Food fight at Albert Park temple as locals call for Hare Krishna kitchen to be moved
The dramatic growth of a Hindu sect in Melbourne has ignited a clash between worshippers and residents over the noise, traffic and smell emanating from an inner-city temple.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the primary organisation of the Hare Krishna movement, has been based on Danks Street in Albert Park for almost 50 years.
But the growing Indian diaspora has fuelled a resurgence in members, pushing its Albert Park headquarters to capacity as local complaints intensify about the temple kitchen that pumps out thousands of meals weekly.
A petition with 182 signatures calling for the kitchen's relocation was presented to Port Phillip Council last week, claiming it was now a 'commercial activity' for an industrial site.
Hare Krishna Melbourne, however, argues the kitchen should remain because it complies with an existing use right for the temple's current operations. Port Phillip Council's lawyers are assessing the claim before a vote in June.
Temple president Aniruddha Dāsa said he appreciated neighbours' concerns, as the temple had experienced a 'mind-boggling' increase in popularity since the pandemic, particularly as border restrictions lifted and Indian university students returned.
However, Shirley Lanning and Maria Mercurio, petitioners from the 'Keep Albert Park Peaceful' group, argue disruptions are linked to the temple's kitchen, which expanded significantly around 2017.
The kitchen powers the Hare Krishna Food For Life charity that feeds people experiencing food insecurity across Melbourne. Temple worshippers also get three free meals a day, and weekend feasts draw large crowds. Some food is also prepared for ISKCON's low-cost restaurant in the CBD.
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