President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday said that the holy town of Vrindavan should strive to become the world centre for spiritual enlightenment. The President performed a special puja for the construction of the world’s tallest Shri Krishna temple named Chandrodaya Mandir. The temple is considered an architectural marvel striving to restore the glory and times of lord Shri Krishna. The temple is planned to be three times the height of the 72.5 metre Qutub Minar in Delhi.
Estimated at Rs300 crore, the temple project is expected to be completed in the next five years. Those behind the construction of this grand temple said that the funds had been collected from various corporate houses and devotees of lord Krishna for it. The Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir, which is conceptualised by devotees of ISKCON-Bangalore, will have a height of about 210 metres. Mukherjee was received by Madhu Pandit Dasa, chairman, Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir upon his arrival.
“I am glad to know that Government of India and the Government of Uttar Pradesh have taken various initiatives towards making Vrindavan a hub of religious tourism. The present project adds a new dimension to these initiatives and shall hopefully generate positive spin-offs both for local society and the economy,” The President said. President Mukherjee said that a civilised society must follow ancient values of truthfulness and compassion. “Srimad Bhagavatam describes the four pillars of spirituality — truthfulness, compassion, austerity and purity. Civilised societies exist and operate within the framework of these values,” he said.
“I congratulate ISKCON for the tireless changes and spiritual messages of Bhagavad Gita they have spread for the upliftment of society. The cultural stone of our civilisation has remained undiluted. Akshaya Patra provides meals to nearly 1.4 lakh students spreading the message of divinity and harmony,” said President Pranab Mukherjee.
“Vrindavan is the hub of spiritual tourism. I wish all success in their endeavours,” he added. Bharatiya Janata Party MP Hema Malini and Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik were also present at the occasion.
“Sri Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir is being built on a stretch of land of about 65 acres of land when baby Krishna was attacked by various demons like Putana, Trinavarta while residing in the village of Gokul. Nanda Maharaj was advised to shift their entire settlement from Gokul village to Vrindavan. This is the place where the entire residents of Gokul village headed by Nanda Maharaj on their way from Gokul village to Vrindavan halted and unyoked the bulls and set foot on Vrindavan.
Akshaya Patra is a midday meal programme aimed to feed 1.4 lakh children studying in Government schools of Mathura district. The Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir will undertake several social development projects, which includes welfare programmes for widows of Vrindavan, presently feeding 300 widows. Restoration, upgradation and rejuvenation of the important sites of Braj and goshala for demonstrating cow protection.
