Meet the mandirs of the 21st century

Ivory and gold by Studio Basera

When you step into the mandir at AVSAR, you’ll notice how the light seemingly clings to the walls. Divine intervention? More like an intervention by design!

At AVSAR, a residence brought to life by Studio Basera’s Principal Architect and Founder Aakansha Rathi, the mandir’s walls have been sculpted out of Selenite. Paired with brushed brass and soft, beige marble, the emanating effect brims with soul. Our favourite part? As the wind flows, the tiny brass bells affixed to the ceiling gently chime together: serene, yet musical!

Discs galore by Workshop Inc

Utilising simple geometric forms to create an awe-inspiring whole? Lining the walls with copper discs, Workshop Inc breaks away from tradition and embraces experimentation head on. The discs, suspended using thin metal cables, appear to float in the air all around the idol. This lively backdrop infuses the mandir with movement, packing minimal elements with maximum impact.

Brick by brick by Studio Lagom

Lagom: a Swedish word that translates to just the right amount. In tandem with the design practice’s name, this mandir by Studio Lagom is an exercise in restraint. In knowing when to hold back and when to let go.

As a result, this mandir in Valsad, Gujarat, is one part of a stirring composition. Appearing to float over a shallow pool of water, no backdrop separates the granite idol from the terracotta brick wall at the back. Earth, water and air, all congeal to create a serene space that requires little material intervention: a greater sum of smaller parts.

Carved in stone by Studio Osmosis

Can a mandir at home inspire the same kind of awe one feels in a temple? Decorated with a six-foot-tall carved stone depiction of Lord Shiva, goosebumps are par for the course when one first sees this prayer nook by Studio Osmosis. Folding wooden shutters slide back to reveal the larger than life mural, the light illuminating its smooth folds and dips. Paired with minimal brass inlay and warm wood, all other details sit back and let the mural rightfully take the spotlight.

Scale, shape and form by Akshay Selukar

Every glance at this space by Architect Akshay Selukar reveals a new detail: fluid and fluent in both contemporary and traditional design elements. But look beyond the intricately carved wood accents framing the door and the altar. Tilt your head upwards, and you’ll see a vividly illustrated partition rolled up overhead. Its function? Switching the room’s purpose at a moment’s notice. When the festivities roll around, the partition retreats to reveal the altar. But roll it down, and the room switches roles in a snap to accommodate your needs.

A perspective refresh by KEBANI_The Design Studio

What makes a space a sanctum? Through this custom-designed mandir unit, Kevin Samuel and Nipun Shah reinterpret this typology with a bolder lens. Think bronze-coated metal, black and walnut veneer, and metal in stead of marble: all the classics, reimagined for the 21st century.

Shunning maximalism, the altar within is kept bare save for a Jain mantra inscribed in the back. The family’s collection of marble idols occupy pride of place on a floating metal platform, accompanied by plentiful storage for all your Pooja essentials.

A pearlesque statement by Spazio Interiors

The perfect place for a mandir? Spazio Interiors makes a compelling case for why it should be the heart of your home!

Situated in the living space, this serene haven has been sculpted out of milky white Indian marble. Two vertical columns frame the monochromatic space. Delicately carved floral panels and motifs add dimension to the alcove, yet pare back to let the idol shine.

Between lines with Between Walls

A mandir inspired by the deity themselves? For Natasha Shah, founder and principal designer at Between Lines, the homeowners’ devout belief in Tirupati Balaji proved to be the ultimate muse. Positioned against a sea of linear, fluted lines, the three inverted arches behind the idol have been inspired by the tilak that decorates his forehead. A true example of bending the rules (and the lines!)

Maharashtrian heritage by Envisage Architecture

Envision a heady mixture of sandalwood against rustling silk. The smoothness of wood underlying a glint of gold. Rich in texture and feel, this mandir by Meena Murthy Kakkar and Vishal Kakkar of Envisage Architecture revels in all things heritage. The true highlight? The compact prayer niche is tucked behind a partition made from a handloom Paithani saree!

Spatial interventions by AT Studio

Making proverbial lemonade out of lemons, Anam Taufik of AT Studio reimagined the length of a wall to serve not one, not two but three purposes: storage, breakfast and worship!

Located in a minimalist Mumbai home, this unique section has been crafted after knocking down a kitchen wall. In tandem, the mandir’s softly arched niche is decorated by a beige wallpaper with block-printed elephants. Shrouded by sheer white curtains, the idol sits atop a wide drawer that divides the vertical space into two — the very picture of simplicity.

A sacred corner by Twisha Thakker Design Studio

Open yet intimate, this cube-like mandir by Twisha Thakker of her eponymous design studio is charmingly minimal. Fluted glass walls fitted with brass bells slide to reveal a floral pouffe, positioned in front of a walnut veneer cabinet. The permeable walls serve a twin function: allowing light to enter, and ensuring the mandir is never out of sight — emblematic of god’s unseen spiritual presence. Tiny hand-applied decals decorate the wall: lotus blooms, birds and butterflies, all creatures that abound in Vrindavan.

Read more: 12 mandir design ideas will bring spiritual serenity to your home