Most of West Virginia’s cities have some foreign influences, as many American cities do, but there is one place that is so unlike West Virginia, you may think you have stumbled into another country entirely.
New Vrindaban was founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, or Srila Prabhupada, as he is known to his followers.
Flickr/Jon Dawson Prabhupada, the creator of the “Hare Krishna” movement, had a dream to create a replica of Vrindavan, India, in America, to spread his teachings to the west.
In 1968, his dream came true when he established New Vrindaban, slightly changing the spelling of the city the new community was intended to emulate.
Facebook/New Vrindaban His ultimate vision of seven temples on seven hills, just like in Vrindavan, India, is still under way, but Prabhupada passed away before he can see this vision fulfilled. The second of the seven temples is currently under construction.
In 1973, Prabhupada’s followers decided to build a home for their worshipped leader.
Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold What was originally going to be a fairly modest home turned into what is known today as the Palace of Gold. Apparently, no blueprints were drawn up and none of the devotees who built the palace were experienced carpenters. Yet, somehow, through much trial and error, the palace was completed. Followers of Prabhupada and his teachings believe that the miraculous structure was divinely guided by Krishna, the Indian name for God.
Today, New Vrindaban is a spiritual community through which the teaching of both Krishna and Prabhupada are strong.
Facebook/New Vrindaban
The community also celebrates many festivals, holidays and parades that are observed in India.
Facebook/New Vrindaban
The community is populated by both Indian and non-Indian people. Regardless of their nationality, or the color of their skin, they all have a shared belief that binds them together spiritually.
Facebook/New Vrindaban
The members of the community follow the laws and tenets of Krishna. As such, they do not consume alcohol, drugs, or meat. To them, to consume those products would result in bad karma.
Facebook/New Vrindaban
Because of the community’s uniqueness in West Virginia, it is also open to tourists.
Facebook/New Vrindaban People who wish to visit New Vrindaban can stay at the Palace Lodge, the temple, or the cabins around the lake. Combined, the three locations have 62 rooms where guests may stay, from single accommodations to full suites.
As you tour the beautiful town will come across stained glass, murals, temples and statues.
Facebook/New Vrindaban
So, if you decide to visit New Vrindaban, be prepared for an experience unlike any other in West Virginia. The community is located In the northern panhandle, about 15 miles southeast of Wheeling.
Facebook/New Vrindaban
To learn more about New Vrindaban, check out their website here, and their Facebook page here.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Prabhupada, the creator of the “Hare Krishna” movement, had a dream to create a replica of Vrindavan, India, in America, to spread his teachings to the west.
Facebook/New Vrindaban
His ultimate vision of seven temples on seven hills, just like in Vrindavan, India, is still under way, but Prabhupada passed away before he can see this vision fulfilled. The second of the seven temples is currently under construction.
Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold
What was originally going to be a fairly modest home turned into what is known today as the Palace of Gold. Apparently, no blueprints were drawn up and none of the devotees who built the palace were experienced carpenters. Yet, somehow, through much trial and error, the palace was completed. Followers of Prabhupada and his teachings believe that the miraculous structure was divinely guided by Krishna, the Indian name for God.
People who wish to visit New Vrindaban can stay at the Palace Lodge, the temple, or the cabins around the lake. Combined, the three locations have 62 rooms where guests may stay, from single accommodations to full suites.
Have you ever been to New Vrindaban? Feel free to comment below and tell us about your visit.
New Vrindaban is not the only community that’s a little piece of a foreign country. Check out this one tiny town that is secretly the best place in West Virginia.
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