Temple Kirtana Guidelines (2025 Resolution)
Preamble:
Devotees are encouraged to chant wholeheartedly in all temple kirtanas. Managers should do
their best to implement these standards for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and the Vaisnavas.
Participants are encouraged to follow these guidelines under the guidance of the local ISKCON
management team in a mood of loving cooperation.
Golden Guidelines:
1. Always consider, “Is this kirtana pleasing to Srila Prabhupada?”
2. The most important sound in the kirtana is the congregational chanting, which the
instruments should never overpower.
3. Kirtana should be attractive, welcoming, and inclusive.
Kirtana Leaders:
● Preferably, ISKCON initiated devotees in good standing, chanting at least 16 daily
rounds and following the four regulative principles. Or, if not initiated, at least following
the four regulative principles, accepting Srila Prabhupada’s teachings and regularly
chanting japa.
● Appearance: Preferably clean and simple dress, face shaven, with Gaudiya Vaisnava
tilaka. Men: dhoti, kurta, chaddar encouraged. Women: saris or gopi dress and shawl
encouraged. Shorts and other revealing clothes discouraged.
Mantras:
● Arati kirtanas: first chant Srila Prabhupada’s Pranam Mantras, Panca Tattva Maha
Mantra(s), then the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra (primary mantra in every kirtana).
● Chant Nrsimha Prayers after each arati.
● Occasionally permitted: bhajans, mantras from BBT songbooks, songs from Gaudiya
Vaisnava Acharyas.
● Specific mantras occasionally permitted:
○ Govinda Jaya Jaya Gopala Jaya Jaya
○ Haraye namah krsna yadavaya namah/gopala govinda rama sri-madhusudana
○ Jaya Sacinandana
○ Nitai Gouranga
○ Jaya Prabhupada
● Srimati Radharani’s holy names in isolation from Krishna only briefly on Radhastami.
● No words or syllables to be added or subtracted.
● Avoid breaking up congregational chanting responses by material designations
(male/female).
● Avoid breaking mantra into smaller parts.
● Leader chants first, congregation responds without interjections (e.g., “Chaitanya!”,
“Nityananda!”, etc.).
● Chanting deities’ names at end optional; they may be glorified during Prema Dhvani
prayers.
● Prema Dhvani mantras recited at end of arati kirtana.
Mangala Arati:
● Sing “morning melody.”
Instruments:
● Instruments should support and never overpower chanting.
● Players should be skilled in loud/powerful and soft/sweet playing.
● Mridanga beats should be authentic according to parampara, avoiding modern
adaptations.
● Instruments during arati: mridanga, kartalas, whompers, gong permitted.
● Additional instruments (harmonium, etc.) allowed only after arati with local management
approval.
● Practice instruments outside the temple room.
● Mridanga sound should not be eclipsed by other drums or instruments.
● Overly loud drums may cause migraines or ear damage; health considerations are
essential.
Singing:
● Avoid Alap (classical Hindustani lengthened and ornamented mantra chanting) during
arati kirtanas; permitted otherwise only with local approval.
● Pronounce “Rama” as spelled, not “Ramo” (if possible).
● Everyone, including instrument players, should sing in response.
Sound Systems:
● Modest volume; louder is not better (recommended 85 dBA).
● Refer to GBC Resolution 2014:313 for detailed sound system guidelines.
● Only one microphone recommended during kirtanas.
● Electronic gadgets should be in silent mode or connected to headphones for personal
listening.
Dancing:
● Graceful, traditional Gaudiya Vaishnava style encouraged (e.g., Swami Step, forward
and back, jumping).
● Participants should always face the deity.
Dancing Safely:
● Ensure physical safety.
● Avoid lifting devotees into the air; may cause injuries.
● Spinning should be done with care.
Deities:
● Deities brought by devotees should be treated respectfully per Deity Worship Ministry
guidelines (no rocking, jumping, spinning).
Resolution:
This document shall be a living guideline, amendable by the ISKCON Kirtana Ministry, with
amendments circulated on the GBC email conference and no objections received within thirty
days.
