Labor of Love

The art department has made amazing progress since beginning the clay figures of the parampara. Plaster molds are being made of the finished clay models and will then be cast in fiberglass. The fiberglass figures will be used as visuals to establish the best placement of each on the altar. Pandals will be built inside the new temple and will be used as temporary altars so the team can adjust the positioning of the murtis. These molds will also serve as samples to check the accuracy of their representations. Once the fiberglass figures are perfected and approved, they will be cast in bronze.

Members of the art department work continuously to maintain the integrity of this endeavor. Bhaskara Prabhu visits the site daily and is often joined by Drdha Vrata Das and Manju Laksita Devi Dasi. They also regularly collaborate with Jananivas Prabhu and Pankajanghri Prabhu. The two pujaris understand the moods of the acharyas and help the artists and sculptures capture these expressive nuances.

Research concerning the elements of the finishing work for the temple has also begun. In this regard, marble carvings have been done by local carvers using the white marble purchased from Vietnam. A sample done in clay by Manju Laksita Devi Dasi was copied onto the marble. The ToVP devotees were impressed with the subtlety of the craftsmanship as well as the quality of the marble. The carving is a prototype for future attempts and has stimulated the creative flow of the artists. What will they come up with next?!