Letter to Mr. S. L. Dhani, November 14 1976
Subject: The Time of India Article of November 7, 1976 concerning your paper on the Puranic theory of evolution.
Dear Sir,
The above mentioned International Society for Krishna Consciousness has published within the last ten years English translations of the Bhagavad-Gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam (Maha Purana), Caitanya-Caritamrta, Sri Isopanisad and many other volumes of India’s most ancient Vedic cultural heritage, which are now translated into French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Italian, Chinese etc. and which are being purchased by the millions all over the world.
Now, here in India we are planning construction of a very large “Vedic Planetarium” or “Temple of Understanding”. Within the planetarium we will construct a huge, detailed model of the universe as described in the text of the fifth canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam. Within the planetarium the model will be studied by onlookers from different levels by use of escalators. Detailed information will be given on open verandas at the different levels by means of dioramas, charts, films, etc.
The planetarium is planned to be approxiamately 400 feet high and will have floor space of approximately 90,000 sq. ft. The model will depict: (from bottom to top)
1) The lower planetary system (pataladi-saptaloka)
2) The earthly system (bhu mandala) with Sumeru in center, seven islands (saptadvipa), seven oceans (sapta samudra), Manasottara Parvata, Lokaloka Parvata, Alokavarsa
3) The Bhuvarloka (Siddha-caranadi-loka)
4) The upper planetary system (Svarga loka) beginning from the Sun, showing with electrical apparatus both its horizontal and vertical rotations, Rahu, the Moon, the Naksatras, the other seven planets ending with Saturn (Saniscara), the Saptarisis, and Dhruva-loka with Ksiradakasayi Vishnu on the Ksiradaka ocean.
5) Maharloka
6) Janaloka
7) Tapoloka
8) Satyaloka
9) Garbhodakasayi Vishnu lying on the Sesanaga on the Garbhodaka ocean
10) The seven coverings of the universe
11) Sivaloka
12) Karanarnavasayi Vishnu lying on the Karana-samudra
13) Impersonal brahmajoyti
14) Vaikuntha-loka with the various Visnumurtis
15) Goloka Vrindavana
This model (approximately 200 feet high and 100 feet wide) will be engineered to suspend from the structure of the dome and rotate according to the real movement of the planets. The plans for this very large project are being taken solely from the references found in fifth canto Srimad-Bhagavatam and its authoritative commentaries by important acaryas, along with outher Puranas and Samhitas like Brahma-samhita etc.
As you can appreciate, the work involved in this project will be gigantic and the advice of many experts from all fields will be needed to make it come out successful. It will be a glorious exhibition of India’s Vedic culture that will attract visitors from all over the world. I am inquisitive to know how you can help us with this project, as I know you are an expert in the field of Puranic astronomy. Hoping to hear from you in the near future.
Faithfully yours,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Incidentally, I became the proud recipient of the latter dated 14 November written by Srila Prabhupada A C Bhaktivedant Swami, which appears to be the only one now available in the Archives concerned out of all the letters written by or to the revered Swami.
The said letter had been written by the Swami, with reference to an exclusive story appearing in Times of India. The story covered the details about the Manvantara Theory of Evolution of Universe, based on Indian Vedas and the Puranas, propounded by this author on 26 June, 1975.
The paper on the said theory had been presented by him in the first ever International Seminar organised by Indian national Academy, on invitation, in the first week of November, 1976, which had been inaugurated by Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister.
Earlier, I had been similarly presented my concerned findings in International Seminar on Theosophy and Science, organised by by World Theosophical Society at its international headquarters.