The Main Temple Structure at the Gita Dham

D)   The main temple structure

Initially it will be a small structure which will be, in the matter of architectural design, significantly different of the temples of most faiths, including the Hindu faith. This architecture will indicate that this temple houses a faith which, in practice, is very different from other faiths. Architects are being invited to create an appropriate design for this temple. For the guidance of the architects, a few ideas are mooted:

1.       In the temple, the Mother Gita (गीता माता) will be installed on a platform on a high pedestal, the top of which will be encased in silver. The Ramcharitmanas and the Bhagwat Puran will be placed below it on both sides. The temple will have space inside conducing to mediation and performing bhakti dances. Sakam pooja or give-and-take system most characteristic of contemporary Hindu temples will be prohibited in the Gita temple. The Gita temple will be for Gyan-Dhyan-Bhakti-Moksha (Knowledge-Meditation-Devotion-Liberation). For fulfillment of worldly desires, one may go to the Rakshak Dev, or Protector Deity, if needed. But worship-for-worldly-gains will be discouraged.

2.       There will be space for parikrama (going around) round the sanctum sanctorum (गर्भ गृह) where the Mother Gita will be installed.

3.       The Swastik sign, which is the common symbol  of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism and  also considered worldwide since ancient times as an  auspicious sign, will be prominently displayed inside as well outside the temple.

4.       There will be no provision inside the sanctum sanctorum for offering anything except flowers. However, there may be a small separate Devalaya (temple) in the campus where idols of all the main deities will be installed side by side in small sizes where offerings of water, milk or sweets can be made in the traditional way.

5.       In front of the main door of the temple, at a distance, a life-size or smaller than life size- idol of the locally influential deity, who will be the Protector Deity of the Gita Dham will be installed, facing the main temple. The deity may be, for example,  Ganpati in Maharashtra, Kartikeya in Kerala and Hanuman or Shiva in Bihar and UP, and Kali in West Bengal. The protector deity will be decided by the local people.

6.       Outside the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple there will be a Dharm Kosh (faith-fund) box for the devotees to put their contribution in. For delivering lectures (pravachan) on religion, there will be a place or platform inside the Gita temple.

7.       The audio of the Gita, the Ramcharitmanas, the Bhagwat Puran and other holy books will  be constantly played in low volume in the temple complex.

8.       In the temple campus there will be several shila patts or stone tablets on which will be inscribed the main teachings of the Gita and the Tulsi Ramayana.

(A tentative design  of the Gita temple has been created, which is as under:)