ISKCON News | Echoes of 1966: Prabhupada’s First Temple Restored and Reopened in New York City | ISKCON News: A sacred piece of history was revived this week as ISKCON’s first-ever temple, located at 26 2nd Avenue in the Bowery, celebrated its Grand Opening following an extensive and meticulous restoration. Known as “Matchless Gifts,” this humble storefront is where Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada first gathered followers to chant the Hare Krishna mantra and founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1966.