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Piling work is underway in the town of Vrindavan, India, where a 213-metre temple could become the tallest religious building in the world. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is the developer behind the enormous project, which will soar from a 5.5-acre site and 70-metre-deep foundation piles. To put things in perspective, the huge spire will easily eclipse the 132.5-metre-tall St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
At the 70-storey building's centre will be the grand temple of the Hindu deity Lord Krishna, with associated social and cultural facilities forming the remaining portions of the site. A very significant landscaping program — the designers plan to recreate the forests of Vrindavan — will bring sweeping community green space, lush pastures, and vistas of fruit-bearing trees to the property. To reflect Vedic literature, the temple's elevator will send passengers on a journey through the universe's different planetary systems with an enlightening light and sound show.
The grounds will attempt to revive the lost glory of India's rich heritage through a variety of festivals and other cultural activities year-round. The Krishna Heritage Museum will serve as a showcase of Lord Sri Krishna's thriving legacy and artistic practices. InGenious Studio is responsible for the look of the building, which blends modern architectural elements with traditional Nagara-style temple design.
The earthquake-resistant construction is being fashioned by Thornton Tomasetti, the structural engineer behind some of the world's most famous tall buildings, including the Shanghai Tower and Petronas Towers. Funding for the ambitious development has been amassed from loyal devotees, who have donated in droves.
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