Palace of Gold and City of God
5.10.2008
NEW VRINDABAN, Wv – After an hour and twenty some odd minutes of travel through the West Virginia wilderness I came across a little slice of heaven that defies the definition of this highly misunderstood state. I mean, when one thinks of West Virginia a few things come to mind. Mostly trailers, guns and second cousin marriages. West Virginia, like Jersey, really does get a bad rap…only West Virginia doesn’t require you to pay if you want to leave. And that’s why Jersey gets to keep its reign as the hole of America. But I digress, this entry isn’t about my loathing of the Jersey random payout tax, but one of the true surprises found in the rolling mountains of West Virginia.
The Palace of Gold and City of God is a great example of the diversity that can be found on these rolling country roads. It’s home to a group of Krsna devotees…well, not the palace but the grounds are home to a group Krsna devotees. The palace, built for Srila Prabhupada, is quite a site to behold. The exterior is an assortment of black and gold filigrees and carvings of all sorts of sacred animals including peacocks, elephants and two rockin’ green lions that guard the steps to the front door of the palace. I love those lions and have decided that I need a set for the home I will one day own. There are also some great little gazebos to rest your weary feet and take in the beautiful view of West Virginia wilderness.
The interior of the palace is equally as grand. Decked out in marble, hand made stained glass and gold leaf, it’s well worth the $6 to take a gander at the inside (you can wander the grounds and check out the exterior fo’ free) which was built by a bunch of hippies and a stack of “Do-It-Yourself” books. I’m serious people, the craftsmanship is amazing, some sort of higher power was guiding their hands.
Once your done checking out the palace there’s still a great deal to see on the grounds. There are lodgings for visitors and devotees and quite a bit to look at. There’s the temple where you can see statues that depict the many forms of Krsna and where the devotees pray. The constant sound of chanting is everywhere, and is surprisingly soothing. Like a soundtrack for your visit. Beyond the temple is a great big lake, with the sign that states “Swim at Your Own Risk: No Lifeguard on duty.” The lake offers many spots to sit and take a load off. Oh, and swans. The lake has a few swans that troll about. Including a giant one that doubles as a boat. It’s really quite remarkable…and not for general use. There’s a sign that clearly reads, “Please do not climb in boat. It is for Deities use only.” I wish I could see the boat in action, because it appears to have a propeller attached to a motor, thus giving the impression that it’s seaworthy and the Deity takes it out on occasion.
On the other side of the lake you’ll find a paddock where the albino peacock lives. There are a few other peacocks that stroll about. Yeah, I said peacocks. Strolling. In West Virginia. And then there’s the 30-foot statue of what I can only guess is Krsna and his brother. I say this because having taken a later tour of the Palace I got to meat a great girl named Mahalakshmi (she also goes as Meghan, but I’m guessing she’d rather be called Mahalakshmi) who gave me a very basic crash course into her faith. They’re huge and give off an entrance to kiddyland vibe, so I loved them immediately.
I had happened upon this little gem on festival day and I’ve got to tell you, I hadn’t expected the massive hordes of people. I hate hordes of people (and festival days. Yes, I know I’m missing an experience, but I really hate large crowds). I kinda wish I had come either last weekend or next weekend so it wouldn’t be as crazy and I could wander about a little more freely, but it was a nice trip nonetheless. Mahalakshmi invited me to stay, there was going to be entertainment and food and a service and what not, but as I said, not a fan of festivals. I picked up a book on the Krsna faith and have the email address of my new Krsna friend should I have any questions. Will I become a Krsna? Outlook doubtful, the gift of faith is not mine.
So I got back into the car for the return trip through the misty mountains and saw the all too familiar trailers and pickups that have helped to define West Virginia’s image.
And what’s in store for next week? Well between the billboards for firearms and fast-food restaurants I saw billboards for the toy and train museum as well as the trolley museum, so it’s probably going to be an equally cultural adventure.
