Abin Design Studio has created the Ganga Leheri temple, a spiritual Hindu retreat and community hub in West Bengal, India. The temple’s elevated design allows it to accommodate the fluctuating river tides of the Ganges, symbolically integrating the temple within the natural rhythm of the river.
The temple’s design began with a meandering pathway, encouraging visitors to take a slow journey to the temple. A plaza at the front of the temple serves as a gathering space for the community, allowing the building to function as a community asset. The temple is built with locally sourced materials, including stone, and features a corbelled spire made of local brick.
Key Features of the Temple:
– Elevated Design: The temple is raised off the ground to accommodate flooding at the site, allowing tidal waves to bring the Ganga closer to the temple during high tides.
– Mandapa: An open pavilion or pillared hall with columns designed to mimic the temple spire in a miniaturized form, reinforcing the temple’s architectural harmony and symbolism.
– Garbha Griha: The innermost sanctuary of the temple, flooded with natural light through a skylight between the mandapa and the garbha griha, enhancing the spiritual experience.
“A temple is a complex, soulful asset for a community โ more than just a religious place, it’s their own living room,” said Abin Chaudhuri, Founder, Abin Design Studio.
Image Courtesy: Dezeen
