April, 2025. My husband and I visited the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple for the wedding of a Hindu friend and his new bride. The temple is set on a beautiful forested 12-acre tract in a suburb of Washington, DC. While most of the guests had links to Nepal, and spoke Newari and Nepali languages, the Hindu priest regularly took the time to explain, in English, what he was doing in the marriage rituals and their significance, before returning to the actual prayers in Sanskrit. The atmosphere was very festive, with a "stage" beautifully decorated with abundant flowers, and women all decked out in bright (especially red) saris and men wearing traditional vests and topi hats. While the ceremony was going on, guests were encouraged to visit the adjacent room for hearty "snacks" and mango lassis; there was a full vegetarian buffet for guests after the couple were declared husband and wife. It was a special day. After returning home (two hours away), I realized that I didn't know much about the temple, so I visited their website. ISKCON is dedicated to the practice of Krishna Consciousness, also known as Bhakti Yoga. It's monotheistic, with the belief that there is a single source of all life, Krishna. Values include equal vision, without cruelty, humility, choice, nurturing right choices, and affection. It is also referred to as the Hare Krishna Temple of Washington, DC. The temple is very welcoming to all (including non-Hindus) and offers an Open House on Sundays from 12-3. Guests are welcome to come for an hour or a day. They offer a meditation workshop, discussion groups, Kirtan (chanting), and a free vegetarian lunch (prasadam). We didn't know what was going on, but we were actually leaving the wedding at the same time that the lunch was going on. There were outdoor tents set up, and dozens of people enjoying their buffet lunches. read more

ISKCON of DC - Wedding venue. April, 2025. - Hindu Temples Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

So I would rate my experience good, but I am going to balance it with my sister's perspective. Apparently, my sister was suppose to have a blessing ceremony done back when the pandemic hit. In fact, she had scheduled it before the pandemic and the pandemic caused all the states to shutdown a week before she was to do this. On the backend, there was a lot of slighting she felt this temple did or the priest. The priest had withheld funds and put it as a donation instead of just giving it back because a service was never given. Fast forward to a few days ago and he came through. Well, according to my perspective, had I not known about the backend of all this; I would state that he DEFINITELY came through. The blessing ceremony was first described to us in English and then in Sanskrit (which is necessary for the ceremony). Now days, I feel like any priest has to be able to be fluent in both English and Sanskrit as newer generations are never really taught Native Indian languages or meanings of Sanskrit. I also liked the fact that he offered us all coffee and water before performing the ceremony. It is almost like an Americanized...hey...have beer...kind of relationship. Just good etiquette. The crazy part was it was decaf! Man...there are hotels I am still after (Drury Inn...cough cough) who give beverages, but most options are caffeinated. He also stated that all beverages, soft drinks, the temple serves is also decaffeinated. I found that great. The food that was made in temple and offered was also delicious. Mutter paneer and cholay were great. They also like and adopted cats...there is a big grey one named Govinda. How cool is that? read more

Wonderful welcoming people and a lovely happy place of worship. The Holi festival ISKCON of DC puts on is a beautiful and vibrant celebration of life and love. read more

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I came here to celebrate Holi. We had a grand time with live music, tons of color, and a cheerful crowd of all ages having a great time. I do have a small confession - my friends and I were camping out at the entrance as people were rolling and pummeling them with our bags of colored powder. One of my victims just happened to be a volunteer at the festival, and it wasn't until after the fact when she gave me the stink eye and what I imagine in her mind - the middle finger - that she was one. If by chance you ever read this review, please know I am sorry. It was pretty funny though. I can't lie. Bags of color cost 3 for $10. They cut the bags open for you right after you buy them. Credit cards are accepted. Food and drink is also available for sale. If you purchase a parking pass - it runs $30. We were able to find parking in a neighborhood a stone's throw away from the temple, so I'd say forgo the parking pass and search for a spot. If you buy a parking pass; you get it from their website a few weeks prior to the event. As mentioned this is something for all ages. If you don't mind a little color and mess - take the kids and have a ball! Just make sure to take some towels to put down in your car. The color washed out of my clothes easily, so don't worry about staining. read more

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ISKCON is the Hare Krishna movement, and ISKCON Communications has the exact same address as the Hare Krishna Temple (ISKCON of D.C.) in Potomac. We went to their annual Holi (dye throwing) festival, and both my 6 and 3 year old LOVED IT. Wear old clothes, bring money to buy dye, and bring blankets or plastic to line your car seats for the drive home. Before you start in on the dye, you can walk through the temple if you wish. They also sell food, but it wasn't very good. Event description: http://iskconofdc.org/events-calendar/2-festivals/24-holi-the-festival-of-colors Holi - The Festival of Colors Date:Saturday 03/10/2012 Times:11:00AM to 3:00PM Summary:Join us for our annual Holi Celebration with wild colors, great kirtan and food! Place:ISKCON of D.C. Address:10310 Oaklyn Dr, Potomac MD 20854 $5 Holi Packs available at the temple! Food options. read more

ISKCON of DC - Holi Festival at Hare Krishna Temple in Potomac - Hindu Temples Near Me - Potomac, Maryland

GORGEOUS deities. Magnificently dressed and attended to by dedicated devotees. Lovely green surroundings and 2 adorable cows you can pet esp in summers when they are roaming around grazing. Excellent FREE prasadam served every Sun afternoon after Kirtan & talk. Not to be missed from visiting, if in the area. read more

A welcoming Krishna temple and one of the few temples were you can find peace and quiet and some spiritual healing. The folks are very nice and welcoming to one and all. There is good food served at 2 PM on Sundays! read more

After attending numerous services, and festival, I have to say that I am impressed with the Krnsa Consciousness movement. There is no membership, no judgment, no application. All they ask is that, "you love what you do, and you perform what you love." I can not say that I have walked away with an empty conscious, or stomach, at each event. They express value for the Sacred Cow, and exercise the definition of devote and service. If you are looking for a place of spiritual cleansing, I would recommend the Potomac Temple. Hare Krnsa! read more

They serve good food at about 2:30 which included dal, rice, suji halwa, kheer, salad and curd rice and papadam which is amazing and its free!!.Also the food quality is great probably the best in DC area. the only downside is that there are no bus stops nearby. the closest one is At least 1.5 miles away read more