The Pioneer had the privilege of interacting with Chanchalapathi Dasa, gaining unique insights into the Chandrodaya Temple’s groundbreaking vision, where spirituality, sustainability and modernity converge to reshape the future of devotion In the sacred town of Vrindavan, where the stories of Lord Krishna’s divine pastimes echo through every temple and alleyway, a monumental structure is taking shape. The Chandrodaya Temple, envisioned as the tallest religious structure in the world, is not just an architectural marvel but also a spiritual beacon. It is a project that seeks to harmonise devotion, heritage and modernity on a scale never before seen.
At the heart of this transformative endeavour is ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) and one of its leading voices, Chanchalapathi Dasa, Vice Chairman of ISKCON Bangalore. In an exclusive conversation with us, Dasa shared his insights into the purpose, philosophy and aspirations behind the temple. “This temple is going to be more than a place of worship. It is a cultural and spiritual complex to present the timeless teachings of Krishna,” Dasa began, outlining the project’s purpose. Towering over 700 feet, the temple will not only become a record-breaking landmark but also serve as a “center to attract people from all over the world to experience Vedic culture and Krishna consciousness.”
Dasa emphasised that the temple’s primary goal is spiritual upliftment. “We want to introduce the world to the glories of Vrindavan and the message of the Bhagavad-gita, which is so relevant for humanity today,” he explained.
Once a tranquil town steeped in spirituality, Vrindavan has faced challenges with urbanisation and ecological degradation. The temple, Dasa believes, will play a pivotal role in addressing these issues.
“Our goal is not just to build a temple but also to contribute to Vrindavan’s restoration. We want to revive the spiritual sanctity of this place by promoting Krishna bhakti and ecological sustainability,” he said. ISKCON’s initiatives include planting trees, cleaning the Yamuna riverbanks and creating infrastructure that supports both pilgrims and residents.
An immersive experience
Unlike traditional temples, the temple is designed to offer a multidimensional experience. “It’s going to be an immersive experience. The temple will feature exhibits, sound and light shows and interactive spaces to help people understand the teachings of the Vedas in a contemporary way,” Dasa shared.
One of the highlights will be the “Vedic Planetarium,” a unique feature that will explore the cosmology described in ancient scriptures. “It’s an opportunity to blend spirituality with science, to show people the profound knowledge contained in our scriptures,” he said.
Building such a massive structure while preserving its spiritual authenticity has been no small feat. “The architectural design combines traditional elements with state-of-the-art technology. This is a once-in-a-lifetime project, and we’re determined to get it right,” Dasa remarked.
The project’s scale has attracted top talent from around the world, including architects, engineers and artisans dedicated to realising this vision.
While deeply rooted in the bhakti tradition, the temple is being built with an inclusive spirit. “The message of Krishna consciousness is universal. It is not limited to any one religion or community. It is about understanding our eternal nature and our connection to God,” Dasa explained.
He emphasised that the temple is open to people of all faiths. “We want everyone to feel welcome, to experience the joy of devotion and the peace it brings.”
Reflecting on the relevance of this project in today’s world, Dasa said, “Krishna’s message is timeless. His teachings on dharma, devotion and detachment are solutions to the problems we face in modern life. This temple is an effort to share those teachings with the world in a way that resonates with them.”
Transforming lives
Beyond its physical structure, the temple is poised to have a profound social impact. Through educational programs, healthcare initiatives and community outreach, ISKCON aims to uplift the lives of people in and around Vrindavan.
“We believe in serving humanity as a service to God. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, educating children, or protecting cows, every act of service is an offering to Krishna,” Dasa said.
As the temple rises higher each day, it stands as a testament to what faith, vision and determination can achieve. For Chanchalapathi Dasa and his team, the journey is as sacred as the destination. “This temple is not just a building. It’s a symbol of our devotion, our aspirations, and our commitment to Krishna,” he said.
Set to redefine Vrindavan as a global spiritual destination, the temple embodies a timeless message in a modern world: that devotion is limitless, and so is the potential of humanity when guided by divine purpose.
Reviving Krishna’s spiritual homeland
In a reflective moment, Das shared a story that highlights the profound vision of Srila Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). “Rupa Goswami was deep in his scholarly work when Prabhupada sat with a group of Western disciples, delivering a class on one of Goswami’s texts. In this session, Prabhupada expounded on the concept of Yukta Vairagya—the idea of using material resources for spiritual purposes. Prabhupada noted that Western society’s tendency to build towering skyscrapers could be redirected for spiritual benefit. Rather than constructing buildings for personal indulgence, he suggested these skyscrapers could be used to create towering temples for Krishna. These structures, Prabhupada envisioned, would become spiritual havens, promoting Krishna consciousness globally.”
This vision, rooted in Prabhupada’s teachings, has evolved over time and is beginning to take shape in projects such as the Heritage Tower. The tower, set to rise beyond its 70-foot frame, is designed to be more than just a building. The project includes biodiversity parks, reflecting Vrindavan’s sacred forests and Krishna’s divine pastimes. According to Das, the Heritage Tower seeks to recreate the sacred ambiance of Braj—the region where Krishna spent his youth—integrating nature, spirituality and history into a cohesive experience.
Braj is home to twelve sacred forests or kananas, each tied to Krishna’s divine activities. Vrindavan, for example, was known for its abundance of Tulasi plants, while Talval was renowned for its palm trees. Yet, the essence of these sacred forests has been compromised by poverty, invasions, and natural calamities. “The ambition of the project is not merely to recreate these forests but to revive them in their original glory,” said Das. “The project plans to feature dioramas and miniature depictions of Krishna’s pastimes, allowing visitors to experience the stories that unfolded in these sacred spaces. The aim is to restore their spiritual essence and offer visitors a deeper connection to Krishna’s 5,000-year-old heritage.”
Ecological sustainability and spiritual integrity
A core aspect of this project is ecological sustainability. Beyond the biodiversity parks, the entire design incorporates environmental consciousness, from renewable energy sources to a zero-waste approach. The Heritage Tower strives to balance spirituality with environmental stewardship, offering spaces where visitors can enjoy nature while learning about Krishna’s teachings.
However, preserving the space’s spiritual integrity amid modern development is another challenge. Religious sites often become commercialised tourist attractions, but the mandir intends to maintain its sanctity as a place of devotion. Das explained, “The Heritage Tower will feature educational components like the Bhagavad Gita Expo, which will offer profound spiritual insights and practical applications for daily life. This balance of education and entertainment—referred to as ‘edutainment’—aims to engage visitors on both intellectual and spiritual levels.”
Additionally, an International Youth Center will address contemporary issues such as loneliness and depression, particularly among young people in the digital age. By offering spiritual teachings and life skills training, the center will help youth navigate personal challenges and foster healthier, more fulfilling lives.
The Science and Spirituality Expo will further bridge the gap between reason and faith, presenting scientific perspectives on spiritual practices to demonstrate that the two can coexist harmoniously.
Lastly, the project will emphasise the preservation of India’s cultural heritage through courses in traditional arts and performances that showcase the region’s rich spiritual traditions. These cultural initiatives will ensure that the spiritual and artistic heritage of India is passed on to future generations.
Through these layers of innovation, the Heritage Tower aspires to be more than just a physical structure—it aims to be a living space of spirituality, environmental sustainability and cultural preservation, reviving Krishna’s homeland’s spiritual traditions in the modern world.
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