Agni-Skandha

Author: Kishan P. Lakhatariya
Site Location: Triveni Sangam, Chandod, Gujarat
Institute: Acharya’s NRV School of Architecture
Advisor: Asso. Prof. Pallavi Thushar Abhale

Description

Executive Summary
Agni-Skandha reimagines the Hindu crematorium from a neglected, utilitarian disposal unit into a
dignified “Sacred Infrastructure.” Situated at the confluence of the Narmada, Orsang, and Saraswati
rivers, the project addresses current spatial fragmentation, sensory chaos, and environmental
contamination caused by traditional open-pyre rites.
Design & Spatial Strategy
 High-Ground Resilience: Positioned on an 8-acre elevated site on the outskirts of Chandod to
ensure complete immunity from seasonal Narmada flood surges while de-congesting the
historical village core.
 Ritual & Bereavement Axis: Chronologically programmed around the Antyesti (last rites)
sequence, featuring sequential thresholds, dedicated Pujari zones, private mourning pavilions,
and administrative areas.
 Sensory Solace: Utilizes local stone, rammed earth, and controlled vistas toward the Triveni
Sangam to foster psychological transition from grief to acceptance.
Ecological & Technical Integration
 Integrates advanced exhaust filtration and bio-remediating ash management pools to prevent air
pollution and protect river health (Zero-Discharge).
 Blends ancient Vedic spatial philosophy with modern green technologies to create a floodresilient,
sustainable civic landmark.
The final outcome of the Agni-Skandha project will be a sustainable, flood-resilient sacred
campus situated on an 8-acre high-ground plateau that transforms traditional open-pyre rites
into a dignified civic experience. By integrating chronological ritual zoning, local stone and
rammed earth construction, and advanced zero-discharge exhaust and ash filtration systems,
the project prevents Narmada river pollution, eliminates smoke emissions, relieves spatial
congestion in historical Chandod, and provides a serene, emotionally comforting landscape
overlooking the Triveni Sangam for grieving families.

जहाँ नर्मदा, ओरसांग और सरस्वती का पावन संगम होता है,
जहाँ तीन नदियों का शांत और पवित्र मिलन होता है।
वर्षों से देखा अपनों को तड़पते, धुएँ और अव्यवस्था के बीच,
तभी जगा एक सपना, बनाने का एक पावन और शांत सुकून का मंच।
जहाँ अंतिम विदाई में दर्द तो हो, पर मन को मिले थोड़ा करार,
जहाँ प्रियजन को अलविदा कहें, शांति से भरकर अपना प्यार।
वेद-पुराणों की उस प्राचीन सीख से मिली मुझे यह प्रेरणा,
जहाँ प्रकृति स्वयं बनती है अंतिम संस्कारों की पावन चेतना।
अग्नि-स्कंध खड़ा होगा, मिट्टी और पत्थरों का आधार,
जहाँ हर विधि जुड़ी होगी प्रकृति से, बिना किसी विकार ।
बाढ़ की लहरों से टूर, एक सुरक्षित और भव्य धाम बनेगा,