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'''Maharishi Vedic City''' is a city in [[Jefferson County, Iowa|Jefferson County]], [[Iowa]], [[United States]]. The city was first incorporated in 2001 as Vedic City but then officially changed the name to Maharishi Vedic City five months later. The [[United States Census Bureau|Census Bureau's]] 2006 estimates listed the city's population as 222 people.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/files/SUB-EST2006_19.csv | title = Subcounty population estimates: Iowa 2000-2006| format = [[comma-separated values|CSV]] | publisher = [[United States Census Bureau]], Population Division | date = [[2007-06-28]] | accessdate = 2008-05-28}}</ref> Maharishi Vedic City is Iowa's newest city. The architectural design of the buildings in the city is based on [[Maharishi Mahesh Yogi|Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's]], [[Maharishi Sthapatya Veda]]<ref>http://www.maharishivediccity.com/</ref> . Maharishi Mahesh Yogi developed [[Transcendental Meditation]].
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa
|settlement_type = [[City]]
|nickname =
|motto =

<!-- Images -->
|image_skyline = Homes in MVC, Iowa.JPG
|imagesize = 250px
|image_caption = Homes in Maharishi Vedic City
|image_flag =
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<!-- Maps -->
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<!-- Location -->
|subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name = {{USA}}
|subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1 = {{flag|Iowa}}
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Iowa|County]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Jefferson County, Iowa|Jefferson]]
|government_footnotes =
|government_type =
|leader_title = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name = Rogers Badgett
|leader_title1 =
|leader_name1 =
|established_title =
|established_date = November 13, 2001

<!-- Area -->
|unit_pref = Imperial
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_19.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=March 16, 2022}}</ref>
|area_magnitude =
|area_total_km2 = 8.65
|area_land_km2 = 8.65
|area_water_km2 = 0.00
|area_total_sq_mi = 3.34
|area_land_sq_mi = 3.34
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.00

<!-- Population -->
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
|population_footnotes =
|population_total = 277
|population_density_km2 = 32.02
|population_density_sq_mi = 82.91
|timezone = [[North American Central Time Zone|Central (CST)]]
|utc_offset = -6
|timezone_DST = CDT
|utc_offset_DST = -5
|elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_ft = 791
|coordinates = {{coord|41|03|16|N|92|00|53|W|region:US-IA_type:city|display=inline,title}}

<!-- Area/postal codes & others -->
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]s
|postal_code = 52556
|area_code = [[Area code 641|641]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 19-48500
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 2395815<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2395815}}</ref>
|website = [http://www.maharishivediccity-iowa.gov www.maharishivediccity-iowa.gov]
|footnotes =
|pop_est_as_of =
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'''Maharishi Vedic City''' (MVC) is a city in [[Jefferson County, Iowa|Jefferson County]], [[Iowa]], United States. The population was 277 at the time of the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]].<ref name=cen2020>{{cite web |title=2020 Census State Redistricting Data |url=https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial/2020/data/01-Redistricting_File--PL_94-171/Iowa/ |website=census.gov |publisher=United states Census Bureau |access-date=12 August 2021}}</ref> The city was incorporated in 2001 as "Vedic City" but then officially changed its name to "Maharishi Vedic City" five months later. It was the first city to incorporate in Iowa since 1982.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news| url = https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A04E7DA1F31F934A25757C0A9679C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=printl| title = In Many Ways, a New Iowa Town Looks to East| author = Jennifer 8 Lee| author-link = Jennifer 8 Lee| work = [[The New York Times]]| date = April 17, 2001| access-date = 2007-06-25}}</ref> Maharishi Vedic City consists of approximately one square mile, located about four miles north of [[Fairfield, Iowa|Fairfield]], the home of [[Maharishi University of Management]].<ref name=Lee/>

