A historic groundbreaking ceremony took place for a brand new ISKCON temple complex to be built in the last place one would expect—Las Vegas, Nevada.
Groundbreaking Ceremony in Las Vegas
One hundred and fifty community members attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new ISKCON temple complex in Las Vegas. Just two miles from the famous downtown strip, brahmanas performed Bhumi-puja—worship of Mother Earth—and devotees chanted kirtan and listened to speeches by temple president Surapala Das, Radha Jivan Das, and Dr. Nanda.
A Peaceful Sanctuary
Surapala and his wife Krishna Mayi were asked to start a temple in Las Vegas in 2001. Though initially apprehensive about living in "Sin City," they became convinced that Krishna was giving them the opportunity to spread His name. Radha Jivan Das purchased a one-and-a-half-acre property close to the strip, acting as a peaceful sanctuary in the middle of Vegas.
The new temple project, named Govinda's Sanctuary, will feature a 2,045 square-foot temple, a Govinda's restaurant, a yoga and seminar room, and residential quarters for devotees.
The new temple project, named Govinda's Sanctuary, will feature a 2,045 square-foot temple, a Govinda's restaurant, a yoga and seminar room, and residential quarters for devotees.