The Temple of All Religions in Russia
The
Temple of All Religions is an architectural complex in the dacha settlement of
Staroye Arakchino, inside Kazan municipality in Russia. Tightly clustered on a
small plot of land, the complex consists of several cupolas, minarets and
spires representing the religious architecture of 12 major religions of the
world. There is a Christian cross, the Muslim crescent, the Star of David and
the Chinese dome. However, no ceremonies are performed inside because it is not
a functioning temple. The building is just a cultural center which also serves
as the residence of its owner – the local artist and philanthropist Ildar
Khanov, and his assistants who practice spiritual healing upon his willing
subjects.
Khanov
believed that all religions are equal, and the Temple of All Religions was his
way to bring them all under one roof. It was started in 1992 and is still under
construction. Khanov’ plan is to eventually build 16 cupolas corresponding to
the 16 major world religions. Unfortunately Ildar Khanov will not see its
completion for he passed away in February 2013.
A
graduate from Kazan Art School, Ildar Khanov was an eccentric individual who
claimed he met Jesus when he was just three years old. It was during the
difficult years of the Great Patriotic War and Khanov almost died of starvation
when Jesus saved him and showed him heaven and hell. It was then, according to
Ildar Khanov, he embarked on his journey as an artist and healer. Over the
forty years of his creative work, Khanov made over 70 sculptures and monumental
decorative pieces, as well as hundreds of paintings. Some of his best works
decorate Russian museums, as well as streets and squares of many cities in
Tatarstan. Khanov is also known for his efforts in the treatment of alcoholism,
drug addiction, and various other diseases. In fact, it’s his former and
current patients that help him to maintain and develop the Temple, either by
direct involvement in the construction work or through sponsorship.
The
Temple has become a popular landmark in the city of Kazan, which takes pride in
the peaceful combination of different cultures including Islamic Tatar,
Orthodox Russian, and others. The Temple is visited both by tourists and by
people seeking Khanov's healing touch.
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