Hare Krishna lives in Laguna

On any given Sunday evening, the Laguna Beach Hare Krishna Temple comes alive with colorful saris and energetic music.

The unassuming beige exterior of the temple, located at the corner of Legion and Glenneyre streets, belies the festive atmosphere inside where children hold hands and dance in wild, joyous circles and priests lead devotees in chanting prayers that have remained unchanged for millennia.

For years I drove past the Hare Krishna Temple, a longtime landmark in Laguna Beach, and wondered about what goes on there. Completely unfamiliar with the religion and its followers, I imagined the temple to be a strange island of exoticism closed off from those outside the faith.

Eventually giving in to curiosity, I went down to experience temple life first-hand. The priests and devotees were very welcoming, and did everything they could to accommodate me, my questions and my cameras.

The temple proceedings initially seemed strange to me. However, once I learned the purpose and symbolism behind each ritual, it was easy to draw parallels to religious practices more familiar to me. Similar to the Christian concept of Communion; for example, Hare Krishna devotees eat sanctified vegetarian food called Prasadam. Devotees believe that by accepting this food, which is first offered to God and believed to be blessed by Him, they subsequently receive God’s blessing, becoming closer to Him through this process. I soon discovered there are no secret rituals and anyone can come and experience the daily ceremonies held inside the temple.

During the several months I spent photographing activities at the temple, I found it is home to a generous group of people who have dedicated their lives to carrying on ancient knowledge and traditions. Regardless of your spiritual inclination, witnessing and participating in events at the temple is an enlightening experience.

The Hare Krishna Temple is a forgotten treasure of Laguna Beach, which I encourage residents to rediscover. Sunday evening activities begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by a vegetarian dinner served about 7:15 p.m.