The city plan and buildings are based on Maharishi Sthapatya Veda,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20020803163047/http://www.maharishivediccity.com/ Main Page] of Maharishi Vedic City web cite</ref><ref name="americanwaymag.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.americanwaymag.com/maharishi-university-of-management-college-of-vedic-medicine-mahesh-yogi-fairfield |work=American Way magazine |title=Home and Peace |first=William |last=Kissel |date=July 15, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905155324/http://www.americanwaymag.com/maharishi-university-of-management-college-of-vedic-medicine-mahesh-yogi-fairfield |archive-date=September 5, 2009 }}</ref> which is said to be an ancient system of architecture and design, revived by [[Maharishi Mahesh Yogi]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Rejuvenation for Maharishi Center; Lancaster center regroups around Ayurveda practice|first=Karen |last=Nugent|work=Telegram & Gazette|location=Worcester, Mass.|date=November 4, 2009|page=B.10}}</ref> Its goals are to "protect, nourish, and satisfy everyone, upholding the different social, cultural, and religious traditions while maintaining the integrity and progress of the city as a whole".<ref name=Res1>{{cite web|url=http://www.maharishivediccity-iowa.gov/council/resolutions/01.html|title=Resolution No. 1: To Adopt the Constitution of the Universe—Total Natural Law—as the Constitution of the City and Sanskrit as its Ideal Language|date=November 13, 2001|publisher=.maharishivediccity-iowa.gov}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
The concept of a "Vedic City" was conceived by the Maharishi,<ref name="americanwaymag.com"/> and a real estate developer and several others began to actualize the vision for a [[Vedas|Vedic]] town in 1991. {{Citation needed|date=June 2023}} The first resolution of the city council proclaimed the constitution of the city to be the same as "the Constitution of the Universe — Total Natural Law — RK Veda".<ref name=Res1/>
The idea for Maharishi Vedic City was conceived in [[1991]] by Chris Johnson, a real estate developer from [[San Francisco]].<ref name="NYT">{{cite news
| url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A04E7DA1F31F934A25757C0A9679C8B63&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=printl
| title = In Many Ways, a New Iowa Town Looks to East
| author = [[Jennifer 8 Lee]]
| publisher = [[The New York Times]]
| date = April 17, 2001
| accessdate = 2007-06-25}} </ref> This idea evolved into a working municipality centered on the principles and teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, including his views on architectural design. These views, part of [[Maharishi Vedic Science]], are said by the Maharishi to promote happiness and energy, and include having a gold-colored kalash on the roof of each building and having all structures face east.


Johnson and a dozen other followers of the Maharishi purchased 50 farms totaling 3,000 acres (12 km²), some 1,200 of which were designated for the town itself.<ref name="NYT"/> They laid out development in 10 circles ringing about one square mile, and paved roads, installed utilities from sewage to internet, and constructed buildings including two hotels, houses, office buildings, and a Vedic observatory with ancient astronomical instruments to orient the town within the cosmos.<ref name="NYT"/> Eventually a double golden dome in the center of the layout will serve as a venue for [[yogic flying]], similar to a facility already in use at the nearby university because residents believe that group practice of this technique "will create coherence for the whole country".<ref name="NYT"/> Financial and infrastructure needs led Maharishi Vedic City to seek formal approval as a city from the state, and after petitioning the Iowa City Development Board and holding a [[referendum]]<ref name="NYT"/>, it was incorporated as Iowa's newest city on July 21, 2001—the first in Iowa since 1982. The group expects to have a population of over 1,000 by 2010, chiefly made up of meditators already living in Fairfield.<ref name="NYT"/>
More than a dozen developers purchased 50 farms totaling {{convert|3,000|acre|km2}}, some 1,200 of which were designated for the town itself.<ref name="NYT"/> Together, they planned a city arranged in ten circles totaling about one square mile, along with paved roads, utilities, sewage and Internet. They then began the first phase of construction, which included two hotels, various houses and office buildings. After one year, 46 structures had been built and more than $35 million spent on development.<ref>{{cite news|work=Ottumwa Courier|date=July 29, 2002|first2=Jo Ann|last2=Gesner|title=Its first year behind it, Vedic City sets lofty goals|first1=Jean|last1=Greco}}</ref> Financial and infrastructure needs led the developers to seek formal designation as a city from the state, and after petitioning the Iowa City Development Board and holding a [[referendum]],<ref name="NYT"/> it was incorporated as Iowa's newest city on July 25, 2001 — the first in Iowa since 1982.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sos.iowa.gov/business/pdf/IncCities.pdf|title=List of Incorporated Cities|date=March 16, 2013|publisher=Iowa Secretary of State|access-date=August 4, 2013}}</ref> Planners expected the city to have a population of over 1,000 by 2010, many of them transplants from nearby [[Fairfield, Iowa|Fairfield]].<ref name="NYT"/> In the early stages of development, Vedic City set aside 50 acres as land for conservation and preservation. This acreage was then transformed from farmers' fields to native prairies, wetlands and forest.<ref name="detoursmagazine.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.detoursmagazine.com/component/content/article/55-destinations/161-vedic-city-rises-above |title=Vedic City Rises Above |access-date=2010-08-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123225701/http://www.detoursmagazine.com/component/content/article/55-destinations/161-vedic-city-rises-above |archive-date=2011-01-23 }} Vedic City Rises Above, Jessica Rapp, Winter 2010</ref>


