r For part two of our series on religious buildings in south Utah County, we visit the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple, just south of Spanish Fork. Built in 1998, the temple was recently named by the Explore Utah Valley campaign as third on the list of top tourist destinations in Utah County.
The temple climbs up unexpectedly in the midst of this rural area of farmland, an exotic surprise that has caused many a motorist a second glance.
The impressive, domed exterior was built to echo many of the temples that can be found in the Rajasthan region of India. Fifty feet tall, the temple has thirteen domes and 108 spires. The many arches give a feeling of tranquility.
Upon entry into the temple, which seems smaller inside than it looks from the outside, there is a gift shop, restaurant, and an area for palm readings.
The second floor is where one can worship. With floors and statues of deities made from marble, the detail found here is both magnificent and peaceful.
The Holi Festival of Colors is held every year at the end of March to celebrate the beginning of spring and the rebirth this season brings. It is the largest celebration of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Pigmented powders imported from India are thrown, live bands perform, and the Festival is open to people of all ages and religions.
Caru Das first traveled to Utah County in the 1970s and enjoyed the open and accepting atmosphere he found. Many years later, he relocated here and in the mid-1990s, broke ground on the temple.
Das has been instrumental in bringing an awareness of Hinduism to not only our area, but throughout the region. A second Krishna temple is currently being constructed in Salt Lake City and is slated for completion in the next couple of months.
The temple offers free yoga classes many evenings throughout the week. Llamas, peacocks and other animals can also be enjoyed. The temple offers tours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
