The beauty of the Krishna’s Lotus Temple is reflected in the plumage of the peacocks who roam the grounds. Called mayura in Sanskrit, during mating season (May through August) the males frequently display their extravagant tail feathers for all to see (but especially for any female peacocks within view).
The presence of peacocks among Lord Krishna's close associates in the spiritual world gives them a special place in the material world. Peacocks are precious to Krishna as pure evidence of the sublimely spiritual quality inherent within material beauty.
The name Krishna means “all-attractive.” What makes Him attractive to us are His qualities called the Six Opulences – fame, wealth, knowledge, strength, renunciation and beauty. He is the source of these qualities, and as the source of all beauty, for example, everything associated with Krishna must be beautiful.
The peacocks remind us that God both emanates and enjoys beauty. Krishna is always depicted as having a peacock feather in His crown.
The Temple has 12 multi-colored peacocks (Indian Blue Peafowl) and 1 pure white male, which is a mutation. All are regrowing their feathers after having moulted (shed their tail feathers) at the end of the summer. A new passel of tailfeathers grows out until next spring. 
When you visit the Animal Park at the Temple, there are a few rules around feeding the peacocks. Frst of all, never chase them as they are very shy birds. Stay several feet back from them.
Second, only feed them bird food, which we usually have available. Candy or scraps from the buffet are not their native diet. They prefer bugs, birdfood and anything else Vai interprets they need on a given day.
For group tours of the Temple and Animal Park, please call in advance (801 798 3559) to arrange a tour. Tour guides are available daily for groups & families to visit.
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