Mathura gets world's tallest Krishna temple

The foundation stone of a 212-meter (700-foot) high Krishna temple, reputedly the world's tallest, will be laid here March 16.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav will dedicate the temple coinciding with Holi festival.

Called Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir, the temple complex will be spread over 5.5 acres along the Chatikara road which connects Vrindavan with the Delhi-Agra national highway.

Vrindavan is also connected with the Yamuna Expressway. The temple structure, with 79 storeys, will be three times taller than Qutub Minar in Delhi.

Along with statues of Krishn-Radha, there will be statues on separate floors of Chaitnya Mahaprabhu and Sri Prabhupad, founder of the ISKCON movement.

The concept and design of the temple has been prepared by the Bangalore branch of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

An official said originally the temple was to be 300 metres tall but the design was revised. The temple is expected to cost Rs.400 crore.

"Once complete, pilgrims who reach the top floor will be able to see the Taj Mahal. Thousands of craftsmen and skilled workers will get jobs for the next few years."