If you’ve lived in Southern Utah County and have driven through Spanish Fork or Salem, chances are you’ve seen a large white, domed building that looks as though it belongs in another place or time. The delicate arches and gold trim looks like something straight out of the book “Arabian Nights” or a photo of Bangladesh.This beautiful building is, in fact the Radha Krishna Temple, more commonly called The Lotus Temple and has stood proudly on a hill near the border of Spanish Fork and Salem for 25 years.
On the morning of Friday, June 27, however, temple operator Charu Das awoke to the sound of sharp “pops.” Upon assessing the situation, he found that bullets had struck the temple, breaking at least one window.
Though disappointed, Das said he chalked it up to some young people playing games, and started the process of figuring out repair needs and costs. The very next morning, another volley of shots went off striking the temple with several bullets making their way inside the temple in the worship area.
A dark, blue pickup truck was spotted fleeing the scene, and police were called to investigate. Several months after the incidents, police have still not been able to find who was responsible for the acts of vandalism.
In an act of support for the temple, many stepped in and raised funds for repairs. Das said that he now has been able to see what happened as a blessing.
“When we originally built the temple, we cut a few corners,” he said. “It’s better than new now.”
The community rallied around the local treasure and raised the necessary $12,000 needed to repair the damage and complete the necessary updates to the structure. The arched windows have been upgraded to bullet resistant glass to increase the overall durability and safety of the building.
With repairs nearly complete, Das said he’s looking forward to giving back to those who helped them in their time of need and excited about serving the community at his temple.
“We’re planning an event to thank everyone who helped us.” Das said, adding that he’s excited for the community to come and see their newly renovated temple inside and out.
In the coming months, there will be another event that will likely bring thousands to experience the temple, and it’s one of the Radha Krishna Temple’s most sacred events: The Festival of Colors.
This event is widely known as the largest Holi celebration in the Western Hemisphere, and it attracts people from all over the world. And on March 28-29, thousands of people are invited to celebrate.
The Radha Krishna Temple is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. There is a gift shop on site offering a variety of gifts from India and around the world. The temple even offers a donation-based vegetarian buffet from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A variety of animals also live on the grounds around the temple including peacocks, llamas, parrots and more.
The temple is located at 311 West 8500 South in Spanish Fork. To schedule a group tour, a photography session, or have more questions about the Lotus Krishna Temple, call 801-798-3559 or visit utahkrishnas.org.
