Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati
Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati, the doyen of Indian Vaastu Shastra comes from a rich lineage of traditional sthapatis (traditional designers, builders and sculptors - 3 in one) hailing from the land of temples, namely Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati took up the legacy of his ancestors who contributed to the construction of many temples and statues and dedicated his life and work to the revival, enrichment and promotion of this indigenous culture of India.
Born in 1927 in Pillayarpatti village of Tamilladu's Siva Gangai district, he received his early lessons from Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati's father, Sri Vaidyanatha Sthapati, himself a noted Sthapati and Sanskrit scholar. Basically, he graduated in mathematics and was a government director. College of Architecture and Sculpture, Mahabalipuram for 27 years (1961-1988). During his tenure, sculpture and temple architecture were given the status of art under the University of Madras, where many young people, irrespective of caste and creed, joined this tradition. It is a college run by Tamilnadu Government since 1957.
Through his dedicated service, Dr. Sthapati brought to the attention of East and West the existence of a unique and unexplored science of time and space, light and sound, to which Indian Vaastu and Vaastu-related (spiritual) architecture is related. His efforts quickly won him over. Through his research and allied activities, Sthapati identified the legendary Maya, the progenitor of the Indian science of Vaastu, and brought it back to light.
After retiring from government service, he formed a group of five institutions to spread the principles of the traditional Indian science of Vaastu. Through these institutions founded and managed by Sthapati, he rendered remarkable services, contributed many temples, imaginary forms, vaastu based buildings, delivered seminars and lectures at national and international levels and wrote and published books on the sacred science of Vaastu.
He passed away in 2011 at the age of 84 and left a wonderful legacy to humanity.
Results:
- Unification of the Saivaite and Vaishnavaite cults through the architecture of the temple.
- Creation of a government institution for traditional architecture and sculpture.
- Dissemination and popularization of traditional science and technology.
- Fashion designer in Vaastu based residential architecture.
- He is the messiah of the ten-thousand-year-old Shilpa tradition and the preserver
of its unique Vedic literature.
Awards and recognitions:
- PADMABHUSHAN Award from Government of India.
- In 1973, the President of India received a national master-making award.
- Professorship conferred by the University of Madras in 1978.
- Nallaasiriyar Virudhu (Best Teacher Award) from Government of Tamilnadu in 1985.
- Kalai Kuzhu Chemmal (Scholarship) from State Lalitha Kala Academy, Madras with 1985 prize money.
- Madhya Pradesh Tulsi Sammaan Award, 1989
- Emeritus Professor, Ministry of Human Resources (Ministry of Culture), Government of India, New Delhi from 1992 to 1994
- Honorary Fellowship of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), 1993.
- Honorary Doctorate of Vedic Science: Maharishi Vedic University, The Netherlands, 29.10.1995.
- Adeenam Sthapati, Kauai Adeenam, Saiva Siddhanta Temple, Hawaii, USA since 1982.
- Blessed and cherished by Kanchi Paramacharya, Sringeri Paramacharya, Ahobila Mutt Paramacharya.
- Rajah Sir Muthiah Chettiar Birthday Commemoration Award in 1997.
- Honored by Poojya Swami Dayananda Saraswati for designing a Siva Temple at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, Anaikatti, Coimbatore, Chennai on 13 October 1988.
- Recipient of the Kamban Adipodi Memorial Award of Kamban Kazhakam (Chennai), which was presented to him on August 11, 2000 during their silver jubilee celebrations.
- Received Kalaignar Award for Azhvarkal Aayvu Mayyam on 20 August 2000.
- Iyal Isai Nadaka Mandram, Chennai, Kalaimamani Award on 25 November 2000.
- Recipient of 'Bharathi Award' instituted by Vaanavil Cultural Foundation, Chennai on 9th December 2000.
- The Gnanaoli Peace Ambassador Award was received by the VGP World Peace Temple, Chennai on November 18, 2001.
- Recipient of the Bhishma Award of the Chennai Ashram Group of Schools and Colleges on December 3, 2001.
- Awarded the Kapilavanar Award by the Thirukkovalur Cultural Forum, Cuddalore on 19 July 2002, after the famous Tamil poet Kapilar of the Sangam age.
