Question 1

What is Radha Krishna Dham?

Accepted Answer

Radha Krishna Dham is a Hindu temple and spiritual center located in Tarzana in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. It is a branch of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, our parent organization in India, and functions under the loving guidance of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. The temple is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to the devotional worship of Radha Krishna and offers opportunities for prayer, kirtan (devotional chanting), meditation, and weekly yoga classes.

Our Mission is to share the true eternal knowledge of the Vedas in a simplified form and to inspire souls to attain the true goal of their life, God realization.

Question 2

Where is Radha Krishna Dham located?

Accepted Answer

Radha Krishna Dham is located at 5530 Donna Avenue in Tarzana, California, in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. The temple is easily accessible from both the 405 and the 101 freeways. Visitors from nearby communities such as Woodland Hills, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and surrounding neighborhoods can reach the temple conveniently.

Parking from the alley, for directions click https://share.google/VT2QkjNawnwLghgK6

Question 3

What are the temple hours for darshan, yoga classes, and satsangs?

Accepted Answer

Darshan, or the viewing of the deity forms of Radha Krishna, is offered Monday through Saturday from 7:30 am to 8:30 am, and every evening from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Our weekly community satsang takes place on Sunday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. This includes devotional singing, reflection, and aarti, followed by lunch prashad (blessed vegetarian food). We also gather for community satsang on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 9pm .

FREE Yoga classes are offered weekly on Sundays from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

Question 4

Is parking available at Radha Krishna Dham?

Accepted Answer

Free parking is available in the alley adjacent to the temple. Additional metered parking and Sunday street parking are available on Donna Avenue in front of the temple.
Because the temple is located in a residential neighborhood, we kindly ask visitors to be mindful of our neighbors and avoid blocking driveways or creating congestion.

For directions on Google maps - https://share.google/VT2QkjNawnwLghgK6

Question 5

What are the core teachings at Radha Krishna Dham?

Accepted Answer

Radha Krishna Dham teaches the path of bhakti yog, the practice of uniting one’s thoughts and actions in loving devotion to the Divine. In our tradition, the Divine is worshiped in the form of Radha Krishna, who are understood as the embodiment of Divine Love.

In accordance with the teachings of our Guru, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, we strive to cultivate humility, remembrance of God, surrender, and a personal relationship with the Divine through chanting, meditation, prayer, and selfless service.

These teachings are rooted in sacred Hindu scriptures such as the Bhagavad-Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, which describe devotion as the highest spiritual path.

Question 6

Who guides the spiritual philosophy of Radha Krishna Dham?

Accepted Answer

The spiritual philosophy of Radha Krishna Dham follows the teachings of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, 5th original Jagadguru (honored as 'Jagadguruttam' by Kashi Vidvat Parishat, Benaras in 1957) a revered rasik saint and spiritual master of the bhakti tradition.

The title “Jagadguru,” meaning “World Teacher,” was bestowed upon him by respected Vedic scholars in recognition of his profound scriptural knowledge and spiritual leadership. His teachings continue to guide the devotional practices and spiritual life of the temple community.

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was a revered spiritual luminary, celebrated as an unparalleled authority on the Vedas and a compassionate guide to seekers around the world. Recognized as the fifth original Jagadguru, he dedicated his life to reawakening true devotion and making the timeless wisdom of Sanatan Vedic Dharma accessible to all. Through his profound discourses, devotional literature, and soul-stirring sankirtans, he illuminated the path of pure bhakti and lovingly guided countless souls toward a deeper relationship with God.
With extraordinary grace and divine insight, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj re-established the Bhakti movement in a way that spoke to both scholars and ordinary devotees alike. His teachings emphasized selfless love, surrender, and constant remembrance of God as the essence of spiritual life.

Beyond his teachings, his legacy lives through the magnificent temples and charitable institutions he inspired, all of which continue to serve humanity with devotion and compassion. For devotees across the world, he remains not only a Jagadguru in title, but a radiant spiritual master whose message of divine love continues to uplift hearts and transform lives.

Question 7

What programs are offered at Radha Krishna Dham?

Accepted Answer

Radha Krishna Dham offers regular devotional gatherings for the community. These include weekly satsangs with kirtan and spiritual reflection, opportunities for darshan of Radha Krishna, weekly yoga classes, and celebrations of major Hindu festivals such as Janmashtami, Radhashtami, Holi, and Diwali.

Following Sunday satsang, the community gathers for prashad, a blessed vegetarian meal shared together.

