Author Archives: Temple of the Vedic Planetarium

Diversity is one of the greatest strengths for the human work force. The TOVP has a team of 6 architects, who come together under one banner. The etymology of this team spirit cascades from the team of 3 directors, who remind us of the higher purpose – vision of our founder acharya, Srila Prabhupada, and

The super structure is rising from Mayapur’s golden dust as the momentum of construction steadily continues. The time for considering finishing work has arrived and research is being done to identify suppliers of needed items. One such company is Nitco Limited. Established in Bombay in 1953, it has grown into one of India’s largest manufacturers

The TOVP attracts people from around the world who would like to offer their talents and expertise to the project. The latest gentleman to join the team is American artist, Edward Breathitt. A native of Kentucky, Mr. Breathitt is now based in New Delhi where he runs his own business creating beautiful art for public

This past month has been eventful at the TOVP. There have been meetings with managers, architects, engineers, pujaris and artists, all coming together to make critical decisions about designs and construction. Each department brought their own unique perspective. One of the most discussed topics were the altars. Placement of the deities and murtis were visualized

Our head of Research and Development, Parvata Muni Das, has been steadily working in his workshop for the past several months. His project? A small scale model of the TOVP. His current focus is building a model of the main altar. The purpose of this time-consuming endeavor is to give the art department a visual

This photo from the Ganga showcases what the finished TOVP will look in the natural surroundings of Mayapur. Its size compared to Prabhupada’s samadhi is astounding.

Recently our head architect, Vilasini devi dasi, gave a presentation about the TOVP in Bahrain. The following is an account of her experience with the inclusion of her power point slides. TOVP Presentation in ISKCON Bahrain – A Report While I was making my plan to visit my sister in Bahrain, I received a call

The progress of the main dome and that of the art department’s projects are often the focal points of discussion at the TOVP. However, there are several other aspects of construction and planning equally significant to the poignancy of the architectural and landscaping arrangements. Last summer the TOVP began a nursery near the Jagannath mandir.

Despite the wild weather Mayapur has been hosting, the construction of the TOVP has not halted. The dedicated staff make their way each morning to the site and main offices of the project, often times braving sheets of rain and fierce winds. While it is clear the storm season has begun, it does come as

Our head architect from Pune was recently in Mayapur for some meetings with the TOVP staff. Below is an account of her time here and the progress she made with the Art Department. Every 10am in Pune, I open my window peering as far as I can into the construction and design of TOVP as

The Art Department has been actively expanding over the recent months. The images from the drawings are coming to life as sculptors and masons shape their masterpieces on the temple site. The most exciting endeavor has been the recent development of one of the elephants at the main entrance to the temple. There will be

One devotee’s account of how he was inspired to donate to the TOVP I came in touch with Krishna Consciousness in 2004 when I joined the Government Polytechnic College in Coimbatore. An ISKCON temple was near my college. I very much got inspiration from the lectures of HH Bhakti Vinode Swami Maharaj, who was at

What have we done in 2012? The Inspiration As the clocks tick and calendars turn pages, the verdict of Lord Nityananda manifests into a tangible reality. Weaving the thread between then and now is Srila Prabhupada’s instruction to our beloved Ambarisa Prabhu, who has laudably carried it in his heart for over 30 onerous years.

The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, in partnership with the Alliance of Religions and Conservation, is addressing the need for custodianship of pilgrim sites within India. They have begun the Bhumi Project, an endeavor aimed to create awareness regarding the effects of pilgrimage on the environments of holy refuges. In November, I attended a conference