Opening of New Temple in Auckland

[Guest guest]

Auckland's new temple is now officially open.

 

After two decades of planning, fund raising and building, the final

result is an exceptionally attractive temple, set in a very peaceful

environment looking out over New Varshan's farm and the tree-lined waters of

the Waitemata estuary. Wide entrance steps with lawns, gardens and central

fountain lead to the reception area. The opulent temple interior, the

shining granite floors and the gold inlayed doors complement Their

Lordships' radiant beauty.

 

Photographs of the three-day Opening Festival can be seen on

www.hknet.org.nz/Auckland-Temple-Opening2004.html More photos are being

added daily.

 

On Friday, January 16, the first day of the Festival, the ceremonies

of purification of the new temple were held, led by Purohit Jaya Tirtha

Charan dasa. This included the breaking of 27 coconuts, and the burning of

a straw man to remove all inauspiciousness. The New Zealand GBC

representatives, HH Prabhavisnu Swami and HH Ramai Swami, were welcomed by

Auckland temple managers Kalasamvara dasa and Jaya Sila dasa and then opened

the carved doors into the temple. Purohit Jaya Tirtha Charan prabhu

officiated at the yajna invoking Sudarshan into the Kalash waters and the

Chakra to be placed on the dome.

 

Lord Krishna provided perfect fine, calm and sunny days throughout

the celebrations and devotees were especially grateful for His kindness that

afternoon when they climbed the scaffolding to the top of the domes for

installation of the Kalashes and Cakra. Several thousand devotees and

guests watched as Ramai Swami and Devamrta Swami together with Kalasamvara,

Bhava, Prananatha prabhus and Bhakta Sundressan performed the ceremonies at

a great height, and finally destroyed all impediments by the throwing of a

pumpkin full of flames. No doubt they also enjoyed the fabulous views from

the top of the temple domes.

 

Saturday January 17 was an emotional day for devotees who have

worshipped the Deities in the old temple for 25 years. Sri Sri Radha

Giridhari rode the one kilometre distance on the winding farm road in a

decorated royal carriage drawn by two horses, while the accompanying Deities

and Srila Prabhupada rode in a Mercedes and a convertible. Hundreds of

devotees walked with Them, chanting and singing. In the new temple, They

were placed on the new altar and the Vyasasana and bathed by sannyasis and

senior devotees. Srimati Tulasi Devi was also installed in Her new house

beside the temple.

 

That afternoon, after a Maha Prasadam Feast, the first Arati in the

new temple attracted several thousand devotees and guests. The Deities

appeared in magnificent new outfits designed and made in Vrndavan for the

occasion. In the later evening the Utsav Deities were bathed by 1008

devotees with individual gold, silver and brass kalashes. During this time,

a cultural programme of entertainment was held in the main marquee on the

lawns.

 

The next day, Sunday (Ekadasi), had been advertised as an Open Day

for all local people, neighbours and village folk, and invitations had been

sent to many personalities. An "official opening" and ribbon cutting was

performed by the Mayor of Rodney District, Mr John Law. Guests were shown

over the temple, admiring the altar's carved simhasanas and the polished

granite lotus-patterned floors of the temple room. The ceiling paintings by

Dina Bandhu dasa of the Ukraine were especially appreciated, and the

patterned deity room gates and carved doors designed by Parvata Muni dasa.

Special guests enjoyed watching some of the performances of drama and dance,

including popular items by our Maori devotees and by the gurukula children,

and then took prasadam in the new Dining Hall on the lower floor.

 

Monday was a day of remembrances and Vaisnava Sanga. Auckland was

blessed with the attendance of many ISKCON personalities and old friends of

Auckland from all over the world. An estimated 5,000 came throughout the

weekend. Amongst them, in addition to those mentioned above, were sannyasis

Mukunda Goswami, Jayapataka Goswami, Indradyumna Swami and Bhakti Visram

Madhava Maharajas, and senior devotees Hari Sauri dasa, Janananda dasa,

Alalanatha dasa, Tirtharaja dasa, Atmarama dasa, Aniruddha dasa, Ajita dasa,

and Janame Jaya dasa, (who was the first builder on the project). There

were devotees from all over New Zealand, and many from Australia.

 

Appreciation and gratitude are offered to all those who assisted

this wonderful project over the years. All glories to Sri Sri Radha

Giridhari, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Sri Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva and Srimati

Subhadra Devi. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, who continually inspires

and guides us all. Hare Krishna.