karan darda architects’ ‘tejorling radiance temple‘ built in a farmland in pune, india is dedicated to mahadeva (shiva) — one of the major gods in hinduism. located in a chickoo tree orchard, the temple is planned for everyday worship by surrounding farmers. the building takes references from the region’s historical aspects and hindu temple architecture, which is re-interpreted in a contemporary way.

karan darda's orange hindu temple in india creates a contrast with green surroundings
a simple brick wall marks the entry to the whole area

 

 

a simple brick wall marks the entry to the whole area and the overall structure of indian based firm karan darda architects‘ hindu temple is built using reddish-orange colored concrete which helps it contrast and standout in the surrounding greens. the temple is carefully inserted in a small piece of land which looks hidden into the trees from most of the surrounding areas creating a kind of curiosity for visitors and the dimensions are derived using golden ratio to achieve the desired human scale. the design intends to look like a sculpture and is a result of careful extraction from the traditional forms put together in a simpler way so that the locals could easily associate themselves with it.

karan darda's orange hindu temple in india creates a contrast with green surroundings
the front side of the hindu temple seen as one enters the site

 

 

generally in a hindu temple, the innermost sanctum is reached by a series of mandapas. here the sanctum is opened up directly to the outdoor space and is attached with a small meditation space so as the passer-by can go in for a quick prayer and carry on with his work later. there are two major openings to the building, one which forms the entrance and another one for the holy water to go out. the water going out is poured on the deity as a part of worship. the two openings form a connection at the top as the pyramid cantilevers. the base of the temple is a square while it becomes a triangle as it reaches the top, creating a five-surfaced pyramid giving an extra dimension to it.

karan darda's orange hindu temple in india creates a contrast with green surroundings
 the base of the temple is a square while it becomes a triangle as it reaches the top

 

 

karan darda creates an expression of movement by pulling a small mass out of the main structure and generating a space for meditation. one can sit quietly for a while and feel the space inside. a slit is provided to draw the breeze inside along with a subtle quality of natural light. ‘as you arrive to the temple the structure seems like a normal square based pyramid metaphorically speaking in a meditating state, but as you move around, you discover the protruding mass making the building feel like it’s out of meditation state and is dancing’, according to the architects.

karan darda's orange hindu temple in india creates a contrast with green surroundings
the building takes references from the region’s historical aspects and hindu temple architecture

 

 

this way, the two forms of mahadeva (shiva) are depicted. the landscape is kept natural with minimum intervention of some lemon grass shrubs around. meanwhile, the rest of it is taken care by the local farmers.

karan darda's orange hindu temple in india creates a contrast with green surroundings
the nandi bull represents a symbol of patience

karan darda's orange hindu temple in india creates a contrast with green surroundings
the temple is planned for everyday worship by surrounding farmers

karan darda's orange hindu temple in india creates a contrast with green surroundings
in the meditation space, one can sit quietly for a while and feel the interior area

karan darda's orange hindu temple in india creates a contrast with green surroundings
the water spout creates a shadow pattern on the wall

karan darda's orange hindu temple in india creates a contrast with green surroundings
karan darda creates an expression of movement by pulling a small mass out of the main structure

karan darda's orange hindu temple in india creates a contrast with green surroundings
study model

karan darda's orange hindu temple in india creates a contrast with green surroundings
site plan

karan darda's orange hindu temple in india creates a contrast with green surroundings
spatial proportions

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom