On November 22, 2023, a historic moment unfolded with the Bhumi Puja and Ananta Sesa Sthapana for a new temple project in Sri Dhama Pandharpur, dedicated to Sri Sri Radha Pandharinatha, Sri Sri Sita Rama Laksman Hanuman, and Sri Sri Gaur Nitai.

ISKCON leaders attended the program, including ISKCON GBC Chairman Revati Raman Das, GBC Vice-Chairman Guruprasad Swami, and other senior ISKCON Leaders. Devotees from international locations, including North America, South America, South Africa, and Europe, and various cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Mayapur, gathered for the auspicious occasion.

The ceremony witnessed the earth being turned, symbolizing the beginning of a collective journey towards a sacred space. The Ananta Sesa Sthapana ceremony represents the foundational connection between Lord Ananta Sesa and the temple, signifying the sustaining power behind the planetary positions described in the Vedas. It holds significance in ensuring that the entire temple rests on Ananta Sesa’s divine hoods.

Vilasini Dasi, the architect for the Bhu Vaikuntha Project, along with co-architect Mohit Chougole, shared, “As sacred design consultants, our goal is to create a transformative experience for pilgrims through carefully weaving Vaisnav symbolism and sacred architecture principles into the temple design which offers an immersive journey from the physical to the soul level.”

Revati Raman Das emphasized the significance of devotee care in developing facilities for pilgrims. Navadwipa Chandra Das, responsible for the Bhu Vaikuntha Project’s Social Media Department, expressed the event’s impact on spiritual unity.

The temple president, Prahlad Das, and the fund development in charge, Paramatma Das, thanked all attendees, especially the donors whose contributions made this auspicious event possible.