Work begins on tallest religious structure in the world

Construction has begun on what will be the world’s tallest religious skyscraper – a 213 metre Hindu temple in Uttar Pradesh, India.

This article was originally published by The Spaces, a digital publication exploring new ways to live and work.

Once completed, the earthquake-proof structure (called ‘Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir’) will cover more ground than St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and will be taller than Ulm Minster in Germany, which is currently the tallest church on Earth at 162 metres.

The building, designed by Indian practice InGenious Studio and structural consultant Thornton Tomasetti , will also include a theme park within its walls. It will comprise 70 stories in tiered formation towards the top.

In an article published by ‘The Spaces’, a digital publication exploring new ways to live and work, Project Director of the temple Narasimha Das said “Attractions planned in the theme park would be like park rides, animatronics, light, sound and special effects as well as the Vraja Mandal parikrama shows and laser shows.”

A capsule elevator will take visitors up to a viewing deck, where they can admire the 30 acre of forest surrounding the temple. The lift will also double up as a tourist attraction in itself, serving to take people through the planetary systems of the universe in sound and light.

Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir will be dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Sri Krishna – who, according to scripture, is said to have grown up in Vrindavan.

Social and residential facilities will also be built as part of the project, which will be sold off in order to help fund construction, along with donations from religious devotees.

Work is currently concentrated on the building’s impressively deep 55 metre foundations.