In 2002, a building known as "The Mansion" became a headquarters for the [[Global Country of World Peace]] (GCWP).<ref>[http://www.vediccity.net/capital/ Official Web Site] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724120938/http://www.vediccity.net/capital/ |date=2011-07-24 }}</ref> The Mayor of MVC is Rogers Badgett.
[[Sanskrit]] has been named the city's "ideal language," although other languages are used. In November [[2001]], the city's name was expanded to Maharishi Vedic City. In November [[2002]], the [[city council]] passed an [[local ordinance|ordinance]] banning the sale of non-[[organic production|organic]] food. The city council voted to ban the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers within the city limits in April 2005, becoming the first all-organic city in the country. As of 2003, the city began offering tours to the public.<ref name="DMR">{{cite news

| url = http://desmoinesregister.com/life/stories/c2224444/21999670.html
According to city officials in 2004, "more than $200 million of venture capital had been invested in Fairfield and Vedic City companies during the past 13 years".<ref name=Lyderson>{{cite news|date=August 10, 2004 |title=Southeast Iowa becomes a Mecca for meditation |first=Kari |last=Lydersen |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002001151_iowa10.html |work=Seattle Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208022643/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002001151_iowa10.html |archive-date=December 8, 2008 }}</ref> By 2006, the city consisted of more than 200 buildings.<ref name=Lee>{{cite news|title=Om on the Grange: They're Seriously Meditating In Fairfield, Iowa|first=Gary |last=Lee|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=November 12, 2006|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/10/AR2006111000463.html}}</ref>
| title = Vedic City opens its doors for tours

| author = Ellen Heath
In October 2011,<ref>{{cite web |title= Oprah Meditates With 400 Women In Iowa |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/23/oprah-meditates-iowa_n_1027114.html |date=2011-10-22 |publisher=[[Huffington Post]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=What Oprah Knows for Sure About Finding the Fullest Expression of Yourself|author=Oprah Winfrey|author-link=Oprah Winfrey|url=http://www.oprah.com/health/Oprah-on-Stillness-and-Meditation-Oprah-Visits-Fairfield-Iowa |date=February 2012 |publisher=[[O, The Oprah Magazine]] }}</ref> a television show titled "America's Most Unusual Town" aired on the [[Oprah Winfrey Network]] on March 25, 2012, and featured Winfrey's visit to Fairfield and Maharishi Vedic City.<ref>[http://www.oprah.com/own-oprahs-next-chapter/oprahs-next-chapter.html Sundays at 9/8c on OWN] #Nextchapter, Retrieved 27 March 2012</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20120724021943/http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012303240007 "Fairfield's fame levitates after Oprah's meditation"] Des Moines Register, March 24, 2012</ref>
| publisher = [[Des Moines Register]]

| date = [[August 17]] [[2003]]
==Organic economy==
| accessdate = 2007-03-05}}</ref>
In November 2002, the [[city council]] passed an [[local ordinance|ordinance]] banning the sale of non-[[organic production|organic]] food within its borders.<ref name=Berman>{{cite news|work=ABC News|title=Transcendental Meditation Thrives in Iowa|first1=John|last1=Berman|first2=Maggie|last2=Burbank|date=January 8, 2010|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/transcendental-meditation-vedic-city-iowa/story?id=9218475}}</ref>

