About Us
Our History
The Hare Krishnas first arrived in Athens in 1969. Srila Prabhupada personally visited Athens in May of that year and further inspired his students to distribute prasadam (karma-free food) and perform kirtan (musical mantra meditation) at the university.
International Leader and New York Times Best Selling Author, Radhanath Swami, in the 1980's started doing Vegetarian Cooking Workshops in Athens to teach the students about a peaceful way of living and how to cook for themselves. "Krishna" became a household term in Athens. The first center started in 1982 at 89 Mill Street.
Since then the Hare Krishna devotees have been active in Athens over 40 years, 1000's of people have passed in and out of Athens.
In 2021 after the initial Covid-19 pandemic a few devotees traveled from Columbus to Athens to perform musical meditation and distribute sanctified food on the College Green. The reception was tremendous and students and faculty were asking for a permanent location for regular programs.
With the help of Rasa Lila Devi ( a disciple of Srila Prabhupada) and Dr.Ashok Gupta (a retired professor of 30 years in the school of business) and blessed by Malati Devi Dasi (part of ISKCON leadership), within a few months, like out of mystical providence, a new center was found and purchased on October 7th, 2021. Krishna now has a permanent home in Athens.
Since November 2021 we having been actively holding programs whenever OU classes are in session. Athens Krishna House is now a center of learning, music, cooking, associating, and caring relationships which is available to the entire greater Athens community.
Athens Krishna House is a spiritual cultural center near the heart of Ohio University campus with a talented staff devoted to sharing the experience of self-transformation through the timeless culture and practices of Bhakti-yoga.
It’s a center of authentic learning, and a great place to meet new people, make lasting relationships, and find inspiration and support on the spiritual path.
Our Inspiration
A Monk from the East comes to the West.
We draw our inspiration and guidance from the life and teachings of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who first brought the culture of Bhakti to the Western world beginning on New York’s Lower East Side. He is widely regarded as the worlds pre-eminent exponent of the teachings and practices of Bhakti-yoga. Learn more about him here.