Jananivasa Prabhu on the TOVP: A Spiritual Journey to the Stars

Jananivasa Prabhu on the TOVP: Picture this, it’s 1972, and a young devotee named Jananivasa Prabhu is standing in a dusty field in Mayapur, West Bengal, watching Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, lay the foundation for a temple that sounds like it belongs in a sci-fi novel. Fast-forward to today, and that temple—the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP)—is a towering reality, ready to open in 2026. Jananivasa Prabhu, now a revered figure in ISKCON, has been sharing stories about this cosmic project that’ll make your heart race and your mind wander. Ready to dive into his insights? Let’s go!

Honestly, Jananivasa’s talks about the TOVP are like sitting around a campfire, listening to a wise friend unravel a tale that’s equal parts devotion, struggle, and divine magic. This isn’t just a temple—it’s a dream that’s been 50 years in the making, and Jananivasa’s been there for every gritty, glorious moment. Let’s explore his perspective, the TOVP’s cosmic vision, and why this project feels like a love letter to the universe.

Who Is Jananivasa Prabhu?

Alright, let’s start with the man himself. Jananivasa Prabhu joined ISKCON in 1973, alongside his twin brother, Pankajanghri Prabhu, who was a legendary pujari (priest) in Mayapur until his passing in 2021. These brothers were like two peas in a pod, dedicating their lives to serving Krishna and Srila Prabhupada’s mission. Jananivasa, with his warm smile and storytelling knack, has become a pillar of the Mayapur community, especially when it comes to the TOVP.

Picture a guy who’s seen it all—floods, funding crises, and the sheer audacity of building a 350-foot-tall temple in rural Bengal. Jananivasa isn’t just a bystander; he’s been in the trenches, helping turn Prabhupada’s vision into reality. His talks, like the one from 2013 on the TOVP website, are gold mines of history, humor, and heart.

A Personal Connection to Jananivasa’s Story

I’ll let you in on something. The first time I heard Jananivasa Prabhu speak, it was at a Mayapur festival a few years back. He was recounting how he and his brother joined ISKCON, leaving behind a “normal” life for a path of devotion. His voice cracked when he mentioned Pankajanghri, and I felt a lump in my throat. It wasn’t just a speech—it was a window into a life lived for something bigger. That’s when I knew the TOVP wasn’t just a building; it was a family affair, woven with love and sacrifice.

Jananivasa Prabhu on the TOVP

Let’s rewind to March 1972. Jananivasa Prabhu was there when Srila Prabhupada held the first Gaura Purnima festival in Mayapur. The scene? A simple pandal (tent), small Radha-Madhava deities brought from Calcutta, and a hole dug 15-20 feet deep for the TOVP’s foundation. Prabhupada himself performed the ceremony, installing a deity of Ananta Sesha, the divine serpent who supports the universe. Talk about starting with a bang!

Jananivasa describes this moment with a twinkle in his eye, like he’s reliving it. He talks about Prabhupada climbing into that hole, surrounded by his godbrothers, performing a fire sacrifice while devotees chanted. It’s like a scene from an epic movie—except it’s real, and it’s the birth of a temple that’ll soon dwarf the Taj Mahal.

By the way, Jananivasa doesn’t shy away from the drama. He mentions how, in 1977, someone stole the Ananta Sesha deity from a second foundation site. Prabhupada’s response? “There will be difficulties.” No sugarcoating, just faith that Krishna would sort it out. And guess what? He did.

The Vision That Started It All

Jananivasa emphasizes that the TOVP was Prabhupada’s brainchild, inspired by Lord Nityananda’s 500-year-old prophecy of an “adbhuta mandira” (wonderful temple) in Mayapur. Prabhupada wanted a Vedic planetarium to showcase the universe as described in the *Srimad Bhagavatam*—not just to wow people, but to spark curiosity about life’s big questions. Jananivasa puts it like this: it’s a temple that invites you to “look up at the stars and see Krishna’s handiwork.”

