Vijayawada: Hyderabad-based AE Foundation concluded the Sapta Sindhu 2026 \u2013 Amaravati Edition, a two-day national programme dedicated to preserving and promoting India\u2019s temple heritage and traditional architecture, at the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Vijayawada, on August 2.<\/p>\n
Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, SPA Vijayawada, Vishwa Bandhu Trust, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), the event brought together students, architects, artisans and heritage enthusiasts from across southern India.<\/p>\n
Held under the theme \u201c5 States, One Vision: Temple Architecture,\u201d the initiative highlighted the role of temples as enduring centres of India\u2019s civilisation, culture and dharma while encouraging young people to study and preserve the country\u2019s rich architectural traditions.<\/p>\n
Through design competitions, exhibitions and heritage visits, participants explored the artistic, engineering and cultural aspects of temple construction and conservation.<\/p>\n
A total of 459 participants from five states took part in five national-level competitions: Temple Model and Design Making, Pallaki Model Making, Mural Painting, Temple Arch Decoration and Rangoli.<\/p>\n
Every participant received certificates jointly recognised by the Ministry of Culture, SPA Vijayawada, IGNCA and APSCCC, along with heritage-themed gifts.<\/p>\n
The event witnessed participation from institutions representing Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, reflecting a wide geographical representation of young architects, artists and students.<\/p>\n
Among them were R.V. College of Architecture, Bengaluru (Karnataka); Sri Venkateshwara College of Architecture, Hyderabad (Telangana); Nehru College of Architecture, Ottapalam, Palakkad (Kerala); Dilliganesh Art and Sculpture, Chengalpattu (Tamil Nadu); School of Planning and Architecture \u2013 Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University (SPA-JNAFAU), Hyderabad (Telangana); and Acharya Nagarjuna University College of Architecture and Planning, Guntur (Andhra Pradesh).<\/p>\n
Other participating institutions included the Institute of Mural Painting, Kannur (Kerala); University of Hyderabad \u2013 Fine Arts Department (Telangana); KL University, Vijayawada; Potti Sriramulu Chalavadi Mallikarjun Rao College of Engineering; Sri Durga Malleswara Siddhartha Mahila Kalasala; NKM Mandali, Vijayawada; and AKVA Society, Vijayawada, highlighting the diversity of institutions involved in promoting Bharat\u2019s temple architecture and traditional arts.<\/p>\n
The competitions encouraged participants to understand the principles of traditional temple architecture, which combines art, sculpture, geometry and engineering. Organisers said the programme sought to familiarise students with India\u2019s diverse temple styles and the craftsmanship that has shaped the country\u2019s cultural landscape for centuries.<\/p>\n
The first day featured competitions in which students and young artists presented temple models, murals, decorative arches, rangoli and traditional palanquin designs inspired by India\u2019s architectural heritage.<\/p>\n
On the second day, the entries were exhibited for the public, attracting more than 300 visitors, including scholars, families and heritage enthusiasts.<\/p>\n
As part of the cultural programme, participants also visited the Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada, where they received special darshan and prasadam while learning about the temple\u2019s architecture and historical significance.<\/p>\n
Organisers said the visit enabled students to observe temple design and craftsmanship firsthand. \u00a0They added that participants from different communities, including Muslim students, also joined the visit and showed interest in understanding the architectural features and cultural significance of the temple.<\/p>\n
The inaugural session on August 1 was attended by Prof. Dr. Ramesh Srikonda, K. Hanumantha Rao, Dr. Buddha Chandrashekhar, K. Ramachandra Mohan, Prof. T. Narsing Rao and other dignitaries.<\/p>\n