ISKCON to build world's tallest temple at Mathura from today

Mathura: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is doing the ground breaking ceremony at Mathura, the birth place of Lord Krishna, to build the world's tallest temple. It will be a 700 feet high skyscraper spread over an area of 5.5 acres and also have 70 floors. The ISKCON is hoping to complete the work in the next 5 years.

The temple named Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir, has a unique architectural feature that harmoniously blends the elements of Indian traditional temple architecture of Nagara style and elements of modern architecture. According ISKCON, It will be the tallest place of worship anywhere in the World.

This project will cost more than Rs 300 crore and ISKCON is hoping the raise the money from the devotees. The grand temple is surrounded by about 30 acres of wooded area that constitute recreated forests of Braj. The original source books of Krishna culture like the Srimad Bhagavatam and other ancient texts describe twelve verdant forests (dvadashakanana) that were present during the time of Lord Sri Krishna.

The ISKCON is planning to recreate Dwapara Yug, in which Lord Krishna was born in the premises of the temple. The project is set in 62 acres of land and includes 12 acres for parking and a helipad. According to its architects, the temple will have a viewing tower on the top and one can enjoy panoramic views of Mathura, Agra and river Yamuna from there.

Project Brief:

Vrindavan at Mathura is adored by millions of Krishna devotees in the world. Vrindavan has been a powerful religious tourism spot. In this land the devotees of ISKCON Bangalore have conceived a project to set up an iconic temple of monumental proportions that will put Vrindavan on the world map.

The proposed skyscraper temple for Lord Sri Krishna, VrindavanChandrodayaMandir, will be 213 meters high (700 feet) and will have a footprint of about 5.5 acres. The temple has a unique architectural feature that harmoniously blends the elements of Indian traditional temple architecture of Nagara style and elements of modern architecture.

The grand temple will not only be an architectural marvel, but will be a happening place with gorgeous Deity worship and vibrant daily programs of kirtans, bhajans and pravachans. All year there will be various festivals connected with Lord Sri Krishna and His pastimes like RathaYatra, Palkiutsav (palanquin festival), naukavihar (boat festival), kunjaviharautsava (forest festivals) and jhulanutsav (swing festival). These festivals will be accompanied by music concerts and other opportunities for performing arts.

The grand temple will be surrounded by about 30 acres of wooded area that constitute recreated forests of Braj. The original source books of Krishna culture like the Srimad Bhagavatam and other ancient texts describe twelve verdant forests (dvadashakanana) that were present during the time of Lord Sri Krishna. Each of these forests had different kinds of flora and vegetation. And Lord Sri Krishna performed His enchanting pastimes in these forests.

But today lamentably we do not see the forests but arid land tracts dotted with rural habitation mired in obscurity. These twelve forests will be revived and recreated around the grand temple in their original glory. To turn on a spot light on the places of pastimes of Lord Sri Krishna in these forests and heighten the experience of the visitors attractions will be created in each of these twelve forests. According ISKCON, a gentle gurgling Yamuna creek will also be recreated in the forests which shall also provide a boating opportunity for the visitors.

The project is set in 62 acres of land and includes 12 acres for parking and a helipad. Varieties of housing and accommodation are part of the project to facilitate the visitors to stay for a few days to experience Krishna consciousness in all of its facets - Deities, bhajans, kirtans, pravachans, spiritual enlightenment and reflection, festivals, and feasts. According ISKCON It was the desire of SrilaPrabhupada, Founder Acharya of ISKCON to build World's tallest temple for Lord Krishna at Mathura.