In 2003, the city began offering tours to the public and has several thousand visitors per year.<ref name=Lee/><ref name="DMR">{{cite news| url = http://desmoinesregister.com/life/stories/c2224444/21999670.html| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130122043402/http://desmoinesregister.com/life/stories/c2224444/21999670.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = January 22, 2013| title = Vedic City opens its doors for tours| author = Ellen Heath| publisher = [[Des Moines Register]]| date = August 17, 2003| access-date = 2007-03-05}}</ref> The city has an organic farm and sells produce to retail outlets such as the [[Whole Foods Market]].<ref name=Lyderson/> Maharishi Vedic City, and the nearby town of Fairfield, "receive federal grants from agencies including the Departments of Energy and Agriculture for developing renewable energy sources" and recycling programs.<ref name=Lyderson/>

The city council voted to ban the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers within the city limits in April 2005, becoming the first all-organic city in the country.<ref name=Lee/>


==Geography==
==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|3.36|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, all land.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=2012-05-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061959/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=2012-01-25 }}</ref>
Maharishi Vedic City is located approximately two miles north of [[Fairfield, Iowa|Fairfield]], the home of [[Maharishi University of Management]].


===ZIP codes===
==Demographics==
{{Historical populations
All addresses in Maharishi Vedic City fall under the 52556 [[ZIP code]].
|title= Historical populations
|type= USA
|align= right
|2010|259
|2020|277
|source={{center|U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref><ref name=cen2020/>}}|footnote=Source:{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|title=U.S. Census website|access-date=2020-03-28}} and [http://data.iowadatacenter.org/datatables/PlacesAll/plpopulation18502000.pdf Iowa Data Center]
}}

The [[Census Bureau]] has since done a recount for the 2010 census.<ref>https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/notes/cqr-IA-gu.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>

As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=2012-05-11}}</ref> of 2010, there were 259 people, 142 households, and 48 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|77.1|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 174 housing units at an average density of {{convert|51.8|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 95.0% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.3% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 1.5% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], and 1.2% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.9% of the population.

There were 142 households, out of which 2.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.3% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 2.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 66.2% were non-families. 47.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.74 and the average family size was 2.33.

The median age in the city was 57.8 years. 2.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 12.3% were from 25 to 44; 69.1% were from 45 to 64; and 10.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

== Features ==

Maharishi Vedic City utilizes a system of building called Maharishi Sthapatya Veda design architecture.<ref name="americanwaymag.com"/> This ancient [[India]]n system of architecture and city planning is said to promote happiness, peace and prosperity for its occupants.<ref name=Lee/><ref name="americanwaymag.com"/> In Maharishi Sthapatya Veda, all structures are built according to precise Vedic proportions, with rooms placed according to the movement of the sun and entrances that face due east.<ref name=Lee/><ref name="americanwaymag.com"/> In addition, each building includes an interior, silent core called a "brahmasthan", a perimeter boundary called a "vastu fence" and a gold-colored roof fixture called a "kalash".<ref>{{cite news|work=House King Magazine|date=April 2006|title=Vedic Architecture|first=Lillian Delgado|last=de Veechlarell}}</ref><ref name=AAAmag>{{cite news|work=AAA Magazine |date=July 2005 |title=Spotlight: Maharishi Vedic City |first=Linda |last=Egenes |url=http://www.autoclubgroup.com/mnia/travel/aaaliving/article.aspx?articleId=226&zip=52556 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060510192339/http://www.autoclubgroup.com/mnia/travel/aaaliving/article.aspx?articleId=226&zip=52556 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2006-05-10 }}</ref>

[[File:MaharishiVedicObservatory.JPG|thumb|175px|left|Instruments at the Vedic Observatory.]]

