Clarification and explanation of Temple Site

Some devotees seem to be a little unclear and therefore confused about the reasons for the precise positioning of the Temple Of Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) where it is presently being constructed.

ToVP location map with a corresponding alphabetical key system (A, B, C and D)

Actually, the present site is in accordance with Srila Prabhupada’s original instructions and desire. We have put up this picture (which gives us a relative visual idea of Mayapur in 1972) with a corresponding alphabetical key system (A, B, C and D) to help clarify any uncertainties:

A: This is the current location of Srila Prabhupada’s Pushpa Samadhi.

B: This is where Srila Prabhupada put the original corner stone, along with the Anantasesha.

C: This is the ‘Mayapur Main Gate’, as it is today.

D: This is Srila Prabhupada’s original Bhajan Kutir.

As recollected by several senior devotees who were physically present with Srila Prabhupada at that time, it was from the eastern window of his Bhajan Kutir that Srila Prabhupada gestured with his hand, instructing his disciples of where the temple should be. He clearly indicated that they should build the temple approximately at point B, which would be the center, surrounded on all sides by four guest house buildings. Srila Prabhupada had a promotional model of the TOVP made and exhibited in a pandal at the original point B. In his model, Srila Prabhupada had the TOVP perimeter extend from where the Lotus Building is currently placed all the way next to the Main Gate—point C—which pretty much included all of ISKCON’s property (at that time) being effectively covered.

I have also researched and received some valid information regarding the subsequent shift of the TOVP site to the outer Eastern land. At a later time, after the original corner stone was established, Srila Prabhupada was informed about some newly acquired land by one of his disciples, and therefore agreed to that senior devotee’s proposal of shifting the project there from his original plan. Though Srila Prabhupada agreed to this change, he, himself, did not go to lay the new Corner Stone, but had others do it and he, thereafter, never visited the said site. However, that very night the newly laid golden Anantasesa was stolen from the site in the dead of night.

Srila Prabhupada down the hole where he put the original corner stone, along with the Anantasesha

Although it was our intention to construct the TOVP at that Eastern location, we could not do so due to legal reasons involving the land. Some devotees are of the opinion that we should have waited as now a more favorable government has been elected in West Bengal. If we indeed had not started the construction over the last two years, and even assuming this new government will favorably solve the land problem, still it would take a minimum of another two years for the government to act and the judiciary to withdraw all the legal cases. Such waiting, i.e. a period of a minimum total of four years (with additional couple of years for the internal drawings, designs and plans) would effectively more than double our current budget and render it cost prohibitive for our lead donors and ISKCON. Therefore, a bold decision was unanimously taken by the GBC Body to go ahead and build the TOVP on the original site chosen by Srila Prabhupada, rather than wait for a dream, no matter how lovely it may seem!

We hope this provides sufficient clarification to dissolve any doubts that were present regarding this topic. In conclusion, we humbly request the blessings of all the vaisnavas in our entire movement and beyond, to support and recognize this wonderful temple manifestation as was predicted and desired by Sri Guru and Gauranga!