Udupi Krishna temple Swarna Gopura dedication today

Udupi: The 100-kg Swarna Gopura for the sanctum sanctorum of the famed Sri Krishna temple will be dedicated today (June 6). A grand “Brahma Kalashotsava” is scheduled to be held on June 9.

Sri Vidyadeeshatheertha Swamiji, the seer of Palimaru Matha had at the time of ascending the “Paryaya Peetha” vowed to dedicate a golden tower for the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Krishna temple.

Over 100 kg of gold, costing Rs 32 crore has been used for the golden gopura, in addition to 300 kg of copper and 900 kg of silver. An approximate 40 grammes of gold was required for each square feet of the 2,500 sqft sanctum sanctorum.

Thin sheets of silver have been gold-plated for this purpose. Artisans say that gold used in this form could be recovered. Experts from the National Institute of Technology-Karnataka, Surathkal, have certified the quality of the gold.

Devotees across the country have liberally donated gold for the project and names of those donors who have contributed a minimum of 1 sq ft gold has been engraved on the rear side of the gold and silver panels.

A team of skilled artisans led by Venkatesha Shet has crafted the tower in accordance with the architecture of the coastal area and on the lines of the golden tower of Lord Venkateshwara in Tirupati.