Prem Temple

An historical event took place in January 1957 when Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj gave a profound series of lectures at the invitation of the Kashi Vidvat Parishad, a body of 500 of the topmost Vedic scholars of India who collectively represent the seat of spiritual learning. Shri Maharaj Ji spoke for ten days revealing the secrets of the Hindu scriptures. He reconciled the apparent contradictions between the various Vedic scriptures, and the differences between the views of the previous Jagadgurus, to reveal the true path to God-realisation for the welfare of all humankind. With profound admiration, the scholars accepted that his knowledge was deeper than the combined knowledge of all 500 of them put together. They unanimously acclaimed him as Jagadguru, the Spiritual Master of the world. They further added that he was “Jagadguruttam,” or Supreme amongst all the Jagadgurus. Among the various accolades that they showered upon him was “Bhakti-Yog Rasavatar”, or the personification of the Bliss of devotion.

The foundation stone of Prem Mandir was laid on January 2001 by Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj Kripalu Maharaj and the inauguration ceremony took place from 15 February to 17 February 2012. The temple was opened to public on 17 February. The cost was 150 crore rupees ($23 million). The presiding deity are Shri Radha Govind (Radha Krishn) and Shri Sita Ram. A 73,000 square feet, pillar-less, dome shaped satsang hall is being constructed next to Prem Mandir, which will accommodate 25,000 people at a time.

The Vrindavan site was developed by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj himself whose main ashram was at Vrindavan.Work started here on 14 January 2001. More than 1000 craftsmen, artisans and specialists from various parts of the country have been toiling day and night to create a pure marble temple in the original Som Nath style. It has taken 11 years and expanses over Rs. 150 crore. 30,000 tons of Italian marble, carved with specialized KUKA robotic machines, have been used in the construction. The length of the temple is 185 feet and the width is 135 feet.The influence of south Indian culture of craftsmanship can be seen in the Temple. The designing work has been done by the Suman Ray Trivedi Sompura from Gujarat. It is a massive marble structure with twelve feet thick walls, all pure marble and the presiding deity will be Radha Krishna.