By Elisha Pulivarti
Maharishi Vedic City (MVC), a small but distinctive municipality in Jefferson County, Iowa, stands out as one of the most unusual planned communities in the United States. Located about four miles north of Fairfield—home to Maharishi University of Management—the city blends modern infrastructure with principles drawn from ancient Vedic traditions.
Originally established as “Vedic City,” the community was incorporated on July 25, 2001, becoming Iowa’s newest city since 1982. Its city plan, architecture, and governance are inspired by Maharishi Sthapatya Veda, a system of design and planning revived by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and described by its proponents as an ancient science of harmonious living.
Origins and Development
The idea of a “Vedic City” was conceived by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, with efforts to bring the vision to life beginning in 1991. A group of developers purchased approximately 50 farms totaling 3,000 acres, designating about 1,200 acres for the city itself. Plans called for a circular layout spanning roughly one square mile, complete with paved roads, utilities, sewage systems, and internet connectivity.
Construction progressed rapidly. Within the first year, 46 structures—including homes, office buildings, and two hotels—were completed, with more than $35 million invested. By 2004, city officials reported that over $200 million in venture capital had flowed into Fairfield and Vedic City-related enterprises over a 13-year period, and the city had grown to more than 200 buildings.
One of the city council’s earliest resolutions declared its constitution to align with what it described as the “Constitution of the Universe—Total Natural Law, RK Veda,” underscoring the philosophical foundations guiding the city’s development.
Governance and Institutions
Maharishi Vedic City operates under a mayor–council form of government. The current mayor is Rogers Badgett. In 2002, a prominent building known as “The Mansion” became the headquarters of the Global Country of World Peace (GCWP), an organization associated with Maharishi’s global peace initiatives.
The city emphasizes governance rooted in balance, natural law, and principles derived from the Vedas, the ancient sacred scriptures of Hinduism written in Sanskrit. While English and other common languages are used in daily life, Sanskrit has been designated the city’s ideal language.
Organic Economy and Sustainability
MVC gained national attention in November 2002 when its city council passed an ordinance banning the sale of non-organic food within city limits, making it the first all-organic city in the United States.
The city owns and operates a 160-acre organic farm, which includes a 1.2-acre greenhouse. The farm produces around 50 varieties of fruits and vegetables, supplying local residents as well as restaurants and markets in Iowa City, Des Moines, and Chicago. Some of its produce is sold through retail outlets such as Whole Foods Market.
Another distinctive feature is the outdoor Vedic Observatory, a circular arrangement of ten white concrete-and-marble astronomical instruments, each standing about six feet tall, designed according to traditional Vedic astronomical concepts.
Culture, Practices, and Architecture
Daily life in Maharishi Vedic City reflects its spiritual focus. Twice each day, more than 1,000 people reportedly gather at Maharishi University of Management to practice meditation, with the stated aim of promoting peace and harmony worldwide.
Architecturally, buildings in the city follow principles of Vastu (also known as Vastu Shastra), a traditional Indian system of architecture emphasizing orientation, proportion, and harmony with natural forces.
The city has also experimented with alternative economic ideas, including the use of “RAAM” bonds, sometimes referred to as “world peace bonds,” associated with Maharishi-led initiatives.
A Unique Place in America
Maharishi Vedic City remains a unique and often-debated experiment in blending ancient philosophy with modern civic life. Situated in rural Iowa, it reflects the broader American tradition of religious freedom and experimentation in community-building.
As the United States approaches milestones marking its long history of independence and liberty, Maharishi Vedic City stands as a reminder of the nation’s enduring commitment to freedom of belief, cultural diversity, and the peaceful coexistence of differing traditions.
652 words, 3 minutes read time.
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