Think of it as a cosmic classroom. The TOVP’s 300-foot Cosmic Chandelier, planetarium wing, and exhibits will bring Vedic cosmology to life, showing how planets, spiritual realms, and divine intelligence fit together. It’s like a spiritual version of a NASA exhibit, but with way more soul.

The Challenges: Not All Smooth Sailing

Let’s be real—building the world’s largest Vedic temple isn’t like slapping together a IKEA bookshelf. Jananivasa doesn’t gloss over the hurdles. From the get-go, there were skeptics. Some devotees thought Prabhupada was nuts for wanting a planetarium in a village with spotty electricity. Others worried about funds—$100 million is no pocket change.

Jananivasa shares a story from 1977, when Prabhupada was too sick to attend a second foundation ceremony. Devotees laid a cornerstone a kilometer from the original site, but that Ananta Sesha theft? It was a gut punch. Jananivasa says Prabhupada saw it as a sign of challenges ahead, but he never wavered. “Build it,” he said, trusting Krishna would pave the way.

Fast-forward to the 21st century, and the struggles continued. The 2020 pandemic delayed construction, pushing the opening from 2024 to 2026. Jananivasa, with his trademark humor, compares it to “herding cats while riding a unicycle.” But he’s quick to add that every setback has been a setup for a comeback, thanks to devotees’ grit and donors’ generosity.

A Volunteer’s Tale

During my last trip to Mayapur, I met a volunteer who’d been inspired by Jananivasa’s talks. She was a graphic designer from Mumbai, donating her skills to create TOVP exhibits. “Jananivasa Prabhu makes you feel like you’re part of history,” she told me, her hands covered in paint. That’s the magic of his storytelling—it turns a daunting project into a shared mission, like we’re all building a spaceship to Krishna together.

Jananivasa on the TOVP’s Cosmic Mission

Okay, let’s get to the heart of Jananivasa’s message: the TOVP isn’t just bricks and marble—it’s a flood of love. He quotes Prabhupada’s *Sri Caitanya-caritamrita* purport: “In Sridham Mayapur, there is sometimes a great flood after the rainy season. This is an indication that from the birthplace of Lord Caitanya, the inundation of love of Godhead should be spread all over the world.” Heavy stuff, right?

Jananivasa explains that the TOVP is designed to make that flood happen. Its planetarium will show the Vedic universe—think Mount Meru, planetary systems, and spiritual realms—through a 65-foot-wide, 210-foot-tall model hanging under the main dome. The goal? To make you go, “Whoa, maybe there’s more to life than Netflix and coffee.”

[](https://btg.krishna.com/when-a-lion-has-a-wing-the-grand-opening-of-the-tovp-nrisimhadeva-temple-in-mayapur/)

But it’s not just about dazzling visuals. Jananivasa says the TOVP is a hub for chanting Hare Krishna, the “main service” to Lord Caitanya. He sees it as a megaphone, broadcasting Krishna’s name to every town and village, fulfilling Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s prophecy. It’s like planting a seed that grows into a global forest of devotion.

Why This Matters to You

Let’s pause for a sec. You might be thinking, “Cool story, but I’m not a devotee. Why should I care?” Jananivasa has an answer: the TOVP is for everyone. Whether you’re a scientist curious about Vedic cosmology, a traveler chasing Instagram-worthy domes, or just someone searching for meaning, this temple welcomes you. It’s like a spiritual buffet—there’s something for every taste.

The TOVP Today: A Dream Taking Shape

Fast-forward to 2025, and the TOVP is no longer a pipe dream. Jananivasa proudly shares updates: the Nrsimhadeva wing opened in 2024, with a 37-foot-long deity chamber that’s pure eye candy. The main hall, set to house Radha-Madhava, Pancha Tattva, and 15 guru deities, is nearly done. And that Cosmic Chandelier? It’s ready to spin, showing the universe in all its Vedic glory.

