Every Krishna janmashtami, little 'kolams' (Rangoli) of Lord Krishna's feet are drawn leading into homes and shrines, in an invitation to the Divine Cowherd.

This year he will definitely not miss the beautiful temple complex being built by ISKON at a cost of Rs 20 crore.

The temple is nearing completion on the occasion of the birth centennial (1896-1996) of Bhaktivedanta Srila Prabhupada, founder, acharya of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

Speaking to presspersons who were taken around the temple complex, which is an architectural wonder, Project Director Madhu Pandit Dasa, who has designed the temple complex, said the temple which is 100 ft above ground level is in neo-classical style and harmoniously integrates the traditional styles with modern hi-tech architectural elements.

For instance, glazed glass especially imported from USA has been used. The concept of `structural glazing' is that only 10 per cent of the heat is generated even though glass has been used.

Ferro cement has also been used for the first time, Mr Madhu Pandit Dasa said. The main purpose is to achieve a blend of tradition and modernity so that "it attracts both the old and the young" he said.

Mr Madhu Pandit Dasa who is a B.Tech and M.Tech from IIT Mumbai, said the highlight of the sprawling temple complex on the 6.5 acre on which Rs 16 crore has already been spent, is the kalakshetra - open Air Amphi theatre having a seating capacity of 3000 visitors. This will be the venue for festivals such as Navarathri discourses, Ramanavami and Dussehra.

Another major attraction will be an air-conditioned multi-media theatre for which equipment worth Rs 16 lakh to 18 lakh has been donated by a person in Hong Kong. The theatre will screen multi-media shows incorporating the latest techniques like laser video disk projection systems, animatronics (Robotics), 18 computer synchronized multiple projector systems.

He said apart from this, the complex will have various facilities with a seating capacity varying from 800 to 1000 people for various purposes like distribution of prasad, performing religious rituals and even marriage ceremonies.

Besides a Pravachan Hall for lectures with a unique translation system, the temple will be adorned with a 23-feet tall goldplated 'kalash' (the highest in the country so far) and a 50 feet high `Dhwaja Stambha'.

The temple which is being built in granite, will also have a unique temple pond or pushkarani which will be consecrated with water from 1008 holy rivers of the country, Pandit Dasa said.

The 45-day centennial celebration will culminate with the inauguration of the temple complex on April 30 next year, he said.

Pandit Dasa said leaders of ISKCON from all over the world were gathering in Calcutta, the birth place of Srila Prabhupada on September 6 to participate in the Sahastra Tirtha Kalashabhishekam ceremony. Announcing the foundation of Bhaktivedanta swami centennial foundation on the occasion, Pandit Dasa said, it will have nominees from all prominent cities and towns of Karnataka who strive to uphold and rejuvenate vedic culture and propagate principles of Bhaktiyoga'.

During the first year, it will take up a project to identify old, historic, endangered temples in the State and implement a plan to restore and renovate them. Another project to be taken up later will be to educate youth on Indian culture and discipline and to teach techniques of self-control.

Apart from this, a programme to send trained youth to conduct spiritual awareness courses in schools and colleges is also on the anvil, he added.