India is a land of diverse cultural and religious hubs, and temples have always been sites of cultural importance. The state of Karnataka is also very well-known for temples at Hampi (recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre), Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal, Beluru, Halebidu etc which are architectural marvels. Inheriting these values, proposing a contemporary temple complex on this site that abuts the Hubli - Bengaluru highway was a challenge.
This temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, Ganapathi, Parvathy and Shani Deva, Navagraha, are built respecting the Dravidian temple architecture of half an acre by ‘Temple Sthapati Swaminathan K Karuppaiah of Vivek Kala Kendra (P) Ltd. The design brief by clients was to propose a temple complex with facilities like Guest house, Kitchen, dining, priest accommodation and other Dravidian temple elements incorporated accordingly like the Gaushala, Kalyani, etc.
A Quest for a divine experience through architecture is the essence of this Shiva Temple Complex spread over 6.5 acres at Palikoppa, Hubli (Bangalore-Pune Highway). We have designed and developed the complete master plan that encompasses soulful experience of sacredness to the spiritual journey. The design evolved around the concept of creating a built environment that evokes spiritual emotions, connections through architecture and landscape as well.
The Master planning concept evolved as a SPIRITUAL JOURNEY rather than just being a temple Destination. The entire journey is articulated in four parts, that is - The arambha patha, the parivarthana patha, the adhyatmika gola, and the avalokana patha.
As Devotees approach the temple complex from the Highway, they are guided to the ‘Bazaar Street’ where they initiate their path to approach the divine - ‘The Arambha Patha’. The Arambha patha encompasses of some shops, refreshments, and also, the queue of people are directed towards the next path slowly here.
Following which is the‘ Parivarthana Patha’ here one enjoys his walk towards the main temple complex through a series of covered colonnades and Pavilion, these Pavilions engage people with the stories of Lord embedded in them, also giving sneak peaks of the Rajagopura. The Rajagopura unveils itself as a magnificent structure as one enters the East pavilion and glances towards the Main temple complex. This path conditions one’s mind to connect with his spirit.
And, as one step further, he will approach the ‘Adhyatmika Gola’- the spiritual sphere where the Main Temple and the Sanctum is located. As one visits the Main and small temple’s they are guided towards the Ratha Beedi, from where they can approach the ancillary buildings, the guest house, and the dining hall.
The ‘ Avalokana patha’ is the path that allows one to contemplate his journey so far, here again we get to witness the North pavilion, where one can approach the Gaushala. As one steps forward towards the colonnades and pavilions, they get to witness the cultural events held at the amphitheater. As one proceeds further,one approaches the Kalyani - the sacred pond.