Iskcon Experience Center

The Story of Srila Prabhupada

The experience begins with an exploration of Srila Prabhupada's early life, born as Abhay Charan in Calcutta, and his profound spiritual dedication under the guidance of his Guru, Saraswati Thakur. This section paints a vivid portrait of his unwavering commitment to his Guru’s vision, culminating in his journey to Vrindavan, where he was bestowed with the title A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. Visitors follow his path to enlightenment, marveling at his determination and commitment to his faith.

Living Book Installation

At the heart of the Center stands a monumental podium displaying a "living book," a digital rendition of Srila Prabhupada's life. Visitors can turn through the animated pages, each capturing pivotal moments in his life through interactive digital art, paintings with subtle movements, and a sense of depth that brings Srila Prabhupada's story to life. This interactive feature offers an intimate look at the saint’s journey, with each page revealing new insights into his life, struggles, and spiritual contributions.

New York: The Early Years

Moving through the exhibit, visitors enter a section dedicated to Srila Prabhupada's early years in New York, a period marked by hardship and immense faith. This area features a large LED screen showcasing a stylized audiovisual display in black and white, with footage and images of Srila Prabhupada from his first year in New York. The display highlights the struggles he faced, his first days of preaching, and his journey as the Hare Krishna movement began to take root.

The display transitions from images of his early efforts to footage of his travels across the globe, bringing the teachings of the Hare Krishna movement to diverse audiences worldwide. His wisdom, devotion, and message of spiritual growth resonate in these visual stories, allowing viewers to understand the depth and reach of his vision.

Holographic Projection of Srila Prabhupada

A captivating holographic display portrays Srila Prabhupada seated beneath a tree, animated through advanced CGI technology to capture his likeness and essence. With anatomically accurate details, this holographic projection brings Srila Prabhupada to life in an engaging, lifelike manner, allowing visitors to experience the saint as he speaks and shares his wisdom. This moving setup is a powerful reminder of his message, delivering his words of devotion and peace directly to the audience

‍

The Global Growth of the Hare Krishna Movement

The following section charts the impressive global expansion of ISKCON, illustrating the establishment of temples worldwide and the movement's spread. Visitors witness the geographic reach of ISKCON through a dynamic projection mapping onto a massive globe behind Srila Prabhupada’s statue, showcasing the movement’s vast influence. This visual representation captures the immense success and cultural impact of the Hare Krishna movement, symbolizing the unity and devotion of its followers worldwide.

‍

Interactive Wisdom: "Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers"

In this section, visitors have the opportunity to engage with one of ISKCON's most revered texts, “Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers,” a cornerstone of Srila Prabhupada's teachings. Through a touch-screen kiosk, visitors can select a question from the book and hear Srila Prabhupada’s insightful answers on-screen, delivered in his own voice. This interactive feature offers a deeply personal connection to his wisdom and teachings, making his spiritual knowledge accessible in a uniquely engaging format.

‍

A Digital Benediction

The final interactive experience invites visitors to immerse themselves in Srila Prabhupada’s words and reflections, a cherished digital benediction capturing his spiritual insights. Visitors can hold onto these moments of wisdom as a gift—a piece of Srila Prabhupada’s guidance to carry forward in their lives.

Grand Finale: Animated Short Film

The journey concludes with an animated short film, a 45-second visual narrative capturing the milestones of Srila Prabhupada’s life in vibrant color and motion. This tribute film is a touching homage to his life’s work, encapsulating his mission, devotion, and the powerful legacy he leaves for generations to come.

The ISKCON Experience Center serves as a spiritual sanctuary and a place of learning and remembrance, where visitors can connect with Srila Prabhupada's legacy and the spirit of the Hare Krishna movement, enriched with the inspiration, devotion, and wisdom that ISKCON has brought to the world.

‍