One of the unique features of the city is an outdoor Vedic Observatory consisting of ten six-feet-tall, white, concrete-and-marble astronomical instruments arranged in a circle.<ref name=AAAmag/> According to the Observatory developer, Tim Fitz-Randolph, each instrument is precisely aligned with the sun, moon and stars, and could be used to calculate their actual movements and has the potential to create inner happiness and balance in the physiology.<ref name="NYT"/><ref name=AAAmag/>

The city also owns and operates a {{convert|160|acre|km2|adj=on}} organic farm which includes a {{convert|1.2|acre|m2|adj=on}} greenhouse. A wind turbine operates the green houses and was paid for in part by a USDA renewable energy grant.<ref name="detoursmagazine.com"/> The farm distributes its "50 varieties of fruits and vegetables" locally as well as to restaurants in [[Iowa City]], [[Des Moines]] and Chicago. The city has plans to expand the greenhouses to {{convert|70|acre|m2}}. The city does not have any streetlights or [[utility poles]] and its master plan includes only electric cars within the city limits. The city council has voted to provide its residents with "off-grid power" from wind and solar generated power.<ref name=AAAmag/>
[[Image:RukmapuraParkHotelVedicCityIowaUSA.jpg|thumb|250px|Rukmapura Park Hotel, Maharishi Vedic City]]
A Maharishi Ayur-Veda Spa Center and Hotel called "The Raj" is located in MVC on a {{convert|100|acre|km2|adj=on}} estate with gardens, lakes and nature trails. It offers a variety of treatments in accordance with the [[Maharishi Vedic Approach to Health]]. The city also features the Rukmapura Park Hotel, a "25-room wood structure in the tradition of European country inns".<ref name="NYT"/><ref name=AAAmag/>

The 2001 master plan includes two domes in the center of the city to serve as a venue for group practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique and the [[TM-Sidhi program]], including [[Yogic Flying]]. Residents subscribe to the theory and research that group practice of this technique "will create coherence for the whole country".<ref name="NYT"/> In 2006, a ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' reporter wrote that the city "displays all the architectural characteristics of a new exurban development: gaudy, over sized construction that has no stylistic relation to its environment."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-tr-vedic10sep10?page=1|last=Chocano|first=Carina|title=Meditation comes with creature comforts at Iowa's Maharishi University|work=Los Angeles Times|date=September 10, 2006}}</ref> A 2010 article reported that city officials were working with [[Tom Doak]] on the construction of a public golf course.<ref>{{cite news|title=Vedic City golf course development continues: At this point, the earliest the first nine holes could open is in the spring of 2012|first=LACEY |last=JACOBS|work=Fairfield Ledger|date=August 9, 2010|url=http://goldentrianglenewspapers.com/articles/2010/08/09/fairfield_daily_ledger/top_stories/doc4c606f7461bc1307289433.txt}}</ref>


==Government==
==Government==
The city has a commitment to balance, [[natural law]], and the principles of the [[Vedas]], which are the [[Hindu texts|ancient sacred scriptures]] of [[Hinduism]] written in [[Sanskrit]].<ref name=Berman/> Maharishi Vedic City is administered by a five-person city council.<ref>[http://www.vediccity.net/council/members.html City Council Members] at Maharishi Vedic City Official Web Site</ref> Sanskrit has been named the city's "ideal language", although English and other common languages are also used.
Maharishi Vedic City is administered by a five-person city council and a [[mayor]]. Few laws or ordinances exist, citing [[natural law]] as the governing principle of the city. The current mayor is Bob Wynne.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
<references/>