- Recipient of Shilp Guru conferred by the office of the Development Commissioner (Handi Crafts), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India on the special occasion of Golden Jubilee of Indian Handi Crafts Resurgence, New Delhi, 2002.
Acknowledgments:
- Vaastu Vedi, Madras Viswakarma Shilpis.
- Vaastu Vignani, in Washington from American Indians.
- Adhunika Vishwakarma, American Indians, South Florida, Miami, USA.
- Thennaga Mayan - university professors under the auspices of Alagappa University, Karaikudi.
- Vishwakarma Jagat Guru, Washington DC, American Indians.
- Pranava Vedi, Omaha American Indians, Nebraska, USA.
- Silpakalanidhi, His Holiness, Alagiya Singar, Ahobilamutt.
- Silpakala Rathnam, His Holiness, Sri Sankaracharya, Kanchi Mutt.
- Silpakala Chakravarthi by the artists of Viswakarma, Bangalore in 1976.
- Silpakala Nipuna by Srilanka Viswakarma Shilpis.
- Silpakala Sagaram: Sri Saw. Ganesan Kamban Adipodi, Kamban Trust, Karaikudi.
"When inner space and outer space resonate harmoniously, peace, vitality, health, well-being and creativity become a natural order and an effortless experience."
- Dr. V. Shri Ganapati Sthapati
VIVEKANANDA STONE MEMORIAL - KANYAKUMARI
The words of the Shilpi:
"I am writing now about Vaastu as a science that can give you spiritual peace and happiness.
When I write about this, most of the readers feel that I am referring to temples, divine figures and religious theories.
But this is not so.
I can easily overcome them. It is quite clear to me that artistic creations that originate from VAASTU science fill me with spiritual well-being and happiness.
I try to emphasize and highlight this.
To summarize briefly and succinctly: the science known as VAASTU VIJNAANA gives us homes such that they are living organisms and musical forms through which we can experience the magic of music and the joy of spiritual bliss.
Peace of mind and spiritual happiness; in the end, this is what all Humans desire. These are the two fruits offered by buildings created by the science of VAASTU.
And that's what I want to tell you too.
The traditional science of VAASTU touches these eternal fruits with external structural decoration and interior design of living spaces. In order to achieve this, there is a unique mathematical formula and order in the tradition of VAASTU.
It is also known as VAASTU RAHASYA (the secret of VAASTU tradition). RAHASAYA is nothing but the inimitable and finest concept of space science, this is what the tradition of VAASTU science expresses to us. Space is actually full of energy. If we enclose this space/space filled with energy between four walls, the building surrounding it will become a living organism, filled with rhythm and vibration.
This is what the tradition of VAASTU science tells us.
Isn't it wonderful?
It can be concluded that, just like the inner space/space, which is enclosed in our body, the house also consciously feels and vibrates. And that's not all. We create this rhythmic vibration to resonate in harmony with our inner vibrations and with this resonance the occupant of the house can function harmoniously and communicate with the universal space (Paramaatma) and experience spiritual bliss.. The spiritual well-being and happiness that can come from going to the temple , can also be experienced when we are in a home created by VAASTU science as a living organism. Such a house can provide the same results as, for example, going to church.
This is the efficacy, motive and purpose of VAASTU science.
The built house must be equal to a temple, which is the form of God and the home of God. You will come across this idea in the Chidambaram Temple. There you can experience this whole idea perfectly.
What is worth knowing about Chidambaram Temple?
It's actually a house.
A small house in a rectangular area, just like an average church. The walls are made of wood, as is the bottom of the roof. The upper part of the roof is covered with gold tiles. To ensure that this house preserves all its scientific concepts, 3000 Diksitas were employed by a Tamil king. That's a lot of people to maintain a small house, right?
What is in this house?
Space, emptiness; simply a house with nothing in it. This void/space is called "AKASHA".
(The wonderful image of Lord Nataraja {Shiva} that we see is due to this special reason...)
What is the nature of this aakaasha?
Consciousness is its nature.
By its innate nature, it FEELS; VIBRATING. It makes its awareness known with its vibrating waves and eternal pulsation. The waves are displayed in a predictable way using a mathematical formula.
The person who stands in front of the "house" or "enclosed space" called "AMBALAM" receives an infusion and is affected by the vibrations. If the person's inner space resonates with the inner space of the "ambalam", then he becomes one with the "ambalam" and enjoys vivid awareness.
