The architectural style of a new iskcon temple that is presently being built has sparked a significant internet debate. According to opponents, the temple more closely resembles Islamic or Christian houses of worship than traditional Hindu temples.
Social media is ablaze with discussion about whether the temple maintains the aesthetic and symbolic integrity of Sanatan Dharma, despite the international Society for krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) vision for the building as a globally resonant spiritual center.
Notably, the temple of the Vedic Planetarium in Mayapur, West Bengal, is poised to overtake famous sites like the taj mahal in agra and St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican in terms of size, making it the largest temple in the world.
A widely shared image that contrasts the temple's official 3D render with a recent photo of its partially finished appearance is at the center of the controversy. The picture has generated a lot of discussion and criticism online, with many people wondering why domes were chosen instead of shikharas, why the exterior of the dome is painted green, and why there isn't any saffron or other typically Hindu design features.
"Who can say it's a temple?" one user wrote. "Looking like a mosque! Use of green colour in the dome, domes instead of shikharas, and no saffron or any Sanatan colour. Stupid third-class architecture-at least for a temple! Otherwise, it's fine."
Another echoed the sentiment: "Looks like a cathedral/church from the outside and a mosque from the inside." A third added bluntly: "This definitely doesn't look like a temple. And don't try to teach me what a temple looks like."
Social media is ablaze with discussion about whether the temple maintains the aesthetic and symbolic integrity of Sanatan Dharma, despite the international Society for krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) vision for the building as a globally resonant spiritual center.
Notably, the temple of the Vedic Planetarium in Mayapur, West Bengal, is poised to overtake famous sites like the taj mahal in agra and St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican in terms of size, making it the largest temple in the world.
A widely shared image that contrasts the temple's official 3D render with a recent photo of its partially finished appearance is at the center of the controversy. The picture has generated a lot of discussion and criticism online, with many people wondering why domes were chosen instead of shikharas, why the exterior of the dome is painted green, and why there isn't any saffron or other typically Hindu design features.
"Who can say it's a temple?" one user wrote. "Looking like a mosque! Use of green colour in the dome, domes instead of shikharas, and no saffron or any Sanatan colour. Stupid third-class architecture-at least for a temple! Otherwise, it's fine."
Another echoed the sentiment: "Looks like a cathedral/church from the outside and a mosque from the inside." A third added bluntly: "This definitely doesn't look like a temple. And don't try to teach me what a temple looks like."
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