FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Why is Krishna blue?
Simply because Krishna prefers to be so. There is nothing metaphorical about it. As the Supreme Person he is completely independent, and as he is also an individual he personally prefers to have a beauty tinged with the hue of bluish clouds.

2. Why are you chanting in public?
For the upliftment of the world. The sound vibration of the mantra has a subtle purifying effect upon the consciousness. Whoever hears it is benefited, with no consideration of faith or denomination.

3. How can I donate or contribute to the temple?
There are many ways to contribute: sponsoring outfits for the deities, donating flowers or fruits and vegetables, presenting jewelry to Sri Sri Gandharvika Giridhari, sponsoring a Sunday feast, etc... In order to find out how to contribute, or if you are interested in giving a regular donation to the temple, please check in our section 'Ways to give'.

4. Are you vegans or vegetarians?
We are lacto (lat. milk) -vegetarians, which means that besides vegetables, fruits and grains we also partake of milk products and honey. We don't eat meat, fish or eggs. We abstain from garlic and onions.

5. Can I take part in your activities?
Yes! The purpose of the temple is not only to facilitate the monks and nuns in there worship of Krishna, but to enable every one interested in authentic spiritual life to take part in this transcendental experience and ultimately progress on the path to self-realization. Therefore we invite you to our daily programs as well as to our Sunday Feast and workshops. Come and take part.

6. Is Krishna Consciousness a part of Hinduism?
Hinduism does not denote one specific religion; rather ,it is an umbrella term, and thus includes many different types of traditions found in India (polytheistic, monotheistic, pantheistic, etc...). But the common basis is the Vedas. Although this body of literature seemingly appears to be an incoherent amalgamation of diverse paths, they have one ultimate goal in mind, namely to gradually lead people to the highest level of realization, the realization of Shri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. And therefore Krishna consciousness is the very core and the highest path given in the Vedas.

7. What is the meaning of your outfit?
Simplicity and tradition. It is the uniform of a devotee of Krishna. It is not necessary to wear an Indian outfit to worship Krishna.

8. Is Krishna Consciousness a religion?
Not in the sense of being a sectarian belief or merely yet another part of life, something one does during the weekends. Rather, it is a way of life. It is a religion in the original denotation of the word, namely "religare" (Latin), or to "reconnect with". So we are trying to reestablish our lost relationship with the Supreme Godhead through devotion. In that sense we are a religion.

9. Do you have a restaurant?
Yes. "Govindas" is an Indian vegetarian restaurant with a large variety of dishes, including soups, salads, vegetable dishes, breads, as well as home-made ice-cream and pralines.

Opening times:
Monday till Friday: 11:00-19:00
Saturday: 12:00-19:00

Address:
Fridhemsgatan 22
112 40 Stockholm
(Subwaystation: Fridhemsplan)
Tel: +46-8-654 90 04
Fax: +46-8-650 88 13
Email: lokanatha@hotmail.com

10. Why are you worshiping these "dolls" on the altar?
As we are in our present condition incapable of perceiving spirit, God mercifully appears before us in his form as the holy deity. That form is not an imaginary one. It is carved according to bona fide directions found in the scriptures, and the Lord is invited to accept this form so that one can lovingly serve him in that way. Devotees who, with proper understanding and faith, worship the holy deity can personally experience the Lord's direct presence.