A Temple That is Not a Temple
The Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Museum in Kolkata
Keywords:
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Museum, Kolkata, Gaudiya Mission, Religious Space, Urban Development, Museum Studies, Bhakti, Hindu Temples, Cultural Heritage, Public ReceptionAbstract
The abstract highlights the Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Museum in Kolkata as a unique example of religious space in urban India, blending educational and devotional missions. The authors analyze the museum's genesis, from its initial conception as a memorial to Bhaktivinoda Thakur to its broader focus on Chaitanya and strategic relocation to Kolkata. They detail the architectural design, funding sources—including significant state and corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions—and the diverse exhibits covering Chaitanya's life and the post-Chaitanya era, including artifacts and interactive multimedia. The article further explores the museum's impact, noting positive public and media reception, and discusses how it navigates the complex relationship between secular museum spaces and religious practices, providing a "sanitized Hinduism" that caters to modern urban sensibilities while maintaining a devotional essence.
