Traditional Indian temple architecture, designed for purpose, devotion and permanence.
MANDIR by AMR BuildTech plans and designs temples in Nagara, Dravidian and Vesara styles, from the Garbhagriha to the full campus, with the structural engineering to build them.
Temple architecture and design is the planning stage of a temple project: deciding the plan, proportions, elevations and ornament of a mandir before construction begins. MANDIR by AMR BuildTech provides this as a complete service from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: concept design, Vastu-aligned planning of the Garbhagriha, Mandapa and circumambulation path, elevations, 3D visualisation and construction drawings, coordinated with structural engineering. We design in the Nagara, Dravidian and Vesara traditions, and prepare contemporary or hybrid designs that keep traditional proportions. Projects range from home mandirs to community temples and large temple campuses.
To build the temple after design, see our temple construction service. For layout guidance based on Vastu, see Vastu Shastra mandir design.
Every part of the temple, designed to relate correctly to the sanctum and to the whole.
The overall architectural scheme of the temple: plan form, massing, plinth, superstructure and ornament, developed in the chosen tradition so that every part relates correctly to the sanctum and to the whole.
The sanctum that houses the main deity. Its size and orientation are fixed first, because in shastriya design the proportions of the Mandapa, Shikhara and plinth are derived from the Garbhagriha.
The pillared hall for devotees, bhajan, aarti and gatherings. We size it to expected footfall and ritual use, and choose open, semi-open or enclosed forms to suit climate, budget and style.
The tower above the sanctum: the curvilinear Shikhara in Nagara temples and the tiered Vimana in Dravidian temples. We set its height, tiers and crowning elements in proportion to the sanctum below.
The approach, entrance porch and gateway. This includes the Gopuram gateway tower in Dravidian temples, the Torana and the steps and ramps that decide how devotees arrive and enter.
Planning the full precinct: subsidiary shrines, Pradakshina path, Yajnashala, water body, dharamshala, offices, parking, landscape and services, arranged so the campus can grow in phases.
The style is chosen first because it decides the grammar of the whole design.
Curvilinear Shikhara over the Garbhagriha. The tradition of North and Central India, including the Khajuraho temples.
Learn about Nagara →Pyramidal, tiered Vimana and gateway Gopurams. The tradition of peninsular South India.
Learn about Dravida →The Deccan synthesis of Nagara and Dravidian forms, including Chalukya and Hoysala temples.
Learn about Vesara →Sub-styles with their own forms and materials.
Modern forms and materials that keep the sanctum-centred planning and proportions of the tradition. Hybrid designs can combine a classical Shikhara with a contemporary hall.
From concept to construction documents, in ten steps.
We record the deity, community, budget, timeline and any tradition or Agama guidance you follow.
Plot dimensions, orientation, levels, soil, access, drainage and surroundings are reviewed.
Ritual needs, visitor capacity, festival days and future additions are listed.
A first scheme of plan, massing and layout, presented for your feedback.
Nagara, Dravidian, Vesara, regional, contemporary or hybrid is chosen with you.
Garbhagriha, Mandapa, Pradakshina, entrance and campus are laid out on the site.
External faces, Shikhara or Vimana, plinth mouldings and ornament are drawn.
Realistic views so trustees and donors can see the temple before it is built.
Our engineers align the design with foundations, load paths and services.
Drawings and specifications ready for tendering and construction.
| Service | Scope |
|---|---|
| Concept design | Overall architectural concept and style direction |
| Floor planning | Functional planning of sanctum, hall, circulation and support spaces |
| Elevation design | External appearance, Shikhara or Vimana and ornament |
| 3D visualisation | Realistic architectural views of the temple and campus |
| Temple elements | Garbhagriha, Mandapa, Shikhara, entrance and other elements |
| Site planning | The temple and its surrounding spaces, paths and services |
| Construction drawings | Detailed drawings and specifications for construction |
| Coordination | Structural and engineering coordination with our engineering team |
The decisions that shape a temple long before the first stone is laid.
