Boise Hare Krishna Temple

In 1986, the first Hare Krishnas, Arun and Arruddha Gupta, arrived in Boise from India. After 15 years of worshipping in their home, the Gupta family, in 1999, bought the house next door. They built a facility that connected the two houses, a space that would become the Hare Krishna temple in Boise. In 2012, the Gupta’s son, Gopal, took over as temple president.

The Hare Krishna Temple is located in a building that adjoins two residential homes, which belong to members of the temple. The temple is a large hall with stained glass windows depicting Krishna in his youth and adulthood. There are frescos of Krishna on the ceiling and a teakwood altar in the front of the temple with statues of Hindu deities, incense, fresh flowers, and rich tapestries. In the back of the temple, directly opposite the altar, is a life-size statue of Srila Prabhupada. Shoes are not worn in the temple and members sit on individual rugs for prayers, chanting and meditation. In the front of the temple, near the altar, are a harmonium and mrdunga, as well as audio equipment to deliver the musical sound throughout the temple.