| A new face of India is showcased through its modern | | | | green gardens and pools surrounding the gigantic lotus, |
| temples which are a peerless amalgam of ethnic | | | | the temple looks truly magnificent from the exterior |
| traditions of the past and the innovative architecture of | | | | while the interiors echo the silent prayers. |
| the present. The faiths of the people remain the same, | | | | ISKCON Temples, run by the International Society of |
| the deities too haven't changed their face but it is a | | | | Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), are located all over |
| new fragrance of freshness that can be felt from the | | | | the world. In India, they are present in 40 locations |
| wide corridors, modern structures, murals, etc. that will | | | | including the states of Delhi, Vrindavan, Bangalore and |
| welcome you into the doors of the twenty first | | | | Mayapur in West Bengal. These temples are special, |
| century technology and planning. | | | | more for a unique experience that they offer the |
| Akshardham Temple, a modern architectural gem in | | | | devotees of Lord Krishna, rather for their exterior |
| Delhi's crown, has made quite a quick entry into the | | | | structure. Paintings of the temple walls give a peek into |
| good books of travelers. It is the best representation | | | | the various scenes of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama's |
| of modern temples and their remarkable structural plan. | | | | life. The interiors of the temple echo the chants of |
| The temple was constructed under the aegis of | | | | 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna', making the devotees mingle |
| Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan | | | | in the devotion and faith of Lord Krishna. |
| Sanstha (BAPS) in the year 2005, on the banks of | | | | Another significant landmark temple representing |
| river Yamuna. The main attractions of the temple | | | | modern architecture is the group of Birla Temples, |
| include the vast area that it covers which is | | | | located in Delhi, Hyderbad and Jaipur. Built by the |
| approximately 100 acres including beautiful lawns | | | | famous industrialist B.D. Birla, these temples welcome |
| ornamented with fountains, floral motifs, statues, | | | | you to the world of fusion between the age old faith |
| carved pillars and separate sections for musical | | | | and innovation. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu |
| fountain, museum and an IMAX theatre too. The main | | | | and Goddess Lakshmi. Its fountains, waterfalls and |
| statue of Lord Swaminarayan lies in the central | | | | Rajput style paintings surely make the temple an |
| sanctum sanctorium. | | | | incomparable one in its architectural splendor. Birla |
| Delhi's Lotus Temple is another architectural marvel | | | | Temple of Hyderabad sits pretty atop a hill giving the |
| with grabs the attention of any visitor to Delhi. Its | | | | best view of the city. It holds a granite idol of the deity |
| twenty seven petal shaped designs are intricately | | | | which stands 11 ft tall. Birla Mandir of Delhi has a touch |
| adjoined to give an half-open lotus shape. This Bahai | | | | of Orissa architectural style, and is completely built with |
| Temple is mainly a meditation and prayer hall that | | | | red sandstone and marble coinciding with the overall |
| came into existence in the year 1986. With bosky | | | | Mughal architecture that adorns the city. |