ISKCON Chennai Temple Flooded by Cyclone; Devotees Evacuated

Cyclone Michaung (pronounced mig-jaum) struck the southern coast of India this week, bringing devastation and widespread flooding from its high winds and rainfall. Over a dozen have lost their lives in the city of Chennai, much of which is submerged under several feet of water, including the ISKCON Chennai Temple. “Despite devotees’ best efforts to protect the temple and its assets, the cyclone’s ferocity spared nothing—our temple vehicles, crucial for outreach efforts, lie submerged, said Amarendar Das speaking on behalf of ISKCON Chennai’s Temple Management Team, “Vital appliances such as the fridges and freezers of the temple kitchen, annadana kitchen, grocery stores as well as various items in the gift shop and restaurant are seriously damaged.” 

Electricity Restored, But New Challenges Are Ahead with Contaminated Water and Infectious Disease

Electricity has been restored, but there are still challenges with water and basic amenities rendered inaccessible; most devotees have now been evacuated from the temple’s ashram to safer locations. Because of the widespread impact, fire and rescue services could not accommodate all the city’s residents who needed evacuation, so local fishermen are also helping with the rescue efforts. Additionally, devotees from the local community have stepped forward to serve, even though they themselves have been impacted by the storm’s aftermath. As of Sunday, the leadership said, “We are still pumping water out from the temple property, and it will take a couple of more days. The situation is precarious as infectious diseases are the next threat as stagnant water is all over the place, and our water sources and systems have to be protected from contamination.”

“It took almost eight hours to first evacuate devotees to a safer place, while a few pujaris and the temple commander stayed back to continue deity services to our Sri Sri Radha Krishna,” Amarendar continued, “The conservative estimate of damages stands at Rs. 40 Lakhs, emphasizing the enormity of the task ahead. Floodwaters have penetrated every vital space within our temple, including the sanyasi ashram, kitchen, godowns, electrical panel boxes, restaurant, guest house, and basement dining hall, all flooded by water.”  

ISKCON Chennai is located off the East Coast Road at the Hare Krishna land, Sholinganallur. The deities worshipped in the temple include Radha Krishna Lalita Vishaka, Jagannath Baladev Subhadra, and Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga. The temple was inaugurated in 2012, and the complex of buildings is spread over 1.5 acres.

The journey toward restoration will be time-consuming and fraught with numerous challenges. ISKCON Chennai is requesting donations from the larger ISKCON community to help them with temple repairs, restoring essential functions, and aiding devotees. “Together, we can rejuvenate and make our spiritual home bright and welcoming again. Join hands with us in this noble endeavor to rebuild, renew, and restore ISKCON Chennai,” expressed Amarendar Prabhu, “Please donate generously and help us spread the word. Let’s all unite in the service of Srila Prabhupada and the Supreme Lord Krishna to bring ISKCON Chennai back to its vibrant self.” 

DONATION DETAILS

For Flood Relief Support, donations may be sent to the following bank account: Indian Passport Holders: – Account Name: ISKCON – Acc: 423010100035200 – IFSC: UTIB0000423 – Axis Bank alternatively, click here.

For donations from Foreign Nationals (non-Indian citizens), please reach out to us via email or on WhatsApp at our donor helpline +91 98402 29226 for donation details.