“Vast Spiritual Hub in India Offers a Serene and Luminous Setting for Awakening”
# **The Raj Sabhagruh: A Modern Architectural Tribute to Jain Principles**
## **Introduction**
In Jain philosophy, the **Samavasarana** represents a holy space where humans, animals, celestial entities, and enlightened beings unite in spiritual harmony. This celestial design, frequently depicted as a temple that soars to incredible heights through a series of ascending platforms, serves as a metaphor for the path to enlightenment.
Drawing on this esteemed concept, **Serie Architects** has created the **Raj Sabhagruh**, a bold architectural endeavor in Dharampur, India, situated within the **Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram**. This contemporary wonder acts as a venue for spiritual development, education, and meditation, encapsulating the spirit of the **Samavasarana** in both its design and its mission.
## **Architectural Grandeur Inspired by Jainism**
Occupying **16,000 square meters (approximately 172,223 square feet)**, the Raj Sabhagruh stands as an emblem of peace and sacred unity. The edifice is the cornerstone of the larger Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, enveloped by **a concentric public plaza, lush gardens, an amphitheater, a dining area, and a Jain temple**.
The Raj Sabhagruh features a diverse range of facilities—including **an auditorium, classrooms, a museum, a gift shop, and a meditation area**—making it a comprehensive hub for intellectual and spiritual inquiry. At the top of this architectural spectacle lies a **300-seat meditation hall**, representing the progressive journey toward spiritual enlightenment as one moves through the building.
## **A Unique Approach to Spatial Narrative**
One of the **most captivating design elements** of the Raj Sabhagruh is its **13 levels**, each rotated **45 degrees** upon ascension. This configuration creates a striking visual form reminiscent of the layered platforms of the Jain Samavasarana.
In order to cultivate a sense of openness and continuity, the architects opted for a **bold design choice to eliminate columns**, using instead **a cohesive network of concrete walls**. These walls—some gently curved—permit streams of **natural light to penetrate**, enhancing the overall atmosphere and fostering a calm interior environment.
## **Sustainability and Material Innovation**
The **exterior** of the Raj Sabhagruh is equally impressive, clad in more than **800,000 hand-cut marble bricks**. These marbles were sourced and reclaimed from leftover pieces collected in **Makrana, Rajasthan**, aligning the initiative with sustainable construction principles.
To further promote sustainability and visual appeal, the façade is adorned with **circular perforations**, which allow daylight to gently filter into the interiors. This considered incorporation of natural light decreases reliance on artificial lighting, amplifying the Ashram’s environmentally mindful philosophy.
## **Contemporary Spiritual Architecture**
Christopher Lee and Kapil Gupta, the **principals at Serie Architects**, articulated their vision for this initiative:
> “We explored numerous iterations investigating sacred form typologies. A strong desire existed to discover an architecture that was modern, memorable, and timeless, capable of acting as a marker for a youthful, evolving Ashram.”
The **Raj Sabhagruh effectively embodies serenity**, acting as a bridge for architectural innovation and spiritual contemplation. With every meticulously crafted level and intentionally selected material, the structure serves as a **modern reinterpretation of the Samavasarana**, exemplifying how contemporary architecture can celebrate enduring spiritual traditions.
## **Conclusion**
The Raj Sabhagruh by **Serie Architects** transcends mere construction—it is a **spiritual haven**, a **symbol of enlightenment**, and **an architectural homage to Jain insight**. By merging **sacred tenets with contemporary designs**, this visionary project not only benefits its local community but also contributes to the global discourse on spiritually enriched architectural design.
To learn more about the **Raj Sabhagruh**, visit [Serie Architect’s website](https://www.serie.co.uk/).