By Atma Tattva Das
The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple (SSRRT) in Chatsworth, Durban, will celebrate its 40th anniversary on 11–12 October 2025, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s visit to South Africa in 1975. Since opening in October 1985, SSRRT has drawn spiritual seekers and tourists alike with its striking “east meets west” architecture, vastu-purusha mandala design, and six daily arati ceremonies. As part of the milestone festival, the temple has launched a major foyer restoration and broader campus upgrades. Devotees and friends are now invited to submit memoirs of their service experiences by 31 July 2025 for inclusion in a commemorative online publication.
When Srila Prabhupada visited South Africa in 1975, he left three instructions: build a temple, host a Ratha Yatra Festival, and preach to the host African community. Ten years later, after overcoming apartheid-era restrictions and sourcing marble from Portugal and oak from Japan, the three-domed SSRRT officially opened its doors on 18–20 October 1985. Its white-and-gold domes rise above an octagonal stainless-steel roof, while a surrounding moat, water features, and lotus-shaped gardens highlight the ancient vastu-purusha mandala layout, circles, triangles, squares, and octagons symbolizing spiritual principles. Over 2.5 million visitors have since passed through its portals, experiencing six daily arati ceremonies honoring Sri Sri Radha Radhanath, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and Giriraj Govardhan, along with the sale of attractive prasadam at Govinda’s restaurant.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/ssrrt-celebrating-40-years-submit-your-memories-today/
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