Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jun 8: Under the initiative undertaken by Sri Sugunendrateertha Swamiji of Puthige Math here, a new temple dedicated to 'Kadegolu Krishna' has been built at New Jersey, USA.

This temple will be dedicated to the world on Thursday June 8 along with the consecration of the newly installed idol of the deity.

For the purpose of building this temple, a church was bought and converted into temple. This may be first in history. It is also being said that the idol of Lord Krishna holding a churning rod also happens to be the first such idol in USA.

The sanctum sanctorum of this temple, which is about 40 feet high, has been entirely carved out of wood. Both inside the sanctum sanctorum and its outside, stories of divine sport (Leela) involving Lord Krishna have been carved on the model of Belur and Halebeedu sculptures by using Burmese teak wood. A pedestal has been made from black stone which was got from Karkala on which the idol of Lord Krishna will be installed.

It is said that rarely one can find fine carvings and sculpture used in creating this temple. The copper covering at the centre of the sanctum sanctorum gives the temple a beautiful look. The entire temple resembles the Brahmaratha (chariot) of Srikrishna Math here.

This new temple has been built in an area measuring 4.5 acres. The temple can accommodate about a thousand people at a time with provision to park 600 cars outside. About 1,000 devotees have registered themselves for participation at the inaugural.

The unique idol of Lord Krishna being consecrated today has been offered a new silver armour weighing two kilograms by a devotee, Roopa Aiyar. A person named Janardhana Rao, who has settled down at New Jersey, has offered golden eyes and ornaments for the customary Nama placed on the idol's forehead.