Vaidyanatha[1] Ganapati Sthapati (1927- 5 September 2011) was a Sthapati ( temple architect and builder ), and head of the College of Architecture and Sculpture in the Vastu Shastra tradition ascribed to the sage Mamuni Mayan.
| V. Ganapati Sthapati | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1927 Pillayarpatti, near Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Died | September 5, 2011[2] Chennai |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Field | Architect, temple builder, sculptor, author |
| Movement | Founded the "Vaastu Vedic Trust" and "Vaastu Vedic Research Foundation" for the development and globalization of Vaastu Shastra. |
Contents |
Sthapati was born in 1927 to sculptor Sri Vaidyanatha Sthapati and Smt. Velammal in Pillayarpatti, a village near Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India. He was born into a Vishwabrahmin family ( a Hindu caste of priests,acharyas i.e. teachers of spirituality and Hindu religion, artisans and architects ). Sthapati attended Dr. Alagappa Chettiar College, Karaikudi, and graduated with a degree in mathematics. After his graduation, he became a Sthapati (Hindu traditional architect) at Palani Murugan Temple, Palani, TN, India. He resigned this post after the death of his father, who had served as principal of The School of Architecture and Sculpture at Mamallapuram from 1957 to 1960. He succeeded his father as the Principal of the Government College of Architecture and Sculpture, TN, India.[3]
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.[3]
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. He is also the head of the professional guild named "V. Ganapati Sthapati & Associates."[3]
Dr. Sthapati initiated the development of The American University of Mayonic Science and Technology as an authorized institution to teach this body of knowledge in the western world. He appointed Dr. Jessie J. Mercay as Chancellor.[3]
Sthapati served as architect for several buildings and sculptures, including the following:
Sthapati has authored a number of books on the science and technology of Vastu Shastra and has conducted numerous seminars.
Books he has authored include Iconometry, Temples of Space Science: The Building Architecture of Sthapatya Veda[8] and Commentary on Mayan's Aintiram.[9]
Sthapati has earned a number of titles and awards, including Padma Bhushan.[10][11]
Subramaniam, T.S. (20 February 2009). "Sculpting a success story". The Hindu. http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/02/20/stories/2009022051200100.htm. Retrieved 27 August 2010.