==Further reading==
*{{cite news|title=Vedic City, USA |issue=3 |date=March 2009 |pages=82–93 |first=Cody |last=Montgomery |work=In*Tandem |url=http://www.intandemmagazine.com/archive/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022105751/http://www.intandemmagazine.com/archive/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-10-22 }}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons}}<!-- for current and future use if material is uploaded -->
*[http://maharishivediccity.net City website]
{{Portal|Iowa}}
*[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002001151_iowa10.html Seattle Times, "Southeast Iowa becomes a Mecca for meditation"]
*[http://www.intandemmagazine.com In*Tandem Magazine, "Vedic City, USA"]
*[http://www.maharishivediccity-iowa.gov City website]
*{{geolinks-US-hoodscale|41.050732|-91.993976}}


{{Transcendental Meditation}}
{{Jefferson County, Iowa}}
{{Jefferson County, Iowa}}
{{Transcendental Meditation}}


{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Jefferson County, Iowa]]
[[Category:Cities in Iowa]]
[[Category:Transcendental Meditation settlements]]


[[io:Vedic City, Iowa]]
[[Category:Cities in Jefferson County, Iowa]]
[[ht:Vedic City, Iowa]]
[[Category:Cities in Iowa]]
[[Category:Transcendental Meditation communities]]
[[vo:Maharishi Vedic City]]
[[Category:Transcendental Meditation]]
[[Category:2001 establishments in Iowa]]
[[Category:Planned communities in the United States]]

Revision as of 05:53, 29 December 2023

Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa
City
Homes in Maharishi Vedic City
Homes in Maharishi Vedic City
Map
Coordinates: 41°03′16″N 92°00′53″W / 41.05444°N 92.01472°W / 41.05444; -92.01472
Country United States
State Iowa
CountyJefferson
Government
 • MayorRogers Badgett
Area
[1]
 • Total3.34 sq mi (8.65 km2)
 • Land3.34 sq mi (8.65 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
[2]
791 ft (241 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total277
 • Density82.91/sq mi (32.02/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes
52556
Area code641
FIPS code19-48500
GNIS feature ID2395815[2]
Websitewww.maharishivediccity-iowa.gov

Maharishi Vedic City (MVC) is a city in Jefferson County, Iowa, United States. The population was 277 at the time of the 2020 census.[3] The city was incorporated in 2001 as "Vedic City" but then officially changed its name to "Maharishi Vedic City" five months later. It was the first city to incorporate in Iowa since 1982.[4] Maharishi Vedic City consists of approximately one square mile, located about four miles north of Fairfield, the home of Maharishi University of Management.[5]

The city plan and buildings are based on Maharishi Sthapatya Veda,[6][7] which is said to be an ancient system of architecture and design, revived by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.[8] Its goals are to "protect, nourish, and satisfy everyone, upholding the different social, cultural, and religious traditions while maintaining the integrity and progress of the city as a whole".[9]

History

The concept of a "Vedic City" was conceived by the Maharishi,[7] and a real estate developer and several others began to actualize the vision for a Vedic town in 1991. [citation needed] The first resolution of the city council proclaimed the constitution of the city to be the same as "the Constitution of the Universe — Total Natural Law — RK Veda".[9]

More than a dozen developers purchased 50 farms totaling 3,000 acres (12 km2), some 1,200 of which were designated for the town itself.[4] Together, they planned a city arranged in ten circles totaling about one square mile, along with paved roads, utilities, sewage and Internet. They then began the first phase of construction, which included two hotels, various houses and office buildings. After one year, 46 structures had been built and more than $35 million spent on development.[10] Financial and infrastructure needs led the developers to seek formal designation as a city from the state, and after petitioning the Iowa City Development Board and holding a referendum,[4] it was incorporated as Iowa's newest city on July 25, 2001 — the first in Iowa since 1982.[11] Planners expected the city to have a population of over 1,000 by 2010, many of them transplants from nearby Fairfield.[4] In the early stages of development, Vedic City set aside 50 acres as land for conservation and preservation. This acreage was then transformed from farmers' fields to native prairies, wetlands and forest.[12]

In 2002, a building known as "The Mansion" became a headquarters for the Global Country of World Peace (GCWP).[13] The Mayor of MVC is Rogers Badgett.