Question 8

Do you have programs for children?

Accepted Answer

Radha Krishna Dham is currently organizing children’s spiritual education classes through our Shiksha program. These classes are intended to introduce children to foundational Hindu values, devotional practices, and stories from scripture in an engaging and age-appropriate way.

Children will also have the opportunity to learn devotional music, including harmonium, dholak, and accompanying instruments used in kirtan. Families interested in these classes will be able to learn more through the Shiksha link on the website as the program develops.

Question 9

Is Radha Krishna Dham open to visitors of all backgrounds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Radha Krishna Dham welcomes individuals and families from all cultural, spiritual, and religious backgrounds. Whether you are new to Hinduism or have long been part of the bhakti tradition, you are welcome to attend darshan, satsang, and other temple programs.

Question 10

Are priests available to perform rituals, havans, or blessings?

Accepted Answer

Radha Krishna Dham does not have a resident priest available to perform individual rituals such as havans, house blessings, or other ceremonial services. Our temple primarily focuses on devotional practice in the bhakti tradition, including darshan, kirtan, satsang, and community gatherings.

For those seeking priests to perform traditional Hindu rituals and ceremonies, we recommend contacting the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center in the San Fernando Valley, which offers a wide range of priest services.

Question 11

Can I take pictures or video inside the temple?

Accepted Answer

To preserve the sacred and contemplative atmosphere of the temple, photography and video recording are not permitted inside the main worship area during darshan, satsang, or kirtan programs.

The temple has a dedicated team of volunteers who take photographs during special events and festivals, and these images are shared on our official social media pages.

Question 12

What is seva and how can I participate?

Accepted Answer

Seva means selfless service offered with devotion and humility. Those who wish to offer seva may help with temple preparations, community meals, children’s programs, gardening, music during kirtan, or other activities that support the temple and its visitors.
Anyone interested in offering seva is welcome to speak with a volunteer during temple programs or contact us at hello@radhakrishnadham.org.

Question 13

Where can I read about Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj's life history?

Accepted Answer

Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj was born on the auspicious night of Sharad Purnima (Oct 5th, 1922) in the village of Mangarh, India to Shri Lalta Prasad Tripathi and Smt. Bhagwati Devi, and was lovingly named Ramkripalu Tripathi. 
From early childhood, his life reflected extraordinary spiritual brilliance and divine grace. As he grew, he immersed himself deeply in Sanskrit and scriptural study, attaining remarkable mastery over the Vedas, Shastras, Bhagavatam, Gita, Ramayana, and other sacred texts.
In time, his divine wisdom, profound realization, and unparalleled command of scripture began to attract seekers, saints, scholars, and devotees from all backgrounds.

Through his discourses, he explained with exceptional clarity the true nature of the soul, God, the world, and the means to attain God-realization. He harmonized subtle and seemingly complex spiritual truths in a way that made the path of devotion accessible and deeply meaningful to all.

His extraordinary scholarship was formally recognized on January 14, 1957, when Kashi Vidvat Parishad honored him with the original title of Jagadguruttam. At just thirty-four years of age, he was acknowledged as a unique spiritual master in the revered lineage of Jagadgurus.
Throughout his 91-year life, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj tirelessly propagated Sanatan Vedic Dharma and the path of pure, selfless devotion to Shri Radha Krishna. He traveled extensively, delivered countless spiritual discourses, composed devotional literature and sankirtans, and inspired wide-ranging philanthropic service for the welfare of society. His earthly pastimes concluded in November 2013, but his divine teachings and legacy continue to illuminate the hearts of devotees around the world.

To read more -https://www.jkp.org.in/jagadguru-shri-kripalu-ji-maharaj-life/

Question 14

What are the main teachings of Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj?

Accepted Answer

Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj taught a practical path centered on divine love, God-realization, sincere devotion, humility, and remembrance of God while fulfilling daily responsibilities. His teachings show that spiritual life and worldly life can be harmonized when lived with the right inner focus.

Jagadguruttam Kripaluji Maharaj's core teachings focus on a profound yet practical path to spiritual growth. While many people talk about divine love, his teachings stand out because they can be applied to everyday life.

The essence of divine love and devotion
These teachings emphasize practicing divine love through God's name. You'll discover that God and His name are identical - not even 0.1% different. Your complete faith and devotion while chanting brings the same joy as being in God's presence.

