Shree Ayyappaa Kshetram Hindu Temple

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Erasmia
2000 - 2007

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Site development plan, With new temple, ablutions, accommodation and community buildings.

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It is the first Hindu temple complex in South Africa that is designed and placed according to the Hindu practice of ‘Vaastu’ and ‘Aagama Saastra’ on the ‘Holy Night of Maha Shivaraathri’; otherwise known as the treaties on temple construction. Vaastu pertains to the physical, psychological and spiritual order of the built environment, in consonance with the cosmic energies. It is a study of planetary influences on buildings and the people who live in them. Hindus believe that for peace, happiness, health and wealth one should abide by the guidelines of Vaastu while building a dwelling.

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The project began as a long term master plan for the Pretoria Bhajani Mandram Hindu Community. It was to include a temple together with devotee accommodation, library, yoga centre and wedding venue. It was funded by generous members of the community who made donations in the form of funding and buildings materials, which had to be taken into consideration during the design phase of the project. The overwhelming and intricate sculptor work that embellishes the complex throughout can be attributed to the skilled plasters and sculptor from India, and took one and a half years to complete.

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