Spotlight on Religious Spaces: Tejorling Radiance Temple by Karan Darda Architects

Built on a small footprint for a group of farmers, the Tejorling Radiance Temple designed by Karan Darda Architects in Pune building take references from the region’s historical aspects and Hindu temple architecture, and has re-interpreted it in a contemporary form.   

Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Karan Darda Architects

The site

Architect Karan Darda was commissioned by a group of farmers to build a temple for Mahadeva (Shiva). Located in a Chickoo farm at Annapur in Pune, the temple is carefully positioned in a small piece of land and is hidden amidst trees creating curiosity for passers-by.

The design intent

The building takes references from the region’s historical aspects and Hindu temple architecture, and is re-interpreted in a contemporary form. The dimensions of the temple are derived using the golden ratio to achieve the desired human scale.

The spatial configuration

Structurally, the base of the temple is a square which becomes a triangle as it reaches the top creating five surfaced pyramids. An expression of movement is created by pulling a small mass out of the main structure creating a space for meditation. A slit in the structure allows air and light to stream through. Generally in a Hindu temple the innermost sanctum is reached by a series of mandapas. Here, the sanctum opens directly to the outdoor space and is attached with a small meditation area which allows a passer-by to offer a quick prayer. There are two major openings to the building, one which forms the entrance, another for the holy water (which is offered to Shiva) to go out. The two openings form a connection at the top as the pyramid cantilevers.

The material palette

The structure is built using reddish-orange coloured concrete which helps the temple to standout in the surrounding greens. A simple brick wall marks the entry to the temple. Basalt stone is used for the flooring, the Nandi, the main shrine, the water outlet and the interesting stone insert in the structure with an engraving of an entangled snake, the Naagdevta. The temple’s kalash is made from copper.

Fact File

Project: Tejorling Radiance Temple
Location: Annapur, Pune
Area: 150 sq ft (temple), 500 sq ft (plot)
Principal architect: Karan Darda