You need consistent effort and awareness on your path to God realization. Kripaluji Maharaj shows us that spiritual progress comes through:
·         Regular contemplation and meditation on the divine form
·         Constant remembrance of God's name
·         Developing genuine feelings of humility
·         Staying aware of your spiritual identity

Balance between material and spiritual life
His teachings also provide practical wisdom about balancing everyday responsibilities with spiritual practices. Smart time management becomes essential—8 hours for work, 6 hours for sleep, and dedicated time for spiritual practices.
Understanding our true nature as spiritual beings and having a human experience changes everything. You shouldn't worry too much about physical existence but focus on spiritual growth. All the same, this doesn't mean ignoring your worldly duties. The key is to handle them with a spiritual mindset.

This balanced approach helps you handle material responsibilities while staying focused on your ultimate goal—God's realization. Your patience and regular practice will help you stay connected with divine consciousness throughout daily activities.
Essential Practices for Spiritual Growth
Kripaluji Maharaj teaches practical spiritual practices that can guide us toward inner growth. These proven methods will help transform your inner self.

Your spiritual practice starts with dedicated meditation time. Kripaluji Maharaj guides us to meditate effectively through these steps:
·         Picture the divine form before you start
·         Stay aware throughout your meditation
·         Pick fixed times to practice daily
·         Check your progress often

Developing detachment from worldly desires
The development of detachment from worldly desires, as taught by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, is guided by a deep understanding of the transient nature of material pleasures and a redirection of focus toward the eternal bliss of God. It is emphasized by Maharaj ji that worldly desires are akin to mirages-happiness is promised by them but ultimately, the soul is left unsatisfied and bound in the cycle of birth and death.

True detachment is not meant to be achieved by physical renunciation of the world but by cultivating an inner disinterest in its fleeting allurements. This detachment is achieved through consistent devotion to God, selfless service, and participation in satsang (association with saints and scriptures). Through immersion in divine love and remembrance of life's ultimate purpose, the pull of material attachments is gradually risen above, and lasting peace and fulfillment are experienced.

Chanting God's name, particularly "Radha Krishna," is extremely powerful. The key is to chant with complete faith that God is present in His name. When done with deep conviction, this practice can lead to experiencing the same joy as being in God's presence.

Question 15

What is God-realization according to Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj?

Accepted Answer

God-realization is approached through steady spiritual effort, regular meditation, remembrance of God’s name, humility, and awareness of one’s true spiritual identity. It is not attained casually, but through sincere and consistent practice.

Question 16

How can divine love lead to lasting happiness?

Accepted Answer

His teachings explain that real happiness does not come from material success alone. Lasting peace and fulfillment arise when the heart turns toward God through devotion, faith, and inner spiritual growth.

Question 17

Why is chanting Radha Krishna so important in this path?

Accepted Answer

Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj taught that chanting becomes spiritually effective when done with full faith and devotion, not as a mechanical repetition. With sincere feeling, chanting Radha Krishna helps bring the mind closer to divine presence and joy.

Question 18

How should a beginner start a daily spiritual practice?

Accepted Answer

A beginner can begin by setting a fixed daily time for meditation, contemplation of the divine form, and remembrance of God’s name. Regularity, attentiveness, and honest self-review are important for gradual spiritual progress.

Question 19

Can I balance work, family life, and spiritual growth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj taught that worldly duties should not be neglected, but carried out with a spiritual mindset. With disciplined time management and regular devotion, spiritual growth can continue alongside work and family life.

Question 20

What does detachment from worldly desires actually mean?

Accepted Answer

Detachment does not mean physically abandoning the world. It means gradually developing inner freedom from temporary pleasures through devotion, selfless service, satsang, and remembrance of life’s highest purpose in God.

Question 21

What are the biggest obstacles on the spiritual path?

Accepted Answer

The major obstacles include ego, false pride, negative emotions, and inconsistency in practice. These are reduced through humility, self-awareness, patience, self-reflection, and steady spiritual discipline.

Question 22

How can these teachings help with stress and negative emotions?

Accepted Answer

These teachings encourage constant awareness of one’s thoughts, seeing difficulties as opportunities for growth, responding to criticism with kindness, and transforming negative emotions through reflection. Spiritual progress deepens when daily challenges are handled with greater inner awareness.

Question 23

Why is it important to begin spiritual practice now?

Accepted Answer

Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj advised against postponing spiritual life until old age. Beginning earlier allows a person to build discipline and devotion before physical limitations and stronger worldly attachments make practice more difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions