inside The Hare Krishna Temple - Chatsworth Near Durban

Upon entering the temple through the western entrance, you are greeted by His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (The founder of The Hare Krishna Movement) on the left and Tulasi Devi (a sacred plant) on the right. As you pass through these domes, you enter into the octagonal temple hall that symbolises the transcendental association of the devotees. Here you are able to see the highest and most impressive tower of the building ? the main dome ? which is dedicated to Lord Krishna.



The interior of the temple room ? pictured opposite ? is elaborate. The floor is entirely covered with marble imported from Portugal, the central design being a large, intricate star made from pieces of marble of different colours. The ceiling consists of eight panels, each containing a huge reproduction, three metres high, of a painting depicting one of Krishna's pastimes. These paintings were done by the movement's followers in Italy and were reproduced using laser technology.

On the large beam that separates the walls from the ceiling panels are 35 smaller reproductions interspersed with Japanese mirrors. In the skylight at the top is an original painting of the gods Radha and Krishna in the spiritual world.

The frames for these pictures, as well as all the decorative work throughout the temple room, have floral patterns and are cast in polyester resin and treated to produce an effect of marble and gold. These pieces are combined with mirrors and wooden beading to create a sumptuous effect.

The chandeliers suspended at regular intervals between these decorations are designed from metal tubing made in South Africa and crystals from Italy. The effect is overwhelming and creates the impression of entering a higher world, beyond the realms of time and space.

The altar is an impressive feature on its own. Made from marble, wood, crystal and imitation gold, it is suspended from the ceiling stopping just short of the floor. The deities (Sri Sri Radha Radhanatha) represented on it are gorgeously bedecked with brightly coloured garments and shimmering jewels and crowns.

The temple building is surrounded by a moat of water that features two large fountains and rockeries. The walkways are surrounded by palm trees that were transplanted fully grown. Normally, mature trees like these do not survive transplantation, but in this case the trees took root and thrived.

The Temple of Understanding is also home to Govindas, a pure vegetarian restaurant and snack bar that serves a variety of delicacies.
Check out: https://picasaweb.google.com/haridasthakur.das

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Temple worship
• Hare Krishna
• South Africa
• Radha Radhanatha
• Evening Arati
• Radha Krishna

[MrKhanProductionz]

Come see hanuman statue

[WarzSchoolchild]

WOW! What a lovely Temple! Thanks for sharing.

[Jhulanyatradd]

Such a beautiful temple!

[devarsi]

It looks fantastic , thank you

[wmdo76]

The most beautiful temple in the Southern hemisphere. Its as if you are transported to the spiritual world.

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath ki Jaya!!!