Palitana Rangmandap at Palitana Jain Temples Complex

Palitana, Gujarat, India

Preserving Sacred Splendour - A Modern Intervention at the Historic Jain Temples of Palitana

The Jain Temples at Palitana, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for the Jain community, is a sacred complex over 200 years old, holding immense significance not only for its religious importance but also for its architectural grandeur. The dense collection of nearly 900 small and large shrines near the top of Shatrunjaya Hill, arranged in groups called Tonks (Tuks), were built over a period of 900 years starting from the 11th century. Pilgrims reach these temples by climbing approximately 3,500 stone steps along a steep and arduous trail. Annually, more than 500,000 pilgrims undertake this spiritual journey, only to arrive at the summit without a shaded respite—highlighting the need for an intervention that offers respite and comfort while respecting the sanctity of this sacred landscape.

Area : 2,820 SF
Services : Feasibility Study, Architecture, Engineering, PMC
Collaboration: SCHAFBOCK Design Workshop (Tensile Engineer), Navratna Group (Contractor)

Recognizing the site’s significance for pilgrims from India
and beyond, the design intervention mitigates the harsh
climatic conditions that make the central open
congregational courtyard challenging to use for much of
the year. The client’s vision was to find the right balance
between heritage and architecture, a goal achieved by
creating a space that honors tradition while embracing
contemporary architectural principles, ensuring that the
spiritual and cultural significance of the Temples is
preserved and enhanced for future generations.

Elevating Pilgrim Experience by Harmonizing Historical Integrity with Modern Functionality

The design intervention, as a shading Rang Mandap (canopy) over the central courtyard, is conceived to enhance the splendour of this historic site while ensuring its preservation for generations to come. It
embodies a delicate balance between restoration and innovation, with a primary focus on rejuvenating the Temples’ timeless charm. Following a minimalistic approach and standing in harmony with the existing structures, this intervention respects the sanctity of the space, allowing the
Temples to remain the focal point of the campus.

Designed as a column-free tensile structure, the lightweight and durable Rang Mandap shields devotees from the elements while maintaining optimal natural light and ventilation. The structure allows for decorative lighting without obstructing the view of the temples, thus preserving the sacred vista. The column-free solution prevents any damage to the existing flooring while facilitating easy circulation.

Rather than succumbing to the impulse to build excessively, often leading to over-construction that overshadows heritage, this intervention adheres to a philosophy of restraint—creating only what is necessary to enhance the experience while keeping the sacred site undisturbed.

Preserving the Sacred Vision- Uninterrupted Darshan of the Shikhar and Sky

A key aspect of the design is ensuring the uninterrupted darshan (viewing) of the temples’ shikhar (spire) and the sky, which hold profound spiritual and symbolic significance in Hindu and Jain traditions. The Rang Mandap is designed to frame the towering shikhar against the open sky, preserving the essence of spiritual connection and aspiration for all devotees. The shikhar symbolizes the connection between the earthly and divine realms, and by maintaining clear sightlines to the sky, the design allows pilgrims to experience the transcendental power of this sacred architecture. The open sky above the shikhar represents infinity and boundlessness, reminding visitors of their spiritual journey toward self-realization and liberation (moksha). The act of gazing upon the shikhar and the sky is considered purifying, believed to cleanse the soul and elevate the seeker’s consciousness.

A Dialogue between Tradition and Modernity – Weaving Symbolism into Design

The Rang Mandap’s organic yet symmetric form adds a
contemporary touch to the traditional setting, harmonizing
with the existing architecture while enhancing the overall visual coherence of the complex. The structural placement ensures that the shikhar remains prominent, reinforcing key symbolic meanings. Just as the shikhar reaches toward the sky, the design evokes the human quest for spiritual elevation and enlightenment. The unobstructed sky view serves as a reminder of the transient nature of worldly life and the eternal presence of the divine. By preserving the darshan of the shikhar and sky, the intervention reinforces the role of the shrines as a link between the terrestrial and the celestial, deepening the spiritual experience for devotees.

A Sanctuary that Shields from the Elements while Nurturing an Atmosphere of Serenity and Spiritual Reflection

Shadow analysis, surface thermal analysis, and temperature mapping conducted across varying seasons inform the design, optimizing its shading capabilities, creating a comfortable microclimate, and fostering an ambiance conducive to spiritual reflection. The interplay of light and shadow through the canopy enhances the experience of sacredness while ensuring year-round comfort for pilgrims.

The essence of this design intervention is a blend of tradition and modernity, preserving the heritage of the Jain Temples while embracing the needs of the present. By maintaining the sanctity of darshan, safeguarding architectural integrity, and
enhancing climatic comfort, this intervention enriches the spiritual journey at this sacred site, ensuring its relevance for
generations to come.

"A harmonious balance of legacy and innovation, the Rang mandap preserves the temple's sanctity & timeless heritage, and elevates the spiritual journey."

Related Projects

© 2025 INI Design Studio

Linkedin-in Instagram Twitter Facebook Youtube