Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir
Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir, currently under construction (2016), is set to become the world’s tallest religious skyscraper.
Located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India, the Hindu temple will have a footprint of around 5 acres and reach a height of 213 m (700 ft). It is being built by ISKCON Bangalore at a cost of 300 crore (US$45 million), making it one of the most expensive temples ever built.
Designed by Indian practice InGenious Studio, the rocket ship-like tiered building combines traditional Nagara architecture with the sleek elegance of modernist design.
The two distinct features of Nagara temple architecture are:
- In plan, the temple is a square with the middle of each side having a number of graduated projections resulting in a cruciform shape.
- In elevation, a Shikhara (tower), gradually inclines inwards in a convex curve. There is strong emphasis on vertical lines in the elevations.
Much more than just a temple, the structure will include a theme park, drawing inspiration from Vedic literature. A capsule elevator will take visitors through an immersive ‘light and sound experience’ up to a viewing deck.
The temple will commemorate the Hindu deity Lord Sri Krishna, who is said to have grown up in Vrindavan. Surrounding the temple, 26 acres of forest will be cultivated to emulate the descriptions given by Krishna of the 12 forests of Braj.
The project is expected to be funded by donations from devotees, as well as by the sale of apartments and villas that will be built in the vicinity of the temple complex.
The foundation stone was laid in November 2014, and the project is scheduled for completion in 2019.
Content and images courtesy of InGenious Studio.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Ark Encounter, Kentucky.
- Lotus Temple.
- India looks at using plastic instead of sand.
- India needs to build more infrastructure fast. Here's how.
- Indian construction industry.
- Indian infrastructure.
- Mahabat Maqbara, India.
- Ryugyong Hotel, North Korea.
- Sagrada Familia.
- St. Basil’s Cathedral.
- St Paul’s Cathedral.
- Taj Mahal.
- Unusual building design of the week.
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.