Ornate Krishna Temple to Open Saturday June 23
By Vaibhavi Dasi

Ornate Krishna Temple To Open Saturday June 23, 10am-7pm 8628 S. Main St., Spanish Fork, Utah 84660/ www.iskcon.net/utah

After ten years of planning and three years of construction, the Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork will celebrate its opening with a gala festival Saturday June 23. Though many decorative domes and arches are yet to be added, the building will open its hand carved teakwood doors to the public for a day of celebration, dedicatory rituals, performing arts, music, dance, cuisine, exhibits, gifts and arts.

Vaibhavi devi, the designer and supervisor of the construction, gives credit to others for making the vision a reality. Not only the dedicated Hindu community of Utah has aided our efforts, but the local Mormons have been wonderfully helpful, giving donations individually and collectively, as well as coming in groups as large as 200 to do service projects on the premises. Many contractors have done work for free, or at discounted prices. We’ve invited them and their families to come, have some food, and receive our public thanks on opening day.

The two story, domed structure, fashioned after a famous devotional palace in India called Kusum Sarovar (Temple on a Lake of Flowers), stands on the highest point of a 15 acre plot. From the second story verandah, one can scan I-15, Utah lake, and green farmlands to the west, the snow capped Wasatch mountains to the east, and, on the temple property itself, a 200,000 gallon lake with waterfall, and an outdoor amphitheater for the performing arts.

At 10 am June 23rd brahmin priests will chant Sanskrit mantras, sanctify the building with the traditional fire sacrifice (Homa), and conduct the ritual bathing and installation (Abhishek) of the 40 inch high Radha Krishna marble deities, which were hand carved in Jaipur, India.

From 1pm on the outdoor stage there will be a full menu of speakers and entertainment. Some of the expected speakers are Senator Orrin Hatch, the stake President of nearby West Salem, Dr. Stanley Green, Dr. Dinesh Patel, the leader of Salt Lake’s Indian Community, Dr. Neila Seshachari, professor of English at Weber State University and Governors’ appointee to the Utah Arts Council, and visitors from out of state to be announced. Preceding the main event on stage will be Utah’s own Pallavi Kharkar with selected dance offerings of grace and beauty.

Presenting classical Indian Bharat Natyam dance on the main stage, from Irvine California, will be Ramya Harishankar and her students, accompanied by musicians from India. Bharat Natyam is a combination of the arts of the stage, music, poetry, color and rhythm. Such a rich cultural tradition requires years of discipline, both mental and physical, hard work and dedication. Ramya Harishankar brings to Bharata Natyam all these qualities enhanced by vigorous training under the best gurus. With over two decades of training, Ramya combines elegance, grace and suppleness. Ramya has performed extensively in India, S. E. Asia, the Far East, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Canada and the United States.

The beautiful vocals of Ushma Vahia, and her combo of musicians on keyboard, saxophone, tabla drums, and flute will be heard from 5pm. To the accompaniment of Ushma’s music, festival goers will be encouraged to join together for the Garba Raas, India’s most popular and easily learned type of folk dancing.

Delicious hot meals of Indian curry with home made cheese (paneer), blueberry hallava, spicy Bengali rice, giant lentil chips (papadams), and samosas will be available for purchase from noon on. There will be Indian drinks such as mango lassi, and Nimbu pani, as well as sweets and pizza for the less adventurous. A large gift area will be freshly stocked with items from Asia to take home as souvenirs of the landmark event-the opening of Utah’s first Krishna Hindu temple.

Other coming events for the temple and surrounding property are the 7th Annual LlamaFest July 14th, and the 14th Annual Indiafest, Sept.15.

Contacts: Vaibhavi Dasi and Caru Dasa
(801)798-3559/carudas@earthlink.net/utah

© CHAKRA 26 May 2001

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