According to city officials in 2004, "more than $200 million of venture capital had been invested in Fairfield and Vedic City companies during the past 13 years".[14] By 2006, the city consisted of more than 200 buildings.[5]

In October 2011,[15][16] a television show titled "America's Most Unusual Town" aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network on March 25, 2012, and featured Winfrey's visit to Fairfield and Maharishi Vedic City.[17][18]

Organic economy

In November 2002, the city council passed an ordinance banning the sale of non-organic food within its borders.[19]

In 2003, the city began offering tours to the public and has several thousand visitors per year.[5][20] The city has an organic farm and sells produce to retail outlets such as the Whole Foods Market.[14] Maharishi Vedic City, and the nearby town of Fairfield, "receive federal grants from agencies including the Departments of Energy and Agriculture for developing renewable energy sources" and recycling programs.[14]

The city council voted to ban the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers within the city limits in April 2005, becoming the first all-organic city in the country.[5]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.36 square miles (8.70 km2), all land.[21]

Demographics

Historical populations
YearPop.±%
2010259—    
2020277+6.9%
Source:"U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 28, 2020. and Iowa Data Center
Source:
U.S. Decennial Census[22][3]

The Census Bureau has since done a recount for the 2010 census.[23]

As of the census[24] of 2010, there were 259 people, 142 households, and 48 families residing in the city. The population density was 77.1 inhabitants per square mile (29.8/km2). There were 174 housing units at an average density of 51.8 per square mile (20.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.0% White, 2.3% African American, 1.5% Asian, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.

There were 142 households, out of which 2.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.3% were married couples living together, 2.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 66.2% were non-families. 47.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.74 and the average family size was 2.33.

The median age in the city was 57.8 years. 2.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 12.3% were from 25 to 44; 69.1% were from 45 to 64; and 10.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

Features

Maharishi Vedic City utilizes a system of building called Maharishi Sthapatya Veda design architecture.[7] This ancient Indian system of architecture and city planning is said to promote happiness, peace and prosperity for its occupants.[5][7] In Maharishi Sthapatya Veda, all structures are built according to precise Vedic proportions, with rooms placed according to the movement of the sun and entrances that face due east.[5][7] In addition, each building includes an interior, silent core called a "brahmasthan", a perimeter boundary called a "vastu fence" and a gold-colored roof fixture called a "kalash".[25][26]

Instruments at the Vedic Observatory.

One of the unique features of the city is an outdoor Vedic Observatory consisting of ten six-feet-tall, white, concrete-and-marble astronomical instruments arranged in a circle.[26] According to the Observatory developer, Tim Fitz-Randolph, each instrument is precisely aligned with the sun, moon and stars, and could be used to calculate their actual movements and has the potential to create inner happiness and balance in the physiology.[4][26]

The city also owns and operates a 160-acre (0.65 km2) organic farm which includes a 1.2-acre (4,900 m2) greenhouse. A wind turbine operates the green houses and was paid for in part by a USDA renewable energy grant.[12] The farm distributes its "50 varieties of fruits and vegetables" locally as well as to restaurants in Iowa City, Des Moines and Chicago. The city has plans to expand the greenhouses to 70 acres (280,000 m2). The city does not have any streetlights or utility poles and its master plan includes only electric cars within the city limits. The city council has voted to provide its residents with "off-grid power" from wind and solar generated power.[26]

Rukmapura Park Hotel, Maharishi Vedic City

A Maharishi Ayur-Veda Spa Center and Hotel called "The Raj" is located in MVC on a 100-acre (0.40 km2) estate with gardens, lakes and nature trails. It offers a variety of treatments in accordance with the Maharishi Vedic Approach to Health. The city also features the Rukmapura Park Hotel, a "25-room wood structure in the tradition of European country inns".[4][26]

The 2001 master plan includes two domes in the center of the city to serve as a venue for group practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique and the TM-Sidhi program, including Yogic Flying. Residents subscribe to the theory and research that group practice of this technique "will create coherence for the whole country".[4] In 2006, a Los Angeles Times reporter wrote that the city "displays all the architectural characteristics of a new exurban development: gaudy, over sized construction that has no stylistic relation to its environment."[27] A 2010 article reported that city officials were working with Tom Doak on the construction of a public golf course.[28]

Government

The city has a commitment to balance, natural law, and the principles of the Vedas, which are the ancient sacred scriptures of Hinduism written in Sanskrit.[19] Maharishi Vedic City is administered by a five-person city council.[29] Sanskrit has been named the city's "ideal language", although English and other common languages are also used.

