Fri, June 10, 2022 / Published in Educational

Srila Prabhupada, the Original TOVP Vedic Cosmology Model Designer

On November 7, 1974, an article about the Puranic Theory of Evolution appeared in the Times of India by a Mr. S.L. Dhani, a Vedic astronomer who was also organizing a conference. Being very keen on developing the proper conception for the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, Srila Prabhupada wrote him a letter requesting his expert assistance with the project, stating at the end:

“As you can appreciate, the work involved in this project will be gigantic, and the advice of many experts from all fields will be needed to make it come out successful. It will be a glorious exhibition of India’s Vedic culture that will attract visitors from all over the world.”

From start to finish Srila Prabhupada describes in the letter his entire conception of the temple, detailing the cosmological model from top to bottom to be hung from the interior of the main dome, as well as the escalators to bring visitors up and down the viewing verandas to see the Vedic chandelier. He also mentions the exhibits to be displayed through dioramas, charts and films and other details.

Prabhupada knew exactly what he wanted, and the TOVP is striving to bring this model to reality in the coming years of construction. Below we reproduce the original letter to Mr. Dhani for the pleasure of all Vaishnavas so they may relish the great transcendental genius of the empowered representative of the disciplic succession, His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.

Currently, our construction is focused on completing the entire Nrsimhadeva Wing of the temple by the Fall of 2023. This is another crucial milestone in our progress to the Grand Opening of the temple in 2024. Interested readers may donate towards this important work through the ongoing Give To Nrsimha Fundraising Campaign by sponsoring a Nrsimha Brick to be inscribed with their name and placed under Lord Nrsimha’s altar, or by giving a general donation.

Visit the Give To Nrsimha Fundraising Campaign page today and help complete Lord Nrsimhadeva’s hall and altar in 2023!

To read the full letter to S.L. Dhani, enlarge photos below.