03/13/98 - 1689

Grand Opening of the Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir

USA (VNN) - by Gopal Krishna Goswami

Dear Maharajas and Prabhus,

Please accept my most humble obeisances.

By the mercy of our beloved founder - acharya, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, we are very happy to announce the grand opening of the Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir and Glory of India Vedic Cultural Centre starting at 8 am on Ram Navami, Sunday, the 5th of April 1998.

We would like to extend an invitation to all ISKCON devotees world-wide to attend this most auspicious event when Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Parthasarthi will move to Their permanent home in the new temple.

On the central altar besides Sri Sri Radha Parthasarthi will be installed Their most beloved servants Lalita and Vishakha. On the altar to the right will be installed Sri Sri Sita-Ram, Laxman and Hanuman. On the altar to the left will be installed Sri Sri Gaur Nitai, Srila Prabhupada and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati.

A three day celebration will begin on 3rd April, where leading artists of India will perform for the pleasure of Their Lordships, culminating on 5th April, when a Maha-abhishek of the Deities will be performed using the sacred water of a thousand tirthas.

This unique project has been built on a 3 acre plot near the prestigious Nehru Place in South Delhi, with the help of 3 of India's leading architects, at the cost of nearly Rs 20 crores. The temples ultra-modern central shikara stands over 150 feet and commands the rocky heights that overlook the national capital. At night the Shikara will be illuminated and will be visible from a distance of over 15 kilometres.

Another feature of this impressive project will be India's largest artificial water-fall surrounded by sculptered gardens. Breathtakingly beautiful paintings by devotee artists decorate the huge domed ceiling of the Kirtan hall, illuminated by a specially designed eight peteled chandelier. The Bhagavad-Gita Animatronics show and the 350 seat Multi-media theatre will be inaugurated in the first phase of the opening programme. In the second phase the 20,000 sq. ft. fully air conditioned Glory of India Museum, will be opened to the public by the year end.

Delhi is not only the most important city in India being the seat of Government, but also in the whole of Asia. It was Srila Prabhupada's great desire that a project of this magnitude be constructed for presenting the message of Krishna Consciousness to the leaders and citizens of this country. After many long years of struggle, Prabhupada's dream has finally been realized.

We have made all necessary arrangements for accommodation and sumptuous Prasad for everyone who wishes to attend the 3 day opening celebrations.

Yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada

Gopal Krishna Goswami