Building Faith

Architect Vivek Singh Rathore talks of the vision, material science, and spiritual geometry behind the new Jagannath Dham in Digha –а marvel three years in the making

- By SUKANYA DAS

The Jagannath Dham in Digha is not just a temple – it's a living yantra, engineered with precision and crafted with reverence. Chief architect, former IIT-Roorkee gold-medallist Vivek Singh Rathore, reveals how ancient principles met modern design.

What was your starting vision for the Digha Jagannath Dham?

We were clear from the outset: not to replicate Puri's temple but to construct a respectful homage. Something spiritually resonant yet structurally new – a public place of immersive experience, rooted in dignity. And it had to be world-class.

How long did it take from concept to completion?

Just under three years – which is extraordinary given the complexity. Typically, a temple of this scale, especially with such heavy stone cladding, would take seven to eight years.

Were there challenges of building so close to the ocean?

Logistically, it is beautiful – next to the railway station, with a clear line to the sea. However, geotechnically, the nature of the subsoil necessitated deep and broad focus on foundation design.

Was there any precedent you followed?