Planetarium Chandelier Model Developement

The сenterpiece of the temple complex is the grand chandelier which will hang in the main dome of the TOVP serving as a model of the universe to provide visitors an enlivening tour of the various regions of the cosmic creation.

This giant model will be built according to descriptions in the Fifth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam and detailed instructions in the 1976 letter of Srila Prabhupada to Mr. Dhani. In this letter Srila Prabhupada explains 15 different elements which he wanted to be present in the model beginning from Patalaloka, rising through the middle and higher planetary systems, and ultimately ascending to Vaikuntha and finally, Goloka Vrindavana.

In these photos you can see a miniature replica of the Universal chandelier. Devotees worked hard to create and put all the parts of the miniature chandelier together. At the bottom of the chandelier you can see the 7 lower planetary systems. Then Jambudwip – the central island of Bhumandala with the golden Meru mountain in the center. This island is surrounded by the Loka-Loka mountain range. Large elephants stand on top of Loka Loka mountain to balance Bhumandala. Above Bhumandala is Bhuvarloka which is the residence of the Caranas, Siddhas, Yakshas and Gandharvas. And above this realm is Svargaloka beginning from the sun and extending up to Dhruvaloka, the Pole Star, where the moving part of the Universal chandelier begins. Different planets and stars will be situated there. Next are the heavenly planets, and above them is the border of our universe, and finally the spiritual planets up to Goloka Vrindavana.

In one of the photos you can see people in their scaled size standing on the 2nd floor of the museum in comparison to the chandelier.