A temple should follow its tradition and also meet the safety requirements of a modern building. We design for both.
Because MANDIR is the temple vertical of AMR BuildTech, structural and civil engineering is available in the same team as the architecture.
The right material depends on the style, the location, the budget and how the element is used.
| Material | Typical use | Why it is chosen |
|---|---|---|
| Sandstone | Nagara and Rajasthani-style temples, jalis, brackets, facades | Carves well and has a long tradition in North and Central India. |
| Marble | Sanctums, interiors, flooring, home mandirs | Takes fine carving and polish. Exposure to weather and staining is considered when it is used outdoors. |
| Granite | Plinths, steps, load-bearing elements, flooring | Hard and dense, suited to structure and heavy use. Carving is slower than in softer stone. |
| Soapstone | Finely detailed ornament as in Hoysala work | Workable for very detailed carving. |
| RCC | Foundations, frames, slabs, with stone cladding | Gives modern structural performance under a traditional stone appearance. |
| Wood | Mandap ceilings, doors, brackets, Kerala-style roofs | Suits joinery and warm interiors. Selection depends on climate and upkeep. |
| Brass and decorative metal | Kalasha, doors, bells, lamps, screens | Used for crowning elements and fittings. |
| Finishes | Traditional or contemporary surfaces | Chosen to match the style, budget and maintenance plan. |
Every temple project is individually scoped based on its architectural and technical requirements. The design fee depends on:
Share your brief and site details and we will prepare a written estimate for design. Construction cost is estimated separately once the design is approved. See temple construction.
Building the temple from foundation to Shikhara once the design is approved.
Explore →Planning the full campus before individual structures are designed.
Explore →Vastu consultation and layout for Garbhagriha, Mandapa and deity placement.
Explore →Stone selection, dressing and carving for temple structures.
Explore →Construction of the Shikhara above the sanctum.
Explore →Restoration and redesign of existing temples.
Explore →Designed and built home mandirs in marble, wood or stone.
Explore →Common questions about temple architecture and design.
It covers concept design, floor planning of the Garbhagriha, Mandapa and circumambulation path, elevations, 3D visualisation, site planning and construction drawings, with structural coordination. It is done before construction so the temple is planned correctly for ritual use, visitors and the site.
A temple architect plans the layout, proportions and appearance of a temple in a chosen tradition, places each element correctly, and prepares the drawings that engineers and craftsmen build from. The role combines shastriya knowledge with architecture and engineering coordination.
Yes. We design in all three traditions, including regional sub-styles such as Shekhari, Kalinga, Maru-Gurjara, Hoysala and Kerala, as well as contemporary and hybrid temples that keep traditional proportions.
Yes. We plan the whole campus: main temple, subsidiary shrines, Pradakshina path, Yajnashala, water body, dharamshala, services, parking and landscape, arranged so it can be built and extended in phases.
Yes. Design starts with a site study of plot size, shape, orientation, levels and access. The temple is planned around these conditions rather than from a fixed template.
3D visualisation is part of our design process. Realistic views help trustees, committees and donors understand the temple and approve it before construction.
Yes. Our design team coordinates with the structural and civil engineers of AMR BuildTech so foundations, load paths, the Shikhara or Vimana and services work with the architecture.
Every temple project is individually scoped. The estimate depends on size, style, complexity, site area, level of detailing, drawings required, 3D needs and engineering coordination. Share your brief and site details for a written estimate.
Yes. We assess the existing structure and prepare a renovation or redesign scheme, and can carry out the work through our mandir renovation service.
Our base is Bhopal and most projects are in Madhya Pradesh. We also take on projects from temple trusts and organisations elsewhere in India, particularly larger complexes.
Share your site details, approximate size, location and project requirements with our team.
MANDIR is the dedicated temple vertical of AMR BuildTech, a Bhopal construction company with over 15 years of experience. It combines temple architecture with construction capability, has delivered projects in 28 districts of Madhya Pradesh, and works from a single brief through design, engineering and construction.