[](https://btg.krishna.com/when-a-lion-has-a-wing-the-grand-opening-of-the-tovp-nrisimhadeva-temple-in-mayapur/)

Jananivasa loves talking about the scale. The TOVP spans 650,000 square feet, with a 350-foot dome inspired by the U.S. Capitol (Prabhupada’s idea, by the way). It’s bigger than St. Paul’s Cathedral and can hold 10,000 devotees per floor. Jananivasa jokes, “It’s so big, you might need a map to find the exit!”

[](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/temple-of-vedic-planetarium-all-you-need-to-know-about-worlds-largest-religious-monument/articleshow/93854424.cms?from=mdr)

But what gets him choked up is the devotion behind it. He mentions Ambarish Das (Alfred Ford), who’s donated over $30 million, and countless others giving what they can. “Every brick is a prayer,” Jananivasa says, and you can feel the weight of that love in his voice.

[](https://www.indianeagle.com/travelbeats/temple-of-vedic-planetarium-mayapur-bengal/)

A Mayapur Memory

I’ll never forget standing in the Nrsimhadeva wing last year, surrounded by marble and gold-leafed panels. A devotee next to me whispered, “Jananivasa Prabhu says this is where Prahlada’s faith meets Krishna’s protection.” It gave me goosebumps. The TOVP isn’t just architecture—it’s a story, and Jananivasa’s words bring it to life like a master painter splashing color on a canvas.

Jananivasa’s Call to Action

Here’s where Jananivasa gets fiery. He’s not just reminiscing—he’s rallying the troops. The TOVP needs $35 million to hit its 2026 deadline, and Jananivasa urges everyone to join the “Save Dharma” campaign. “Even a dollar helps,” he says, comparing it to adding a drop to an ocean of devotion.

He’s especially passionate about the youth. “This temple is for you,” he tells young devotees, encouraging them to volunteer, donate, or just visit. Jananivasa sees the TOVP as a legacy, not just for ISKCON but for the world. It’s like he’s handing us a torch and saying, “Run with it.”

By the way, Jananivasa’s practical side shines here. He mentions how the West Bengal government is building a ghat near the TOVP to boost tourism, a nod to the temple’s global pull. “Krishna’s making it happen,” he grins, and you can’t help but believe him.

The Global Ripple Effect

Jananivasa doesn’t just see the TOVP as a Mayapur landmark—it’s a game-changer. He predicts it’ll draw 24 million visitors a year, outshining even Angkor Wat. But it’s not about bragging rights. He believes the TOVP will spark a spiritual revolution, spreading Krishna consciousness like wildfire.

The planetarium wing, with its 300-seat theater and Vedic cosmology exhibits, will challenge modern science’s “it’s all random” narrative. Jananivasa loves this part, saying it’s like “inviting Einstein to a Vedic TED Talk.” Plus, the temple’s boosting Mayapur’s economy, creating jobs, and inspiring a spiritual city around it.

Here’s the cool part: the TOVP’s free entry means anyone can experience it, from curious tourists to devout pilgrims. Jananivasa calls it “Krishna’s open house,” and I can already imagine the crowds, cameras flashing, hearts opening.

FAQ: Your Questions About Jananivasa Prabhu and the TOVP

Final Thoughts: A Temple, a Story, a Legacy

Let’s wrap this up with some real talk. Jananivasa Prabhu’s stories about the TOVP aren’t just history lessons—they’re a call to join a cosmic adventure. From that dusty hole in 1972 to the gleaming domes of 2025, the TOVP is proof that faith, grit, and a little divine magic can move mountains. Or, in this case, build one.

My time in Mayapur, listening to Jananivasa and feeling the TOVP’s energy, left me changed. It’s not just a temple—it’s a reminder that we’re all part of something bigger, whether we chant Hare Krishna or not. I hope you’ll visit in 2026, or at least check out Jananivasa’s talks online. They’re like a warm hug from Krishna himself.

So, what’s your vibe? Inspired by Jananivasa’s stories, curious about the TOVP, or planning a Mayapur trip? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Also Read:-

• Srila Prabhupada’s Vision for the TOVP: A Cosmic Dream Come True