Written by: Benjamin E. Zeller The sacred centers of ISKCON are
the temples, of which more than three hundred exist. In addition
to the temples, ISKCON operates over fifty farms and rural
retreats. Of these religious centers, those in global capitals
and major cities serve the most important institutional roles.
The movement's major gurus, many of whom also serve on the
movement's Governing Body Commission, hold "pulpits" at these
temples. Hare Krishna temples serve the central function of
holding images of the deities, always Krishna but nearly always
Radha as well. Like other Hindus, ISKCON devotees believe that
the gods show grace to humanity by allowing them to worship
material images crafted in their forms. As such the images are
more than representations or symbols; they are actually Krishna
or Radha and are treated as such. Such images, which in ISKCON
are normally anthropomorphic sculptures, permit devotees to look
upon the physical form of the divine as they make offerings and
perform other forms of