The Palace of Gold, located in Moundsville, West Virginia, is a stunning pilgrimage site for followers of the Hindu faith. The temple complex, which is a full religious complex, ranks as one of the top eight religious wonders to see in the United States.
Known as New Vrindaban, the complex includes not only the Palace of Gold but a lotus pond, peacock house, shrines, Radha Krishna temple, palace lodge and restaurant among other sites. In fact, the Palace of Gold was not technically built as a temple but as lodging for Srila Prabhuapada, Founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The builders and designers wanted a residence fit for their beloved master and so the Palace of Gold unfolded before their eyes. The building was fashioned with all manner of beautiful materials including inlaid gems and shining stones, mosaics, stained glass, and of course an abundance of gold leaf. Srila Prabhuapada, however, sadly did not live to see his finished palace. Instead, the Palace of Gold turned into West Virginia's most popular tourist attraction, bringing in over 50,000 visitors every year.
Visitors to New Vrindaban can choose between day-trips to see the infamous Palace of Gold and short explorations of the complex or full retreats while staying at their own lodges. Visit the cows at the Goshalla, see where the complex grows all of their own produce in the New Vrindaban Gardens, or take a relaxing stroll around the Lotus Pond and bask in the natural beauty. Stop by the Gift Shop on the way out and support New Vrindaban by picking up a book, incense, traditional devotional clothes, and more.
