“Temples are embassies of the Vaikuntha. Just as the embassy of a country is the land of the mother country even though situated in another’s land, the temples are embassies of Vaikuntha, the spiritual world in this material world,” said Madhu Pandit Dasa, President of ISKCON Bangalore. He was speaking on the occasion of the Bhoomi Puja (ground breaking ceremony) of ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Raipur, Hubli.

ISKCON is pursuing the desire of Srila Prabhupada, its founder who wished to establish temples of Lord Krishna in every town and village to spread Krishna Consciousness. “A temple provides an opportunity for rendering various devotional services to the Lord and thus helps one get freed from the clutches of vices and bad habits and establishes one in transcendental platform, thus one will get a ‘visa’ to the spiritual world,” Dasa further added. He called upon all the devotees of Hubli to take this opportunity of rendering service to Lord Krishna by joining hands in building the temple.

The programme was conducted in the divine presence of His Holiness Sri Vishwa Prasanna Tirtha Swamiji, the Junior Pontiff of Pejawara Adhokshaja Mutt, His Holiness Mallikarjuna Swamiji of Muruga Math. Speaking on the occasion His Holiness Vishwa Prasanna Tirtha Swamiji said that at the present moment people are being misguided by various materialistic attractions and ISKCON has been rendering yeoman service to the society at large by spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna. He said that he would pray to Lord Krishna the deity of Udupi to bless all the devotees and efforts of ISKCON in establishing the temple here in Hubli.

Rural Development and Panchayatraj Minister Sri Jagadish Shettar said that this land was sanctioned during his tenure as the revenue minister and he said that he is always for the good activities of ISKCON. He further praised the work of Akshaya Patra foundation in feeding nutritious meals to over 2 lakh children here in Hubli. He further reiterated that the government and his ministry in particular will join hands with ISKCON in all its good work.

Former Minister and sitting MLC Sri Basavaraj Horratti also spoke on the occasion and recalled that this land was sanctioned during his tenure as the education minister. He said that he would always support any good work, and that the Akshaya Patra was doing a great job in feeding the underprivileged children. Whenever a good work is taken up there are bound to be obstacles from various quarters. He urged ISKCON not to get disheartened by opposition, but continue its good work and assured of his support as he knew ISKCON very well. He said that ISKCON Bangalore and its temples were all committed to the cause and are to be praised for their service.

Chanchalapathi Dasa, Vice President of ISKCON Bangalore, explained the history of Iskcon activities in Hubli. He also further gave details of the temple and cultural complex which was going to be built in Hubli on the hill in Raipur. He said that the temple would be built at a cost of Rs 50 crores and that ISKCON hoped to raise these funds from the people of Hubli.

Sri Rajiv Lochana Dasa, President of ISKCON Hubli, delivered the welcome address. Former Ministers SR Morey and Jabbar Ali Khan also graced the occasion. Dr Trilokchandra, the Deputy Commissioner of Hubli, Sri Datta Dorley Chairman HDUDA was also present on the occasion. Many devotees and donors like Sri Jitendra Majetia, of Majetia group, Ketan Mehta of Gujarat Samaj were also present during the occasion.