Iskcon's new temple to replicate Hoysala architecture

Heritage city may get a new landmark in Nava Brindavan Dham

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) is expected to soon lay the foundation stone for construction of a temple complex on nine acres of land in Jayanagar here. The project will be undertaken at a cost of Rs 150 crore and the architecture of the structure would be on the lines of Hoysala style of temples. The complex is awaiting a US Green Building Council (USGBC) certification.

According to Rasika Shekara Dasa, vice president of Iskcon, the architecture of the main temple, proposed to come up on two acres of land, would be a tribute to the Hoysala architectural style and would also incorporate modern looks and technologies. “The Nava Brindavan Dham, which would become a major landmark in the city of palaces, would be a ‘Grand Palace’ for the supreme lord. Sri Radha Krishna temple and cultural centre, the focal point on the landscape, would stand 60 metres tall. Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala will inaugurate the ground breaking ceremony on April 2,” he said.

“Designed by Chennai-based CRN Architects in neo-classical style, the temple harmoniously integrates the old age charm of Hoysala architecture and ultra-modern hi-tech architectural forms to create an exotic blend of ethnicity and abstractness. Hoysala temples have been the centre of attraction for many centuries. Temples in general should evoke divine and positive feelings among devotees. Hoysala temples have all the divine characters. It will be an eco-friendly building with zero-waste tolerance, earthquake proof and rain water harvesting features,” he said.

Dasa said, a vast ‘Kalyani’ (a divine pond) will be built for boat festivals and laser shows. “A light and sound show and flood-lit fountains would be special attractions. A spacious garden and other amenities will provide a beautiful landscape. Carvings depicting various episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Purana would be incorporated to create a deeper philosophical experience for visitors. The cultural centre will have facilities for seminars, lectures and training on subjects related to Bhagavata and Bhagavad Gita,” he said.

“In order to keep up Mysuru’s legacy of being a cultural hub, music and dance festivals will also be hosted here. There are plans to conduct training programmes to provide guidance to the youth to adopt teachings of Lord Krishna. An initiative would be taken up to spread the importance of vegetarianism as a way of life. Special training programmes will also be organised. A separate Hari nama mantapa is being built for chanting and meditation. Idols of Radha Krishna, Krishna Balarama, Nitai Gauranga, Laxmi Narasimha and Ranganatha will be ceremoniously installed in their respective sanctum sanctorum. 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 also be provided to visitors,” Dasa said.