Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari offers puja at ISKCON Mayapur temple
Synopsis
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari made his first temple visit since taking oath, performing puja, Gau-Seva, and prayers at ISKCON Mayapur — a spiritually and politically significant stop, coming just days after he announced a liquor-shop ban near temples and schools.
Key Takeaways
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari visited the ISKCON temple in Mayapur, Nadia district on 28 May — his first since taking oath as Chief Minister.
He performed Gau-Seva at the cowshed, washing and feeding cows in the presence of ISKCON monks.
Adhikari offered prayers at ISKCON's Chandrodaya temple before the Radha-Krishna idols and paid tribute to ISKCON founder Prabhupada .
ISKCON spokesman Rasik Gauranga Das confirmed the visit was Adhikari's first to the temple as CM.
The visit follows Adhikari's announcement banning liquor shops within 1 km of temples and schools, and a ₹5 'maach-bhaat' scheme at 400 canteens statewide.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday, 28 May performed puja rituals at the iconic ISKCON temple in Mayapur, Nadia district — marking his first visit to the complex since assuming office as Chief Minister. The visit drew tight security arrangements at the temple premises, though authorities ensured no disruption to regular devotees.
Arrival and Welcome
Adhikari arrived at the temple premises on Thursday afternoon and was received by ISKCON monks, who welcomed him with garlands. He participated in special rituals inside the temple before proceeding to the cowshed within the complex.
Gau-Seva and Prayers at Chandrodaya Temple
At the cowshed, the Chief Minister performed Gau-Seva — a traditional act of service to cows — washing their feet with water and feeding them in the presence of monks. He then made his way to ISKCON's Chandrodaya temple, where he offered prayers before the Radha-Krishna idols.
Tribute to ISKCON Founder Prabhupada
Adhikari also paid homage to ISKCON founder Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, performing rituals at his temple and offering floral tributes at his statue. The ISKCON monks presented the Chief Minister with a statue of Gaumata as a mark of honour.
What the Temple Said
ISKCON spokesman Rasik Gauranga Das confirmed the significance of the occasion. 'This is his first visit to our temple after he took the oath as the Chief Minister. He performed all the Puja rituals within the temple as per tradition. Later, he will engage himself in an exchange of thought with the ISKCON monks. The Chief Minister is really very interested in the functioning of ISKCON,' Das said.
Recent Policy Moves in Context
The temple visit follows a series of announcements by the Chief Minister in recent days. Just two days prior, Adhikari stated that no liquor shops would be permitted within 1 km of educational institutions and temples — a move seen as aligned with his administration's emphasis on cultural and religious sensitivities. He also announced that 'maach-bhaat' (fish and rice) would be made available at 400 canteens across West Bengal at ₹5 per meal. Discussions between the Chief Minister and ISKCON monks were scheduled to continue later in the day.
Point of View
Coming days after his liquor-ban-near-temples announcement, suggests a deliberate sequencing: policy followed by presence. Whether this translates into durable political capital in a state long dominated by secular-identity politics remains to be seen.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari visit ISKCON Mayapur?
Adhikari visited the ISKCON temple in Mayapur, Nadia district, to perform puja rituals, Gau-Seva, and offer prayers — marking his first official visit to the complex since taking oath as Chief Minister. He also held discussions with ISKCON monks later in the day.
What rituals did Adhikari perform at ISKCON Mayapur?
He participated in special puja rituals inside the temple, performed Gau-Seva at the cowshed by washing and feeding cows, offered prayers before the Radha-Krishna idols at the Chandrodaya temple, and paid floral tribute to ISKCON founder Prabhupada.
What did ISKCON say about the Chief Minister's visit?
ISKCON spokesman Rasik Gauranga Das confirmed it was Adhikari's first visit to the temple since assuming office as Chief Minister. He noted that Adhikari followed all traditional puja rituals and expressed the CM's keen interest in ISKCON's functioning.
What recent policy announcements has CM Adhikari made related to temples?
Two days before the Mayapur visit, Adhikari announced that no liquor shops would be allowed within 1 km of educational institutions and temples. He also launched a ₹5 'maach-bhaat' meal scheme across 400 state-run canteens in West Bengal.
Where is ISKCON Mayapur located?
ISKCON Mayapur is located in Nadia district, West Bengal, and is one of the most prominent centres of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness globally, drawing large numbers of devotees year-round.
