Vaiyasaki Dasa: After weeks without a temple, Dayananda finally locates an empty church at 1975 South La Cienega Boulevard. Prabhupada is eager for a center in Los Angeles, and Dayananda is eager to show him the property and get his approval. Although it is just an old wooden church in dilapidated condition, Prabhupada’s eyes immediately light up, recognizing the possibilities for a temple. The building is set back about fifty feet from the street, with a center walkway and unkempt lawns and trees on either side. From the main entrance they enter a large chapel with a high-vaulted ceiling, large expansive windows, and a stage at the far end just perfect for an altar. A second equally large room, without the lofty ceiling, is suitable as a prasadam hall. There are other fairly substantial rooms, two offices, two bathrooms, and a decent kitchen.
Touring the premises with Dayananda, Prabhupada becomes convinced. “Yes. I want this for our temple.” The rent is $500 per month and may be too expensive for their present budget, but he is willing to take the risk and tells Dayananda to close the deal. There will be enough room to accommodate hundreds of guests as well as to house the devotees comfortably. The building is self-contained, so there won’t be any tenants complaining about loud kirtans. With minor modifications this will be ISKCON’s most impressive facility. Dayananda negotiates a lease agreement, bringing the rent down to $400 a month for the first year.
The different rooms are allocated and arranged to suit the purposes for which they are intended. Two larger rooms become the brahmacari and brahmacarini quarters, respectively. The three alcoves off the prasadam hall are converted into an art studio for Muralidhara, a sewing room for Silavati, and a work room for Srimati to make dolls and puppets. Nara-Narayana begins to craft a beautiful vyasasana, while a special room is prepared for Srila Prabhupada’s personal use. A beautiful sign is put up on the front lawn advertising the Sunday feast.
Reference: Radha Damodara Vilasa I – Vaiyasaki Dasa