How is this resonance possible?
It is just like the harmony of notes in music, when two instruments are perfectly tuned to the same note.
The frequency of one instrument becomes one with the other. This harmony is called "BHAKTI". This is the definition of Bhakti. If there is no harmony, there is no bhakti.
BHAKTI is also known as LOVE.
BHAKTI gives us mental peace, mental balance and happiness. VAASTU VIJNAANA can bring such peace of mind out of such a simple harmony.
Simple, yet wonderful, right?
As long as there is simplicity, there is charm, there is truth.
This science of space/space, which is uniquely capable of imparting peace of mind, is called "Vāstu-Vijnāna" by the "Shilpi-rishis".
From their tradition of "Shilpaic Rishis" evolved this inimitable science and technology, more than 5000 years ago.
Despite their continuous impoverishment, marginalization, and oppression, they put aside these aggravating factors and preserved this scientific tradition for the sake of the world with their own efforts.
Their actions will remain in the public consciousness forever.
I am grateful to be able to state this fact with pride.
In fact, this space is not visible to the naked eye. However, it can be felt.
Outside, as inside, space consists only of the nature of awareness.
A conscious substance that includes all worlds, living beings, planets and all other earthly objects. This is the highest concept held in the tradition of VAASTU science. As written in the Vedas, space, in addition to providing air, fire, water and earth, functions as the starting point of all cosmic creation.
And that's not all.
The scientific analysis and research of this tradition shows that space and space are the finest matter that exists.
It exists in us and in all other living beings, and it causes, directs and activates everything.
This tradition also informs that "AKASHA" is called "ANTARYAAMI" (inner governing factor) which is present in the inner space of living beings and is called Lingam when that space begins to shine as the fetus of space. (VIN KARU), which causes the appearance of all existing things.
MAYAN the creator of VAASTU VIJNAANI and VAASTU tradition says that space itself (AKASHA) is also known as LINGA and resides in everything (SARVAATMIYAM LINGAM AAKAASAMEVA).
Not only that; every tiny subtle energy that moves the universe is called VASTU.
And every living being and cosmic creation where VASTU is present is called VAASTU.
According to him, VAASTU PURUSHA is the personified energy contained in VASTU; so VAASTU PURUSHA is the energy contained in VASTU.
VAASTU SHAASTRA also states that VAASTU PURUSHA is the same energy that permeates the entire Earth and all objects in the universe around us.
Short; VASTU is the small invisible energy, while VAASTU is the large visible energy.
VASTU is the unmanifested energy while VAASTU is the manifested energy.
There is no difference between things in their unmanifested state and the same things in their manifested state ... "
Dr. V. Shri Ganapati Sthapati
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TEMPLE OF SPACE-SCIENCE
Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur
The favorite temple of Ganapati Sthapati (representative of the Sthapatya Veda), designed by his family, is a Shiva temple based on the concept of Mount Meru and the most outstanding work of Dravidian style temple architecture. Since 1987, it has been part of the World Cultural Heritage (UNESCO). More than 1000 years old , very special temple. At that time, this church was built much larger than the average temple and is considered very outstanding to this day. It is made of granite, which cannot be found within a 100 km radius. The granite blocks were simply fitted on top of each other, without any binders, which were stabilized with an 80-ton granite ball on top, and the building has no foundation underground, i.e. it only stands on the surface of the earth. This construction and technology has been tested by many earthquakes in the last 1,000 years, but none have been able to withstand it.
It houses Tamil Nadu's most powerful limestone Lingam, which with its height of 3.7 meters symbolizes the "supreme light of knowledge".
The almost gable-shaped, extremely richly decorated vimana, built differently from other Hindu temples of a similar age, has 13 (16) floors and is 63 meters high, and was made in such a way that the midday sun does not cast a shadow on the ground, even in winter...
The temple and the complex hide a lot of interesting and special things, including a cow carved out of a piece of stone, Ganesha, a stone chariot,...
It's worth a visit if anyone is there. And although it may seem like a strange statement, the temple corresponds to a human body either lying down or standing up.
(In my exam, I targeted and planned this wonderful temple - together with the complex - exemplary.)
Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati's First Art in the Western World - Hawaii:
