52. A Guided Tour of the Adbhuta Mandir

52. A Guided Tour of the Adbhuta Mandir:

Śrīman Pāda Sevānam Dāsa, the chief architectural designer for ISKCON’s Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, describes the future temple. “The temple itself will be 386 feet high, compared to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s puṣpa samādhi which reaches 160 feet, and is already creating waves as being the largest religious structure in West Bengal.

The heart of the temple will be the central sacred space - the altar upon which the deities stand. But the spiritual experience will already begin upon entering the gates at Śrī Dhāma Māyāpur. The Samādhi will have a direct connection, via a large promenade, to the temple. Just by walking along Prabhupāda Avenue, as it will be called, one will have an astounding experience. Gradually, one will see the magnitude of the temple as he looks through the trees, foliage, and various complimentary structures that purposely hide the full view of the temple. This experience will be like unwrapping a wonderful gift.

A series of many steps will lead up to the main entrance of the temple. Climbing them will make the visitors perform some austerities to reach the goal. According to Śilpa śāstras (scriptures on temple design), this helps elevate the pilgrim’s consciousness before taking darśana of the Supreme Lord. As we gradually move toward the sanctum sanctorium (inner part of the temple) we will first take darśana of the guru-paramparā to receive their blessings. Then we go to the central altar and take darśana of the Pañca-tattva. Receiving Their blessings, we move on to Rādhā-Mādhava and the aṣṭa-sakhīs. Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva and Prahlāda Mahārāja will be somewhat outside, near the entrance to the temple complex. Close by there will be a yajña-śala for daily fire ceremonies.

The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium will be an integral part of the temple. The Vedic Planetarium will culminate with the darśana of the deities. One will realize the universal hierarchial system of all living entities--with Kṛṣṇa at the top---down through the demigods, human beings, and to lower species. By going through each exhibit and understanding how the universe works, it will be made clear that Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Lord, and everything emanates from Him. We will present the science and philosophy of the Vedas with a scriptural conclusion which will help one to understand and appreciate the darśana of the deities.

This temple will have an astounding effect on the world--much more than we can presently realize. The Māyāmātā (Ch. 12.93) says, ‘If the design and measurement of a temple is perfect in every way, there will be perfection in the universe as well.’ Once this temple is built, the world won’t be the same anymore!