411.02: ISKCON Harinama Sankirtana Ministry: Kirtana standards [Title] – Temple kirtana guidelines — 2025
[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting
[Category] – Guideline
[Date passed] – February 22, 2025
Whereas there is a need in ISKCON for clarity in temple room kirtana guidelines.
Therefore it is resolved that:
The GBC approves the Temple Kirtana Guidelines as appended below. It shall be a living document that may be amended as required by the ISKCON Kirtana Ministry, provided such amendments are first circulated on the GBC email conference, and no objections are received within thirty days.
Temple Kirtana Guidelines
Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Founder-Acharya of The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
Preamble: Devotees are encouraged to chant wholeheartedly in all temple kirtanas. Managers should do their best to implement these standards for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and the Vaisnavas. Participants are encouraged to follow these guidelines under the guidance of the local ISKCON management team in a mood of loving cooperation.
Golden Guidelines:
1. Always consider, “Is this kirtana pleasing to Srila Prabhupada?”
2. The most important sound in the kirtana is the congregational chanting, which the instruments should never overpower.
3. Kirtana should be attractive, welcoming, and inclusive.
Kirtana Leaders
1. Preferably, ISKCON initiated devotees in good standing, chanting at least 16 daily rounds and following the four regulative principles. Or, if not initiated, at least following the four regulative principles, accept Srila Prabhupada’s teachings and regularly chanting japa.
2. Appearance: Preferably clean and simple dress, face shaven, with Gaudiya Vaisnava tilaka. For men, dhoti, kurta, and chaddar are encouraged. For women, saris or gopi dress and shawl are encouraged. Shorts and other revealing clothes are discouraged.
Mantras
1. During temple arati kirtanas, first chant Srila Prabhupada’s Pranam Mantras, Panca Tattva Maha Mantra(s), and then the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, which should be the primary mantra in every kirtana.
2. Chant the Nrsimha Prayers after each arati.
3. The following may occasionally be sung:
4. Bhajans, mantras from BBT songbooks, and songs from Gaudiya Vaisnava Acharyas. 5. Govinda Jaya Jaya Gopala Jaya Jaya
6. haraye namah krsna yadavaya namah / gopala govinda rama sri-madhusudana 7. Jaya Sacinandana
8. Nitai Gouranga
9. Jaya Prabhupada
10. The chanting of Srimati Radharani’s holy names in isolation from Krishna may be chanted for a few minutes on Radhastami.
11. It is recommended that no words or syllables be added or subtracted.
12. Kirtana leaders should avoid breaking up the response chanting from the congregation according to material designations ie: Male/Female.
13. Breaking the mantra into smaller parts is not encouraged.
14. The chanting should be done first by the leader and then by the congregation. While the leader is chanting, interjections by the congregation of “Chaitanya!”, “Nityananda!”, “Hare Hare!”, etc, are not encouraged.
15. Chanting the deities’ names towards the end of the arati kirtana is optional, as they may be glorified during the Prema Dhvani prayers.
16. Prema Dhvani mantras should be recited at the end of the arati kirtana.
Mangala Arati
1. During Mangala arati, the “morning melody” should be sung.
Instruments
1. The instruments should support the chanting and never overpower the sound of the chanting. Chanting should always be heard.
2. Instrument players should learn the art of playing the instruments both loudly and powerfully as well as softly and sweetly.
3. Mridanga players should aspire to play authentic beats according to parampara. Modern adaptations derived from modern dance music, etc., should be avoided.
4. During the kirtanas and the arati, the following instruments should be played: mridanga and kartalas. Whompers and gong may also be played.
5. The arati kirtana ends with the chanting of the Prema Dhvani mantras.
6. Additional instruments (harmonium, etc.) may be added after the arati kirtanas with the approval of the local management team.
7. While devotees are encouraged to practice the musical instruments to play them nicely for the pleasure of the deities, the temple room is not an appropriate venue. Practicing should be done outside the temple room.
8. The sound of the mridanga should not be eclipsed by other instruments. Therefore, various drums and other instruments that drown out the sound of the mridangas and the chanting are not encouraged.
9. Health considerations of overly loud drums are essential considerations as some devotees develop migraines and even permanent ear damage.
Singing
1. Alap is a classical Hindustani musical technique in which the mantra is lengthened, and additional ornaments are added. This technique was not utilized in ISKCON kirtana during Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence. Alap is not generally appropriate during Arati kirtanas. Other than arati kirtanas, it may be permitted with the approval of the local management.
2. For those with the capacity, “Rama” should be pronounced as spelled, not “Ramo.” 3. Everyone, including instrument players, should also sing in response, as the congregational chanting is the essence of kirtana.
Sound Systems
4. The sound system should be set at a modest volume. Louder is not better. 85 dBA is a reasonable amount.
5. Refer to GBC Resolution of 2014: 313: Sound Systems Guideline:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tAiBDMTinpnKf9jWVqer0prTequqp
M7eaBHZtANZ5s/edit?usp=sharing
6. Only one microphone is recommended to be used during kirtanas.
7. All electronic gadgets should be in silent mode or connected to headphones for personal listening.
Dancing
1. Dancing should be graceful, in a traditional Gaudiya Vaishnava style. Approved dances include, but are not limited to, the Swami Step, forward and back, and jumping.
2. Participants should always endeavor to face the deity.
Dancing Safely
1. Dancing should not endanger the physical safety of the participants.
2. Lifting devotees into the air can cause injuries and may not be an appropriate mood. 3. Spinning around should be done with care.
Deities
1. Deities carried into the temple by congregational devotees should be treated with respect and care according to the principles set by the Deity Worship Ministry. They should not be rocked, jumped up and down, or spun around in circles.
411.02: ISKCON Harinama Sankirtana Ministry: Kirtana standards [Title] – Temple kirtana guidelines infographic — 2025
[Meeting] – Annual General Meeting
[Category] – Statement
[Date passed] – February 23, 2025
Whereas the mandate of the ISKCON Kirtana Ministry includes implementing kirtana guidelines. Whereas an effective means to communicate those Temple Kirtana guidelines includes posting an infographic in or near ISKCON temple rooms
Therefore, it is resolved that:
ISKCON Kirtana Ministry will make the Temple Kirtana Guidelines available as an infographic on its website and circulate the link on the Leadership Discussions email conference by August 1, 2025. ISKCON centers are encouraged to print and post the Temple Kirtana Guidelines in or near ISKCON temple rooms by September 1, 2025.
Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=115656
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