall County, West Virginia and begin the construction of New Vrindaban.

1969- Swami Prabhupada visits New Vrindaban and begins to construct a plan for it (7 temples on 7 hills). At this point it is a “retreat” for members of the Hare Krishna movement (8-10 devotees and 1 cow).

1972- The property has expanded, and a temple is built near the Bahulaban property (added a year prior). Swami Prabhupada visits and a major event is held for Janmashtami, with over 500 devotees in attendance (40 Devotees, 21 cows, 600 acres).

1973- The site for the Palace of Gold is purchased and the project begins. Money is raised for the project through volunteers, the selling of incense, and questionable practices including prostitution, selling fake merchandise, drug dealing, and scams. Tensions erupt between the locals and the Hare Krishna devotees (devotees are injured but no legal action is pursued).

1976- There is a Hepatitis epidemic in March and April. Prabhupada visits in June. (80 devotees, 15 kids, a traveling group “raises money” for the palaces construction, this again occurs through illegal means).

1977- Swami Prabhupada dies in India. Kirtanananda Swami takes control and beings initiating his own disciples (100 devotee, 150 cows, 1000 acres). Swami Prabhupada divides the world into 11 zones and appoints a leader to each prior to his death, but did not name a successor.

1979- The palace is open to both devotees and tourists; it attracts thousands of both.

1981-1982- A guest lodge is built; New Vrindaban becomes a tourist attraction. The idea to develop Krishnaland, a Disney like theme park, is developed. The plan for the Temple of Understanding begins to form (400 devotees 2000 acres).

1983-1984- New Vrindaban becomes more modern and developed. Over 150 employees are hired to expand the community, a health/grocery store is developed, as well as a school, and a shuttle bus service. Kirtanananda continues to solicit money and run scams to financially support the development. (Over 600 devotees and 3,000 acres).

1985- ISKCON meets at New Vrindaban to discuss the issues arising with having 14 different Gurus attempting to control the movement. Many devotees begin to become frustrated by the inconsistencies in having 14 Gurus and the actions of Kirtanananada. Apartment complexes are established for residence though they are expected to pay for them but encouraged not to take outside work. Kirtanananda Swami is attacked in October and is left in a coma for 10 days.

1986- Steve Bryant, a former New Vrindaban devotee who attempted to bring down the Hare Krishna movement by exposing its corruption, is murdered.

1987- The FBI investigates New Vrindaban and presses charges against Kirtanananda Swami on the grounds that he violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Kirtanananda Swami and the New Vrindaban community are excommunicated from ISKCON.

1988-1990- New Vrindaban undergoes serious changes. Many leave the community in order to remain in good faith with ISKCON. Kirtanananda introduces many different aspects of western religion which further encourages members to leave.

1991-1996- Kirtananda is convicted and sent to prison. Well on house arrest a division forms between members of New Vrindaban, those loyal to Kirtananada and those who no longer want him in charge. He is eventually sentenced to 12 years in prison. New Vrindaban falls into financial distress. The collections brought in by Kirtananada's followers go straight to him and devotees are encouraged to obtain their own form of financials. The farm is downsized, property is rented or sold, and equipment is sold to pay the community bills.

1998- T ISKCON accepts New Vrindaban back into the organization in a 2-year probational period. (250 devotees, 30 actually in the temple, 250 cows). The school is downsized to 10 students and 2 teachers.

2001- Charges are brought against New Vrindaban and ISKCON alleging sexual abuse of over 50 students in Hare Krishna run schools.

2002- New Vrindaban files bankruptcy to set aside funds for the students in ISKCON boarding schools.

2008- New Vrindaban Community Inc. was officially changed to ISKCON New Vrindaban, Inc.

2010-2017- New Vrindaban undertakes mass renovations and a mass rebranding effort. The Palace entrance and front steps are renovated, and as well as the Sri Sri Radha Temple (the first of the seven).

2018- New Vrindaban celebrates its 50^th year anniversary. The hold 2 weekend dinner galas for donors and the devotees. They hold a VIP event for government officials and members of ISKCON, and a huge semicentennial celebration.

Presently- New Vrindaban is in the process of restoring their ideal utopia. They are undoing the damage caused by Kirtanananda and other corrupt Gurus by restoring Prabhupada Swami's original intentions, while also embracing the modern world and exposing westerners to the Hare Krishna faith.

*This timeline is heavily influenced by Sankirtana Das's timeline.

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