ISKCON IN SWEDEN


ISKCON temple in Grodinge Botyrka Municipality near Stockholm practically and constitutionally secular country of Sweden.

Sweden is a secular country. The Swedish constitution guarantees freedom of religion and separates church and state. There is no official state religion since the Church of Sweden was disestablished in 2000. While the Lutheran Church of Sweden historically played a significant role, its influence waned. Only 53% of Swedes were members of the Church in 2023, down from over 90% in the 1970s. Religious participation is low. 18% of Swedes believe in God. Many (30%) are atheists or non-religious. Public policy and education are secular. Cultural traditions like Christmas and Midsummer retain historical elements. They are seen as secular celebrations.

There are 7 ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temples in Sweden. Stockholm (Hare Krishna Center), Korsnäs Gård (New Radhakunda), Almviks Gård, Järna, Hare Krishna Temple Göteborg, Uppsala, Lund, and New Caitanya Candrodaya Mandir, Järna. ISKCON in Sweden focuses on Krishna consciousness and offers aartis, kirtans, Bhagavad Gita classes, and vegetarian prasadam. They promote Vedic culture, sustainable living, and community engagement. Other Hindu temples in Sweden (Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mariestad, Helenelund Hindu Temple in Sollentuna, and Ganesha Temple in Farsta) serve the Hindu community.

ISKCON the Hare Krishna movement, is a Hindu religious organization founded in 1966 in New York, America by Prabhupada. It is in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. It emphasizes Krishna, propagates spirituality, fosters unity and peace through devotion. Its seven purposes include educating people spiritually and distributing religious texts. It operates in 400 centers globally through temples, rural communities, schools, vegetarian restaurants, and hospitals. Devotees chant Hare Krishna Hare Rama. ISKCON faced controversies, legal disputes, and accusations of fundamentalism.

 

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