Sanghi Temple
Architect with a Vision
In pursuit of excellence, the family entrusted the sacred role in the expert hands of the esteemed sculptor, Shri Ganapathy Sthapathy. Renowned for his masterful creations, he is the only recipient of the prestigious Padmashri Award for temple architecture. Shri Ganapathy Sthapathy conceived the entire architecture in Chola and Chalukya styles. From selecting the site of temple complex to positioning each shrine and determining deity measurements, Shri Ganapathy Sthapathy adhered to the principles of Shilpa Shastra with meticulous precision. Among his noteworthy creations are the temples in New York, Pittsburg, and Chicago.
Born in 1927 in Pillayarpatti, near Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India, Sthapati hails from a lineage of sculptors, being the son of Vaidyanatha Sthapati and Velammal.
After his graduation, he became a Sthapati at Palani Murugan Temple, Palani, Tamil Nadu, India. He succeeded his father as the Principal of the Government College of Architecture and Sculpture, TN. From the 1980s, Sthapati campaigned to restore and elevate the status of traditional Hindu architecture in modern Indian society, by affiliating courses to the University of Madras and offering degree courses, bringing about a revival of Vastu Shastra.
After retirement from government service, he established the Vaastu Vedic Trust and the Vaastu Vedic Research Foundation, aimed at research, development, and globalization of Vaastu Shastra.