Krishna Temple Thrives in Mormon Heartland
By Deepa Bharath
SPANISH FORK, Utah (AP)—Charu Das and his wife, Vaibhavi Devi, found their calling in rural Utah County over four decades ago. In 1980, they purchased a modest radio station, driven by their vision to broadcast the teachings of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement.
Today, their 15-acre campus houses the stunning Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple, a 10,000-square-foot structure showcasing traditional northern Indian architecture against the scenic backdrop of the Wasatch Mountain Range. Initially starting with Sunday services in a log house, the couple expanded the property into a vibrant community hub, despite being surrounded by predominantly Latter-day Saints.
Their annual Festival of Colors, celebrating spring, attracts thousands, featuring vibrant color throws and spiritual music, with Das often performing rap versions of the Bhagavad Gita. As a testament to their interfaith endeavors, local Latter-day Saints youth, guided by Monica Ringger Bambrough, participate in service days at the temple, promoting understanding across faiths.
The couple remains dedicated to nurturing connections through faith and modern media, as Das experiments with AI in music, blending tradition with contemporary culture in their outreach.
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