Deities installed at ISKCON’s new temple complex in Hubballi
Scores of devotees from various places gathered at the new temple complex of ISKCON at Rayapur in Hubballi on Monday to get the first darshan
Scores of devotees from various places gathered at the new temple complex of ISKCON at Rayapur in Hubballi on Monday to get the first darshan of Sri Sri Radha Govind Devji after the Prana Pratishtana of the idols brought from Jaipur was completed as per rituals in the presence of priests. As the rituals were completed amid chanting of slokas, the atmosphere was filled with devotion, gratitude and celebration marking the beginning of a new chapter in the spiritual history of North Karnataka as the event also marked the completion of the first phase of work on the ISKCON temple.
The elaborate rituals conducted as per the traditional Agama Vidhi for the installation of the idols of Lord Krishna, Balarama, Radha and others began on Thursday last. The sacred Prana Pratishta (deity installation ceremony) was organised on Monday in the presence of ISKCON office-bearers and philanthropists, including Anand Kalal, V.S.V. Prasad, Mohand Das, and others. President of ISKCON Bengaluru Madhu Pandit Dasa honoured the philanthropists, including V.S.V. Prasad, and others on the occasion.
President of ISKCON Hubballi-Dharwad Rajiv Lochan Dasa, Vice-President Sri Raghottam Dasa and others were present. The temple construction began on August 2, 2012 and now, the first phase has been completed at a cost of ₹30 crore. According to ISKCON office-bearers, the temple will remain closed from June 23 to August 9 as a 48-day Mandala Puja will be carried out as per Agama Shastra. The temple will be formally opened for public darshan from August 10.
The temple complex comprises four floors and a terrace, with the principal temple hall located on the second floor. It is designed in the elegant Vesara style of architecture, harmoniously blending the North Indian Nagara and the South Indian Dravida traditions.