The coronavirus pandemic, which has now claimed over 276,000 lives in the United States, and 1.5 million around the world, continues to be a major health threat. And ISKCON temples have not been immune to the challenge.  

In addition to the sad passing of some senior ISKCON leaders and congregational members, whole temples have been closed for a period of time to protect the community and other visitors. These have included ISKCON’s international headquarters in Mayapur, India, and the New Vrajamandala farm in Spain. 

While cases have been reported among devotees and temples in other parts of the world, it now appears that temples in the U.S., following the pattern of the high rate of infection across America, are seeing infections – and temple closures at new, higher rates.