Imagine travelling to Belgium and seeing a magnificent neo-Gothic castle. You would think that knights from the Middle Ages or European aristocrats would have lived there once. But when you walk in, you’ll find something completely different: a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. This is Radhadesh, one of Belgium’s most unique destinations.
Radhadesh, The Only ISKCON Temple Of Its Kind In Belgium
The castle itself, known as Château de Petite Somme, has a long and colourful history. But the castle we see today was built in 1888. Over the years, it served as a hospital during World War I, a refuge for villagers, and later, it was even occupied by American soldiers in World War II. For a while, it stood empty, until 1979, when members of the Hare Krishna movement (ISKCON) bought it and gave it a brand-new purpose.
Instead of being just another castle in Europe, it was transformed into a spiritual community, now called Radhadesh. The name comes from “Radha,” the beloved of Krishna, and “desh,” meaning land; together, “Land of Radha.”
Radhadesh is about the people who live here and the way of life they practice. Around a hundred members of the Hare Krishna community have made this their home. They live simply, focus on devotion, vegetarianism, and sustainability, and create a peaceful environment that they are happy to share with visitors.
And the best part? You don’t have to be a follower of the faith to visit. In fact, they welcome anyone who is curious. For just €9, you can take a guided tour led by a member of the community and learn about the castle’s history and Hindu traditions.
Things To See And Do At Radhadesh
Here’s what you can enjoy:
- Guided Tours: After a short movie, check out the castle’s rooms, admire the beautifully decorated temple, and even climb the tower for breathtaking views of the Ardennes.
- Museum of Sacred Art (MOSA): This space showcases both traditional and modern Indian devotional art.
- Temple Rituals: The main attraction is the colourful, peaceful temple hall devoted to Lord Krishna.
- Vegetarian Restaurant and Bakery: Radhadesh has the only completely vegetarian restaurant in the area, as well as a bakery.
- The Goshala (Cow Protection Centre): Radhadesh treats cows with love and respect, as they are considered extremely sacred in Hindu culture. Here, you can get to know the cows; each one has a name, a personality, and even interesting facts about them.
Radhadesh should be on your itinerary if you’re visiting Belgium. It’s not every day you get to see a Hindu temple inside a European castle. It’s unique, it’s peaceful, and it’s eye-opening.
Cover Image Courtesy: Radhadesh/Instagram
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