Project worth Rs. 150 crore; Tower to be 60-meters tall

ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Mysuru, is coming up with a new temple complex on a 9-acre land at Jayanagar in city. It will be a unique, magnificent Palace for Lord Krishna and his devotees.

Governor Vajubhai Rudhabhai Vala will lay the foundation stone for the structure at ISKCON centre premises here tomorrow (Apr. 2) at 11 am. District In-charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa and Dr. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar will be the chief guests. Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, MLA M.K. Somashekar and Mayor M.J. Ravikumar, will be the guests of honour. ISKCON Society President and Chairman of Akshaya Patra Foundation Madhu Pandit Dasa will grace the occasion.

Known to have built many artistic temples to enable people to seek solace and spiritual strength, ISKCON is building the temple complex to strengthen the philosophical experience of Mysureans and the lakhs of tourists who come here. The temple complex is being built at a cost of Rs. 150 crore and its architecture would be on the lines of Hoysala style of temples. The complex is awaiting a US Green Building Council (USGBC) certification.

Designed in neo-classical style, the 60-meter structure of the temple will integrate the old-world charm of Hoysala architecture and ultra-modern hi-tech architectural forms, creating an exotic blend of ethnicity and abstractness. According to ISKCON, the Nava Brindavan Dham will become a major landmark in Mysuru and it will be a ‘Grand Palace’ for Lord Krishna.

Hoysala temples have been the centre of attraction for many centuries. But that kind of antique architecture is disappearing in cities. Architects will recreate the Hoysala experience and ambience with the divine characters. It will be an eco-friendly building with zero-waste tolerance, earthquake proof and rainwater harvesting features.

The tower will have modern glass panes and there will be a vast kalyani or the divine pond that will be built for boat festivals of the temple. Spacious garden and other amenities will provide a beautiful landscape.

The structure will depict carvings of pastimes of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Purana to create a deeper philosophical experience for the visitors. The cultural centre will hold seminars, lectures and training on subjects related to Bhagavata and Bhagavad Gita. Halls with most modern facilities are being built to accommodate the spiritual events.

ISKCON has plans to conduct music and dance festivals. They also have plans to conduct training programmes that provide right guidance to the youth to adopt the teachings of Lord Krishna into their lives. A sound & light show and flood-lit fountains would be special attractions.

A separate Hari Naama Mantapa is being built for devotees to chant and meditate on the name of the Almighty. Deities of Radha Krishna, Krishna Balarama, Nitai Gauranga, Laxmi Narasimha and Ranganatha will be ceremoniously installed at the respective sanctum sanctorum.

An initiative would be taken up to spread the importance of vegetarianism as a way of life.

Special pujas will be conducted from 4 am to 9 pm while food will be served to all devotees from 11 am to 3 pm. Yatri Nivas facilities will be provided to visitors.