In a bid to amplify Kurukshetra as religious destination globally, Haryana residents launch initiative to build world-class temple

Ravi S Singh

New Delhi, July 30

Well-heeled residents of Haryana, including those who have settled professionally outside, have launched an initiativeto amplify Kurukshetra as a religious destination internationally.

The mother-lode of the initiative is a proposed world class temple in the holy city of Kuruskshetra-the birthplace of scripture the Bhagavad Gita-and supporting infrastructure around it.

The people involved with this initiativeare also Haryanvis settled in Delhi due to their professions, but whose heart beats for their home state. The high rollers, and achievers want to contribute to its development.

In effect, the mantra of not leaving the developmental goals at the doors of the government is in full display by private individuals.

This initiative is under the aegis of Shree Brahmpuri Annakshetra Ashram Trust, which is constructing a grandiose 18-storyed “Gyan Mandir” (Temple of Knowledge) in Kurukshetra.

The Trust’s president Rajesh Goyal, who is heading the initiative along with a team of do-gooders and benefactors from all walks of society, said: “The fund for the temple project is being sourced through voluntary crowdfunding”.

The site of the temple is bang at the mythical Brahma Sarovar.

“The temple, which is constructed on three acres, will be the tallest in Asia. Thedome on it will be the biggest among the temple in the world” Goyal said.

The 18-storeys will have the leitmotifs and substrates on the 18 cantos of the scripture Bhagavad Gita.

The 17th storey will house a tourist gallery fitted with high definition telescope. The visitors willbe able to have a panoramic view of all thereligious centres and spots located in Kurukshetra.

Goyal said that while the entire temple project will be completed in about three years, it will become functional including the proposed gallery before the annual “International Gita Mahotsav”, which is held in Kurukshetra in the month of December.

Hospital and other infrastructures have also been planned by the trust in the vicinity of the temple site and to other infrastructures including dharamsala already in place.

The temple and the entire area will be a global spiritual centre.

Goyal further said that the importance of the centre will also be popularised among the India diaspora abroad.