Sacred Steps

Temple of Steps 

This paper is about how contemporary architecture is more inclusive and equal in its design,  in contrast to the hierarchical and compartmentalized spaces in traditional Indian temples. Traditional Hindu temples in India have long been a reflection of the caste-based social hierarchy prevalent in Indian society. The most sacred and central part of the temple, the garbhagriha, was typically reserved for priests and higher castes. This inner sanctum housed the main deity and was considered the most spiritually pure part of the temple. The outer areas of the temple, including the courtyards and peripheral spaces, were often designated for lower castes. This spatial segregation reflected and reinforced the social stratification that existed outside the temple walls. 

In traditional temples, there are hierarchical spaces like Garbhagriha, Mandapa, Pradakshina Patha, Nandi Mandapa, Outer Courtyards, and Prakara. Which often have deep caste biases and display hierarchical and compartmentalized spaces. Temple of Steps, the Balaji temple by Sameep Padora, a contemporary example of a temple, tries to challenge this by creating the temple as a landscape and by emphasizing principles of sustainability, community engagement, and cultural continuity through these principles. 

Sacred Steps  

Temple of Steps (Balaji temple) designed by Sameep Padora, is a striking example of contemporary architecture that draws from but exceeds traditional Indian design principles. It is located in Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh. This temple complex reinterprets ancient architectural forms to meet contemporary needs and sensibilities. The construction was completed in 2019, the project embodies a profound respect for cultural heritage while addressing current architectural and environmental challenges. The Temple of Steps reflects a design philosophy rooted in the principles of sustainability, community engagement, and cultural continuity. The Kund where the water gets stored is inspired by the traditional stepwell of India, which was integral to water management and social interaction in arid regions. The design transforms this ancient typology into a contemporary religious and communal space. The temple reimagines the traditional stepwell structure adding contemporary concerns and practicality to it. The project emphasizes the creation of a sacred space that resonates with both historical significance and modern sensibilities. 

In the traditional temple type, the entrance is often marked by a dramatic, large open courtyard that provides a hint of the temple’s glory but in the Temple of Steps, it  begins with a small and inconspicuous entrance. The design approach is to guide visitors through a process of transition from the external environment to the sacred interior. The Pushkarani which is a sacred well on the way to the temple, this well caters to the ritual aspect of the temple. It has two shrines one is of Balaji and another is of Varahaswami. The prasad counter and priest’s quarters has the same language as the temple.

At the heart of the Temple of Steps is its distinctive stepped configuration. The temple features a series of cascading terraces that lead down to the central shrine. These steps are consciously arranged to create a visually striking pattern of Shikhara that also serves as a function. Each level of the step serves multiple purposes. They provide access to different parts of the temple, including areas for gathering, meditation and ritual activities. The stepped design allows visitors to descend gradually, offering a sense of progression and immersion into the temple's spiritual environment. The steps of the temple seem to flow over the landscape and feel like being part of it. These flowing steps allow access to the water, resembling India's architectural heritage in the Benaras Ghats.           

In traditional stepwells, the stairs were used to access water. While the Balaji temple does not serve this function, the stepped design pays respect to this historical aspect by incorporating elements that manage and preserve rainwater. This feature also serves as a reminder of the temple’s connection to the traditional practice of water conservation. The central shrine is the focal point of the Temple of Steps. It is strategically positioned at the lowest level, symbolizing a spiritual descent to the divine. The central space is where the primary deity or religious icon is enshrined, and it serves as the destination for worship and meditation. The surrounding steps lead the visitor towards this central focus, creating the hierarchical spatial organization that mirrors traditional temple layouts. The shrine is designed with features that allow natural light to filter in, enhancing the spiritual ambiance. Skylight and strategically placed openings not only provide illumination but also ensure proper ventilation. The temple includes an area designed for community interaction and ritual activities. These spaces are integrated into the stepped terraces, providing places for worship, festivals, and other communal events. The steps often include open spaces where visitors can gather, discuss, and participate in communal rituals. These areas are designed to accommodate large groups while maintaining a sense of intimacy and connection to the central shrine.

As Nandyal is a dry terrain region, the main concern was to provide a space that would have the socio-cultural expectations of a temple with the ecological framework and dynamics of and around the site. The site is surrounded by cotton and chilly farms which were fed by a natural canal system that had dried up. The ecological strategy for the temple thus began with the recharging of groundwater. Water overflows from the limestone steps which leads to a low-lying recharge kund, which is further released into the farms. The temple is primarily constructed from local stone, which is limestone. The material selection ensures that the structure blends in with the local climate and terrain, reflecting sustainability and contextual relevance. The use of stone also connects the temple to traditional Indian architecture, while providing durability.

Originally the temples were designed for worship, but now in the contemporary cintext they also serve as a place for community events, social gatherings, cultural centers, providing facilities for diverse activities beyond traditional religious practices. Despite changes in usage, the architectural elements remain the same. The Temple of Steps is an example of how modernism and traditional architecture can come together to create a space that honors the past while embracing the future. It showcases the potential for architectural innovation to preserve cultural heritage and address contemporary challenges.  

                                                                                                                               References

Abdel, Hana. 2020. “Temple of Steps / Sameep Padora & Associates.” ArchDaily. https://www.archdaily.com/943320/temple-of-steps-sameep-padora-and-associates.

“Balaji Temple (Temple of Steps) | Sameep Padora & Associates.” n.d. ArchiDiaries. Accessed August 13, 2024. https://www.archidiaries.com/projects/balaji-temple-temple-of-steps-sameep-padora-associates/.

Mehta, Meghna. 2021. “Sameep Padora on 'doing more with less' while building the Temple of Steps in India.” STIRworld. https://www.stirworld.com/see-features-sameep-padora-on-doing-more-with-less-while-building-the-temple-of-steps-in-india.

Srivathsan, A., Rob Gregory, and Sameep Padora. 2021. “Step change: Balaji Temple in Bilakalagudur, India by Sameep Padora + Associates.” The Architectural Review. https://www.architectural-review.com/places/india/step-change-balaji-temple-in-bilakalagudur-village-by-sameep-padora-associates.