A recent gathering during Sri Nrsimha Chaturdashi 2024.

ISKCON Lisbon, a community with deep roots in the Portuguese capital, is steadily growing, with a strong influx of young people. Many are drawn by the dynamic programs that blend traditional Krishna Conscious practices with modern outreach methods. But facing the potential loss of its current space and the absence of a permanent temple for over four decades, the dynamic community is now appealing to the international Krishna Conscious community for help.

As temple president Sundarananda Das explained, “We are now at a pivotal moment. Without securing a permanent home, we risk losing the momentum we’ve worked so hard to rebuild post-COVID.”

This situation isn’t new for ISKCON Lisbon. Their journey since the 1970s has been fraught with challenges, but their resilience has allowed them to continue flourishing. From renting various spaces, including a short stint where the altar was housed in the back of Sundarananda’s car, to operating a successful temple restaurant in the 1990s, the community has faced financial and structural setbacks. Now, more than ever, they are seeking support to ensure they can finally secure a permanent facility and continue their mission of spreading Krishna Consciousness in Lisbon.

The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted ISKCON Lisbon, leading to the closure of their popular restaurant and function space, which had been integral to both their spiritual outreach and financial stability. This period also brought about a shift in leadership, with Sundarananda and his wife Nikunja-Vilasini moving back to Lisbon to help save the project from financial ruin.

Sundarananda described their situation with a sense of urgency, “We took on the responsibility to manage the debts and reorganize the project, but just as we were getting back on our feet, our landlord refused to renew the lease. We now find ourselves in a precarious position. If we don’t act quickly, we may lose our Krishna-conscious presence in the city.”

This crisis comes at a time when the Lisbon community is poised for significant growth. The number of devotees is increasing, and the congregation is becoming more vibrant. However, without a stable place to call home, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to accommodate this expansion. The urgency is not just about maintaining the current level of service but about realizing the community’s potential for the future.

Darshan at 2024 Sri Nrsimha Chaturdashi in ISKCON Lisboa.

In addition to regular kirtans and spiritual programs, the community’s outreach initiatives have continued to inspire new members. “We see an enormous amount of potential here,” Sundarananda said. “The youth are particularly enthusiastic, and there is a sense of excitement about the future. But to fully tap into this potential, ISKCON Lisbon needs a permanent facility. This would allow us to offer more comprehensive programs, attract larger crowds, and provide accommodation for devotees visiting from around the world.”

Sundarananda continued, “It’s not just about having a temple building. We see an enormous amount of potential here. The youth are particularly enthusiastic, and there is a sense of excitement about the future. But to fully tap into this potential, ISKCON Lisbon needs a permanent facility. It’s about building a spiritual home for the community—a place where we can welcome people to experience the joy of Krishna Consciousness. The potential here is huge, and we are determined to make that a reality.”

Nikunja-Vilasini echoed this sentiment,  “The devotees here are dedicated. They’ve worked through so many challenges, and they keep going because they believe in Srila Prabhupadas’ mission. We all want to see ISKCON Lisbon thrive.”

For the Lisbon devotees, this is not just a local issue but a collective mission that aligns with ISKCON’s broader goal of spreading Krishna Consciousness throughout the world. “This is an opportunity for the global community to come together and support Lisbon in its time of need. Whether it’s financial support, connections, or simply spreading the word, every contribution helps. We’re confident that, with the help of the global ISKCON community, we can overcome this challenge and secure a bright future for ISKCON in Lisbon,” added Shubananda. To watch an inspiring video by ISKCON Lisbon devotees, click here.

ISKCON Lisbon invites devotees from all over the world to stay connected and informed about their journey. You can follow their activities and updates through their Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as on their website. The team is also available for direct contact via email and WhatsApp +351 932 064 688 for those who want to learn more or offer assistance. Additionally, ISKCON Lisbon has launched a page where devotees can contribute financially to help secure a permanent home for the community.