As a part of nation-wide Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is organizing a two days international conference titled as “Devāyatanam – an odyssey of Indian temple architecture” on 25-26th February, 2022 at Hampi (Karnataka). The Conference will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture Shri G Kishan Reddy. The Hon’ble Minister of States for Culture, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal and Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi will also grace the occasion.
Temple being an integral part of the Indian life and its ecosystem in its own ways since the time immemorial is perceived as the manifestation of Purush and Prakriti both and is seen as the mirror of the cosmos. Temple construction was practiced as a pious act not only in the subcontinent but the idea also travelled to the nearest neighborhood such as south-east and east Asia, therefore, it becomes an interesting study as to how the art and technique of temple architecture spread from India to other regions and how this art was modified, to suit the local requirements and also how it in turn inspired the development of new architectural styles.
The chosen venue, Hampi served as the capital of the great medieval era empire of Vijayanagara for more than two centuries from 1336 to 1556 CE. The conference aims to deliberate upon the philosophical, religious, social, economic, technical, scientific, art and architectural aspects of temple. It also intends to initiate a dialogue on the evolution and development of the various styles of temple architecture such as the Nagara, Vesara, Dravida, Kalinga and others.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration is an embodiment of India's socio-cultural, political and economic identity and progress since independence. For centuries, temples have been central to society and culture, to science and technology, to art and economy, to rituals and traditions, to devotion and spirituality, to the past and future. It is only apt that during the AKAM we try to relate to our glorious traditions and culture of the past with the present and the future.
Read More