References

  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa
  3. ^ a b "2020 Census State Redistricting Data". census.gov. United states Census Bureau. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Jennifer 8 Lee (April 17, 2001). "In Many Ways, a New Iowa Town Looks to East". The New York Times. Retrieved June 25, 2007.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ a b c d e f Lee, Gary (November 12, 2006). "Om on the Grange: They're Seriously Meditating In Fairfield, Iowa". The Washington Post.
  6. ^ Main Page of Maharishi Vedic City web cite
  7. ^ a b c d e Kissel, William (July 15, 2005). "Home and Peace". American Way magazine. Archived from the original on September 5, 2009.
  8. ^ Nugent, Karen (November 4, 2009). "Rejuvenation for Maharishi Center; Lancaster center regroups around Ayurveda practice". Telegram & Gazette. Worcester, Mass. p. B.10.
  9. ^ a b "Resolution No. 1: To Adopt the Constitution of the Universe—Total Natural Law—as the Constitution of the City and Sanskrit as its Ideal Language". .maharishivediccity-iowa.gov. November 13, 2001.
  10. ^ Greco, Jean; Gesner, Jo Ann (July 29, 2002). "Its first year behind it, Vedic City sets lofty goals". Ottumwa Courier.
  11. ^ "List of Incorporated Cities" (PDF). Iowa Secretary of State. March 16, 2013. Retrieved August 4, 2013.
  12. ^ a b "Vedic City Rises Above". Archived from the original on January 23, 2011. Retrieved August 29, 2010. Vedic City Rises Above, Jessica Rapp, Winter 2010
  13. ^ Official Web Site Archived 2011-07-24 at the Wayback Machine
  14. ^ a b c Lydersen, Kari (August 10, 2004). "Southeast Iowa becomes a Mecca for meditation". Seattle Times. Archived from the original on December 8, 2008.
  15. ^ "Oprah Meditates With 400 Women In Iowa". Huffington Post. October 22, 2011.
  16. ^ Oprah Winfrey (February 2012). "What Oprah Knows for Sure About Finding the Fullest Expression of Yourself". O, The Oprah Magazine.
  17. ^ Sundays at 9/8c on OWN #Nextchapter, Retrieved 27 March 2012
  18. ^ "Fairfield's fame levitates after Oprah's meditation" Des Moines Register, March 24, 2012
  19. ^ a b Berman, John; Burbank, Maggie (January 8, 2010). "Transcendental Meditation Thrives in Iowa". ABC News.
  20. ^ Ellen Heath (August 17, 2003). "Vedic City opens its doors for tours". Des Moines Register. Archived from the original on January 22, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2007.
  21. ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
  22. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  23. ^ https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/notes/cqr-IA-gu.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  24. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
  25. ^ de Veechlarell, Lillian Delgado (April 2006). "Vedic Architecture". House King Magazine.
  26. ^ a b c d e Egenes, Linda (July 2005). "Spotlight: Maharishi Vedic City". AAA Magazine. Archived from the original on May 10, 2006.
  27. ^ Chocano, Carina (September 10, 2006). "Meditation comes with creature comforts at Iowa's Maharishi University". Los Angeles Times.
  28. ^ JACOBS, LACEY (August 9, 2010). "Vedic City golf course development continues: At this point, the earliest the first nine holes could open is in the spring of 2012". Fairfield Ledger.
  29. ^ City Council Members at Maharishi Vedic City Official Web Site

Further reading

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