A VEDIC SPIRITUAL CENTRE DESIGNED TO ENHANCE SPIRITUAL LEARNING AND TRANQUILITY
Vedic Vidya Kendra is one of a kind integrated Vedic spiritual centre located in Puducherry. The vision of Arya Samaj Society, Chennai was to create an integrated spiritual centre that has its founding principles around philosophical teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati Ji and Vedic learnings. The Kendra Vedic offers retreat in short and long term by providing a platform for inner calling and reflection.
This Spiritual Centre Integrates Philosophy & Spirituality With An Earthy Design | Shanmugam Associates
They created the architecture with an earthy and raw character in construction, offers meditative spaces, integrates with the exterior green environment, and invokes a spiritual calmness across the Kendra. Subsequently the programs evolved comprise of the follows:
Connecting back to traditional Indian educational method of Guru (teacher) – Sishya(Student), the Gurukul here is akin to residential monasteries exhibiting intellectual and spiritual growth. Its layout promotes interaction, with semi-open spaces that blur boundaries between indoor and outdoor, encouraging fluidity and contemplation.
Yagna (Fire) is performed daily amidst reverberations of Vedic chants in the heart of the entire campus is the Yangashalla. Positioned along the sacred axis and facing true east of the entire campus in the open circumambulatory courtyard, the Yagnashalla is a symbol of unity and communal harmony.
A sanctuary for spiritual retreat, the architects designed this zone to evoke introspection and peace. The interplay of natural light and shadow here is intentional, guiding occupants into deeper contemplation. They designed 52 Kutir (Cottages) to augment one’s spiritual purpose. The Vanaprastha is an abode for 50-75 aged ashramites.
The courtyard is a modern interpretation of traditional Indian spatial planning, encouraging natural ventilation, social interaction, and quiet reflection. Yoga is conducted daily in the courtyard.
They prepare Saatvik Bhojan (Food) in the central kitchen and serve in Bhojanayalaya. Here, residents are encouraged to sit on the floor and eat. Plate/ hand wash for residents, food disposal and storage are all deftly planned for.
The architects positioned the administrative facilities right at entry comprising the reception, Sahitya Nidhi (library) and Vidya Niketan (learning centres) with their respective private gardens. The Sabha Mandap(multi- purpose hall) caters to discourses, cultural activites and learnings.
A designated area for Jal Neti (Nasal Cleansing) located centrally, meditation hall (Dhyaan Gruha), dormitories (Shivir Nivas) for visiting guests and seva gruha (Service quarters) for residential support staff are some of the additional support features in the Kendra. These supporting functions, while remaining unobtrusive, allow other spaces to flourish and fulfil their purpose.
They integrated landscaping within overall planning of the Kendra. Meditative gardens across the property, herbal garden along the western walkway, private gardens adjoining the learning centres, traditional sport arenas dedicated for mallyudh and mallakhamb, reflexology pavers sprucing up senses, activated rooftop multi-sport arena, a 750m landscaped peripheral walkway and outdoor gym within the Vanasprastha catering to elderly are some highlights focussing around holistic development and wellbeing of its occupants.
The architects designed Vedic Vidya Kendra to enhance the process of self-learning, discovery, well-being, and growth. They designed and used material, spaces and every form to embody values of education, spirituality, and community.
Fact File
Designed by: Shanmugam Associates
Project Type: Educational Architecture Design
Project Name: Vedic Vidya Kendra
Location: Puducherry, India
Year Built: September, 2024
Built Area: 1,75,000 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Santhosh Shanmugam, Raja Krishnan D, Ramya Raman
Design Team: Shanmugam A, Raja Krishnan, Santhosh Shanmugam, Balasubramanian, Ramya Raman, Suriya Kumar, Sofia Nathan, Surya Narayen and Hanush Praveen
Photograph Courtesy: Denis Amirtharaj
Clients: DAV Groups of Schools, Gopalapuram, Chennai.
Structural Consultants: Shanmugam Associates
Electrical Consultants: Alfa Associates
PHE Consultants: D&D Consultants
Landscape: Sandip Patil, Tapan Modi, Earthscapes Consultancy Private Ltd
Engineering Consultants: Dhara Construction
Firm’s Website Link: Shanmugam Associates
Instagram Link: Shanmuga Associates
Facebook Link: Shanmugam Associates
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