Palace of Gold

MOUNDSVILLE, WV - July 28, 2014

Who would believe this place is literally in the middle of no where in the hills of West Virginia? It is the most beautiful place I have ever seen in West Virginia. Prabhupada, who is the ISKCON founder, came to America with only $7, two sets of clothing, and the books he had written to sell. He began building a home for himself in the hills of Moundsville, WV in 1972. As it was being built, it began transforming into an Indian Palace all because of his followers that helped him build it. 

Hand carved wood and teak wood, cut marble, crystal, semi precious stones, sculptures, stained glass, and over 9 pounds of gold leaf were included in the intricate design of the residence.

Because of Prabhupada's humility, if he were still alive when the residence was completed he wouldn't have been able to bring himself to live in a place so rich in material things. 

Prabhupada died in 1977. Because he died before the completion of the palace, his followers continued to build and create a memorial for Prabhupada. 

The Palace is full of chandeliers, marble floors and walls, stained glass, hand carved wood, and hand painted ceilings and paintings. 
Inside, you are asked to take your shoes off out of respect and common courtesy of their culture.

As you get close to the rose garden you can smell the fragrance of the roses. There are so many different types of roses that it is unbelievable! I have seen several different rose gardens in my lifetime and this one tops all of them.

They have many roses of unique color and shapes. Some colors I have never seen on a rose. they care for their roses very well. The colors of the garden are absolutely gorgeous.

For some reason it surprised me to see a peacock walking on the side of the road. I think there are many more than just one. 

The beauty of The Palace of Gold makes you have so much appreciation for nature and beauty even created by man.