A Showcase of India's Varied Architectural Heritage
Ekatma Dham pays tribute to the distinct and diverse architectural styles that reflect India's rich heritage. The grand Gopuram, the library, and extension centre proudly showcase the intricacies of the Dravidian style which thrived under the Pallava dynasty in southern India. Meanwhile, the Acharya Padmapada Centre for Advaita Philosophy and the Acharya Hastamalaka Advaita Centre for Science highlight the Oriya style of the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Chalukya style of the Dwaraka Temple in Gujarat respectively. The Acharya Sureshwara Advaita Centre for Social Science expertly blends the Hoysala and Dravidian styles of the Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham and surrounding temples. Not to be left behind, the Acharya Totaka Advaita Centre for Literature, Music, and Arts stunningly embodies the rugged and majestic North Indian-Himalayan style. The Nagara style of temple architecture finds its magnificent manifestation in Advaita Lok, Meanwhile, the gurukul and meditation cottages proudly feature the unique and indigenous style of Kerala, while the Public Information Centre expertly incorporates the open-air design of the Chausath Yogini Temple in Madhya Pradesh. As a whole, Ekatma Dham is a stunning tribute to India's diverse and vibrant architectural legacy.
ORIYA STYLE
ORIYA STYLE
The Acharya Padmapada Centre for Advaita Philosophy highlights the Oriya style of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The temple is in a league of its own and is considered an architectural marvel. The Jagannath Temple is built in such a way that no shadow of the temple falls on the ground at any time of the day. Home to at least 120 temples and shrines, the Jagannath Temple is an imposing monument of Indian architecture, rich in intricate sculptures and carvings.
DRAVIDIAN SPLENDOUR
DRAVIDIAN SPLENDOUR
The Acharya Sureshwara Advaita Centre for Social Science boasts architecture inspired by the Dravidian style, akin to the Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham and the surrounding temples. The Dravidian style features a main rectangular shrine topped with truncated pyramidal towers. This architectural style is employed for temples in parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
THE CHALUKYA CONNECTION
THE CHALUKYA CONNECTION
The Dwaraka temple, located in Gujarat, is a stunning architectural masterpiece that has inspired the design of the Acharya Hastamalaka Advaita Centre for Science. The Chalukya style is seen in the architecture of the present-day Dwaraka temple, which archaeologists believe was built in 200 BCE. The temple was rebuilt in the 16th century following a major destruction in 1472. The present-day structure is a five-storied edifice built over 72 pillars.
IN THE NORTH INDIAN HIMALAYAN PATTERN
IN THE NORTH INDIAN HIMALAYAN PATTERN
The Acharya Totaka Advaita Centre for Literature, Music and Arts is set to be a stunning tribute to the iconic Badrinath temple, with its design inspired by the ancient structure’s architectural style. Several carvings are found on the walls and pillars of the temple, which was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century. Since then, the Badrinath temple has undergone numerous renovations and restorations. Its inner sanctum is possibly the only original remaining part.
LIKE KANCHIPURAM
LIKE KANCHIPURAM
The Acharya Gaudapada Advaita Extension Centre has been designed with inspiration drawn from the ancient city of Kanchipuram, which was once the capital of the Pallava dynasty. The Pallavas, who ruled over much of present-day Tamil Nadu from the 6th to 9th centuries, were known for their patronage of Dravidian temple architecture. The evolution of this architectural style can be traced through the simple cave shrines of the past, to the monolithic rock-cut shrines, and ultimately to the ornate stone temples that stand today.
KERALA STYLE
KERALA STYLE
The Acharya Gurukulam will be built in the traditional Kerala style of temple architecture, known for its interlocking carpentry, sloping tiled roofs, columned verandahs, teak and other hardwood elements. Courtyards would bring light and rain into the heart of symmetrical structures. Traditional Kerala architecture makes use of local materials such as stone, wood and clay to strike harmony with nature and its surroundings. Vastu Shastra, the science of architecture and construction, and Thachu Shastra, the science of carpentry, are the pillars of Kerala architecture.
PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE
PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE
Inspired by the design of the Chausath Yogini Temple in Madhya Pradesh. Built in 1323 CE, the Chausath Yogini temple is known for its distinctive circular structure. There is a pillared cloister around the wall of this temple, and it faces an open courtyard. The circular wall has 64 cells that once held statues of Yoginis. The Chausath Yogini Temple is believed to have inspired the design of the Indian Parliament.
ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY
ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY
Let the natural contours guide the way! The landscaping of Ekatm Dham will be thoughtfully designed to complement the
topography and maximise the breathtaking views of the surroundings. Ekatma Dham is a project that takes the
environment into account. In an effort to make the Mandhata Parvat at Omkareshwar greener, more than 30,000 trees of
native species will be planted. And, to further promote greenery, a new green zone called Advaita Van will be
established.
Moreover, the architecture of Ekatma Dham has been designed with the green building concept in mind. The structures
are designed to provide a comfortable climate, using local craftsmanship and vernacular styles of construction. The
built form is oriented North-South, with a clever mix of open and built volumes that enhance cross-ventilation.
ORIYA STYLE
The Acharya Padmapada Centre for Advaita Philosophy highlights the Oriya style of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The temple is in a league of its own and is considered an architectural marvel. The Jagannath Temple is built in such a way that no shadow of the temple falls on the ground at any time of the day. Home to at least 120 temples and shrines, the Jagannath Temple is an imposing monument of Indian architecture, rich in intricate sculptures and carvings.
DRAVIDIAN SPLENDOUR
The Acharya Sureshwara Advaita Centre for Social Science boasts architecture inspired by the Dravidian style, akin to the Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham and the surrounding temples. The Dravidian style features a main rectangular shrine topped with truncated pyramidal towers. This architectural style is employed for temples in parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
THE CHALUKYA CONNECTION
The Dwaraka temple, located in Gujarat, is a stunning architectural masterpiece that has inspired the design of the Acharya Hastamalaka Advaita Centre for Science. The Chalukya style is seen in the architecture of the present-day Dwaraka temple, which archaeologists believe was built in 200 BCE. The temple was rebuilt in the 16th century following a major destruction in 1472. The present-day structure is a five-storied edifice built over 72 pillars.
IN THE NORTH INDIAN HIMALAYAN PATTERN
The Acharya Totaka Advaita Centre for Literature, Music and Arts is set to be a stunning tribute to the iconic Badrinath temple, with its design inspired by the ancient structure’s architectural style. Several carvings are found on the walls and pillars of the temple, which was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century. Since then, the Badrinath temple has undergone numerous renovations and restorations. Its inner sanctum is possibly the only original remaining part.
LIKE KANCHIPURAM
The Acharya Gaudapada Advaita Extension Centre has been designed with inspiration drawn from the ancient city of Kanchipuram, which was once the capital of the Pallava dynasty. The Pallavas, who ruled over much of present-day Tamil Nadu from the 6th to 9th centuries, were known for their patronage of Dravidian temple architecture. The evolution of this architectural style can be traced through the simple cave shrines of the past, to the monolithic rock-cut shrines, and ultimately to the ornate stone temples that stand today.
KERALA STYLE
The Acharya Gurukulam will be built in the traditional Kerala style of temple architecture, known for its interlocking carpentry, sloping tiled roofs, columned verandahs, teak and other hardwood elements. Courtyards would bring light and rain into the heart of symmetrical structures. Traditional Kerala architecture makes use of local materials such as stone, wood and clay to strike harmony with nature and its surroundings. Vastu Shastra, the science of architecture and construction, and Thachu Shastra, the science of carpentry, are the pillars of Kerala architecture.
PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE
Inspired by the design of the Chausath Yogini Temple in Madhya Pradesh. Built in 1323 CE, the Chausath Yogini temple is known for its distinctive circular structure. There is a pillared cloister around the wall of this temple, and it faces an open courtyard. The circular wall has 64 cells that once held statues of Yoginis. The Chausath Yogini Temple is believed to have inspired the design of the Indian Parliament.
ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY
Let the natural contours guide the way! The landscaping of Ekatm Dham will be thoughtfully designed to complement the topography and maximise the breathtaking views of the surroundings. Ekatma Dham is a project that takes the environment into account. In an effort to make the Mandhata Parvat at Omkareshwar greener, more than 30,000 trees of native species will be planted. And, to further promote greenery, a new green zone called Advaita Van will be established.
Moreover, the architecture of Ekatma Dham has been designed with the green building concept in mind. The structures are designed to provide a comfortable climate, using local craftsmanship and vernacular styles of construction. The built form is oriented North-South, with a clever mix of open and built volumes that enhance cross-ventilation.
