Envisioned as a meeting point for scientists and spiritualists to come together under one roof, the temple is located on the banks of the Ganges River and covers an area of 500,000 sq ft. The structure uses the design principles of sacred architecture to facilitate spiritual self-realisation.
Standing at 350ft tall, the building can be seen from every corner of Mayapur and will contain a dome theatre, research libraries, sacred meditation spaces and a depiction of the cosmos and creation through a model of the universe. It is estimated that the temple will be completed in 2024.
The goal of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness is to attract the world’s population with the temple’s sheer scale and the boldness of its form. Through Vedic philosophy the design is intended to create connection with every visitor and link with various global identities towards the ultimate goal of life. The architectural symbols, elements and styles have all been chosen to support the pilgrim’s path to Sanatan Dharma, the eternal truth and teachings of Hinduism.
The design conveys grandiosity with expansive landscapes upon entering the campus. The elements of the structure aim to invite people further in with a grand staircase of marble and sandstone that emerges into the huge domed area of the temple. The size and scope of the desire creates a feeling of awe and reverence.
Divided into three wings, the main wing features the sanctum sanctorum of the deities Radha and Krishna. One of the side wings is for the deity Lord Narsimhadev, and the other houses the planetarium dome and exhibits. Each of the symmetrical domes uses blue tiles to represent the sky which is broken up by faberge stars and a titanium nitride kalash, ribes and volutes which symbolise a crown jewel. Embellished with gold, these elements convey the opulence and abundance that the temple stands for, while the fenestrations and embellishments of pink sandstone convey the Vedic influence on its architecture.
The Vedic Planetarium is the crown jewel of the complex offering a tour of the various regions of cosmic creation. Featuring a giant rotating model that showcases the movements of planetary systems as described in ancient Indian texts, the experience also features descriptions that explain how these movements correspond to the visible universe of our experience.
Drawing inspiration from north Indian temple architecture, the interiors feature cornices, brackets, railings and embellishments which showcase Indian and Vedic characteristics. An infusion of colour including the use of red marble in the main dome represents grandeur, while the white marble flooring represents integrity. Additional white decor is crafted from glass reinforced concrete which is used for the ornamentation and symbolises purity.
The temple focused on the use of materials that would withstand the test of time and require minimal maintenance. On site GRC and GRG factories helped create the overall structure with stone slabs utilising traditional dry and wet cladding to ensure quality and longevity. The piles of the structure are 100ft deep which was a challenge to design and execute, however the temple now rests firmly upon a solid foundation.