ISKCON’s 70-Storey Skyscraper Temple in Vrindavan Set to Boost Indian Tourism

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

The construction of a 70-storey temple in Vrindavan by ISKCON aims to elevate local tourism and showcase Indian spirituality on a global stage, promising significant economic and cultural benefits.

ISKCON’s ambitious project, the Vrindavan Heritage Tower, a 70-storey temple, is poised to become a landmark that showcases Indian culture and spirituality, according to Chanchalapathi Dasa, vice chairman of the Global Hare Krishna Movement and senior vice president of ISKCON Bangalore. In an interview with PTI, Dasa highlighted the potential of the $80 million project to boost tourism and spur socio-economic development in the Braj region.

This towering temple, standing at 210 meters, is designed not only as a place of worship but as a comprehensive cultural complex. Dasa outlined the structure’s unique design, featuring four wings aligned with cardinal directions, housing three temples and a memorial dedicated to Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON. The facility aims to provide a ‘home away from home’ for visitors, complete with comfortable accommodations and extensive amenities, including one of the largest parking facilities in the region, capable of accommodating 3,000 cars.

The Vrindavan Heritage Tower is expected to draw spiritual seekers and tourists from around the world, contributing to a projected increase in visitors to Vrindavan. Current estimates by the Uttar Pradesh tourism board predict that the annual visitor count could quintuple from 20 million to 100 million in the next six to ten years. The temple complex is being designed to handle up to 200,000 people daily, with even larger crowds expected during festival periods.

Dasa emphasized the importance of such infrastructure in promoting India’s spiritual heritage internationally. He cited India’s Prime Minister’s initiative encouraging the Indian diaspora to bring international visitors to India, underscoring the appeal of spirituality as a significant attraction.

The project not only aims to attract global visitors but also to facilitate cultural exchanges and philosophical discussions, further establishing India as a hub of cultural and spiritual tourism. By linking culture with development, ISKCON intends to ensure that the benefits of increased tourism flow equitably to the local community, supporting broader growth and development initiatives in the region.

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