By Chandravathani Sathasivam
SEBERANG JAYA (PENANG) (Bernama) — There maybe many Hindu temples in Malaysia yet the newest one the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple of Devotion and Understanding is in its own class when comes to temple design and function.
The RM10 million three-storey octagonal-shaped temple with 16 chatris (ornate dome-shaped pavilions) is the first of its kind in the country and is set to enter the list of landmarks in Penang.
It is now undergoing the final touches before the consecration (kumbabeseigam) ceremony on this Saturday, Aug 29.
The International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) national general secretary Simheswara Dasa said the temple was designed after two famous temples in India, namely Jagannath in Puri and Krishna Balaram in Vrindavan.
He added the temple here originated from the vision of His Divine Grace CC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada when he visited Malaysia in 1971.
“Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISCKON, had then drawn a rough sketch of the temple and left instructions for the devotees here to follow.
“We are very happy to finally fulfill the wishes of the late Swami Prabhupada who passed away in 1977,” he told Bernama here recently.
SCULPTURE AND ORNAMENTS
Simheswara, who is also the building committee chairman, said the 16 Chatris located on each sections of the octagon were aligned with the celestial deities or rulers of the eight directions.
“Each direction ((North, South, East, West, North East, North West, South East and South West) represents the various incarnations or avatars of Lord Krishna,” he said.
He added the 100 feet-tall temple’s sculpture and ornamental decorations by 14 artisans from India is one of its kind in the world with 12 lion figurines sitting on top of the three shikara domes rising up to 85 feet.
The two octagon domes made from galvanised steel, stainless steel and glass structured like a pyramid in the centre (brahmastana) of the temple roof is also something novel in temples here.
“This octagonal and pyramidal shape is specially designed for natural light penetration and ventilation.
“It is indeed a very unique temple building architecturally-designed based upon the ancient Vedic Sciences of Geomancy (Vaasthu Sastra),” he said.
TEMPLE COMPLEX
During a short tour of the main temple building, which was at the final stages of painting, Simheswara said the prayer hall on the first floor could accommodate up to 800 devotees at any one time.
“An elevator is provided for the senior citizens. There are be few rooms, among others to store Lord Krishna’s attire, flowers, and a devotee would be assigned to bring down food to be placed before Lord Krishna before distributing the food to worshippers,” he said.
He said temple’s mezzanine floor is dedicated to its founder as the Srila Prabhupada Gallery, in conjunction of the 50th anniversary of ISKCON.
“The temple’s main prayer hall on the first floor would have two deities – Lord Krishna and Radha – placed on a grand Balinese teakwood altar that sits right under the main domes.
“The 10 statues depicting the incarnations of Lord Krishna will also be placed within the temple.”
He added the temple, besides being a place of worship, would also focus on educating and training devotees and visitors on yoga retreats, chanting methods and spiritual disciplines.
Simheswara said the four-storey multipurpose hall located adjacent to the temple has an open dining hall to provide free vegetarian food, 10 guest rooms, and a viewing gallery. The cultural centre at the hall will house a restaurant, gift and Vedic bookshop, education centre and meeting rooms.
PREPARATORY BEFORE OPENING CEREMONY
On the eve of the consecration ceremony, Simheswara said 20 priests from the International School of Vedic teachings in Mayapur, India would lead the ceremonies beginning with meditation and rituals before the deities installed at the respective locations.
The next day (Aug 29), at about 5.15am, all deities would be bathed with the charged and sanctified holy waters in the sacrificial pot.
“An ancient deity installation process called the Prana Pratistha, whereby these pranic powers trickle down a copper wire and enter the deity installed inside the sanctum and sanctorum of the temple,” he explained.
“We are expecting over 10,000 people include devotees from India, China, Australia, England, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Philippines during the temple’s opening-cum-installation of deities ceremony at 10am on Aug 29,” he said.
On Aug 30, he said there would be a National Abhiseka for Srila Prabhupada that marked the beginning of the 50th anniversary celebration of ISKCON with the celebration extending to July 2016.
“From Aug 30 until Oct 16, the mandala abhisegam ubayam and prayer will be held daily for the next 48 days.
MODI CONGRATULATES ISKCON’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Beaming with excitement, Simheswara proudly showed an official letter from the Prime Minister of India Narenda Modi received on July 14 congratulating ISKCON and its 50th anniversary celebration.
“It’s an honour and proud moment to receive such a letter of support from the top leader of India. ISKCON is indeed lucky to have support from such a humble leader like Modi,” he said.
— BERNAMA
Source: http://bernama.com/bernama/v8/fe/newsfeatures.php?id=1165770