The Radha Krishna Temple
The Radha-Krishna Temple Album

THE REVIEW

Towards the end of the 1960s, His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada (founder of ISKCON) decided to send a dozen devotees from San Francisco to London to establish a new center, given the enormous reception received in the USA.

During their stay in the British capital, they had the opportunity to meet George Harrison, well known for his interest in Indian music, Hindu philosophies, and meditation. The Beatle began to frequently visit the devotees, and some kirtan sessions were held at his home.

The morning after one of these sessions, George called his new friends with the idea of producing an album, inviting them to Abbey Road Studios.

Thus, an album of Indian devotional music was born, containing some of the most classic Vaishnava chants and mantras, in honor of Krishna, under the musical direction of Mukunda Das Adhikary and his arrangements that included a great variety of instruments, from traditional Vaishnava ones to those of classic Rock: harmonium, mridanga, kartals, tambura, esraj, guitar, bass, and obviously an ensemble of voices to make everything more spiritual.

In May 1971, it was finally released to the general public, preceded a few years earlier by a surprisingly successful single "Hare Krishna Mantra," which climbed the Pop charts in the UK Singles Chart. Among other tracks, the version of "Govinda" was well received, inspiring Kula Shaker in the '90s.

Our dear George also helped in the construction of some temples in the surroundings, contributing significantly to the spread of this Consciousness.

For me, he will always be the best among the 4 Beatles.