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This is the main temple at New Vrindaban, located just behind the palace lodge. It was built in 1981 as a place for the worship and care of the deities. The outer rooms on the first floor and the rooms in upstairs portion of the temple were originally used as living quarters for married devotees. Each married couple had one private room and shared a communal bathroom. |
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The current main temple structure at New Vrindaban was meant to be a temporary building in lieu of a more permanent structure. At the time of the temple's construction the community was raising, on average, 1.3 million dollars per year and little thought was given to self-sufficiency. A more permanent temple made of brick or stone was planned for the hill just behind the Palace of Gold. The new temple may become a reality, but is not currently in the works. |
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This playroom occupies part of the space formerly used as residences for married devotees. Space next to this room has been converted into an office. Both rooms are located off the main temple room. |
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This room, used for children's religion classes, is also located off the main temple room. It was formerly a residence for married devotees. |
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The temple also houses a gift shop where devotees and visitors can buy miniature statues of the deities, paintings, postcards, clothing, and items used by the Hare Krishnas during their worship. |
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These are the front steps to the palace entrance. The palace was originally designed to be a second home for the founder of ISKCON, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, but after his death it was converted into a memorial. Construction of the palace began in about 1974 and ended in 1979. |
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Shown here is one of many sculptures surrounding the palace. The materials used in the construction of the palace are diverse, with marble from 17 different countries and crystal from Austria and Czechoslovakia. |
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This is a view from atop the palace overlooking the West Virginian landscape. |
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Seen here is the front entryway to the palace. All of the palace's design work was done by Krishna devotees who had no prior architectural or construction experience. |
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A picture taken from the side of the palace shows the gold leaf covered dome on top. The total cost for the palace was about 400,000 dollars. The gold work alone cost approximately 16,000 dollars. |
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A gazebo that is on the corner of the palace. The palace has been called "The Palace of Gold," referring to the 80 ounces of gold that covers it. |
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Shown here is the front walkway leading to the palace entrance. The wall was built for protection after a shooting incident. |
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This view of the palace gazebo shows one of the many fountains that line the roof and terrace. |
