My Teacher: Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati

The Doyen of Indian Vaastu Shastra (recently given the title of "Shilpi Guru" by the President of India), Sthapati has been doing research in the field of Vaastu Science and Technology for the past 50 years. A graduate in Mathematics and Sanskrit, he is propagating this supreme science in India and abroad. He is chiefly responsible for the resurrection of the works of the Great Brahmarishi Mayan, who was the progenitor of this Indian science and technology and the founder of this rich civilization and culture. At this time, Sthapati is erecting a grand tribute to Mayan: a temple to house the knowledge of Vastu Science for all the generations to study, in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.

As the Principal of the Government College of Architecture and Sculpture (the only institute of this kind in the world) at Mahabalipuram, for 27 years, Sthapati worked hard to restore and elevate the status of the sacred art and architecture by affiliating courses to the University of Madras and offering degree courses. This brought academic status to the age-old tradition of learning and also initiated many young people into this traditional technology.

After retirement from government service, he established Vastu Vedic Trust and Vastu Vedic Research Foundation aimed at research, development and globalization of Vastu Shastra. He is also the head of the professional guild named V. Ganapati Sthapati & Associates. This group of talented designers, engineers and craftsmen work together to create Vaastu inspired temples and other buildings in India and abroad. The palatial buildings of the library and administrative block for Tamil University of Tanjore and the Muthiah Mandram in Madurai speak of his capacity for designing and executing works of stupendous nature. Of particular interest is his monumental Vastu sculpture/building of Thiruvalluvar at the southern tip of India at Kanya Kumari measuring 133 feet in elevation: a stone Statue of Liberty for India. This colossal marvel has taken him to the pinnacle of his life’s achievement as a traditional architect and builder, and commendations and awards come to him from around the world for this achievement.

He has authored a number of books on the science and technology of Vastu Shastra and has conducted numerous seminars with professionals in a generous effort to make this knowledge available to the world. He has established the International Institute of Mayonic Science and Technology, which conducts workshops and discourses all over the world.

Sthapati held the post of the Professor and the Head of the Department of Sthapatya Veda in the World University of Traditional Indian Science, Technology and Culture in Chennai.

Some of the notable books he has authored include: Iconometry, Temples of Space Science, The Building Architecture of Sthapatya Veda, and Commentary on Mayan’s Aintiram.

Sthapati has earned a number of titles and awards including an Honorary Fellowship by the Indian Institute of Architects, the National award for Master Craftsmanship by the President of India, the title of "Shilpi Guru of India" also by the President and a Doctorate Degree conferred by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Vedic University. He has been awarded the Padma Bhushan award. It is awarded to recognize distinguished service of a high order to the nation, in any field.

He has worked and researched in the USA, U.K., Australia, France, Fiji, Germany, Holland, Singapore, Malaysia, Mexico, Guatemala and Peru. This pulsating and vibrant researcher, sculptor, architect, philosopher and scientist has given forth many startling research discoveries on the intricacies of the traditional art and architecture of India and is quite optimistic that one day Vaastu science will be a major influence in the world.

It is with deep gratitude that I introduce you to this great and generous man, Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati and his artistic guild of artists/scientists: Manu – Blacksmith, Maya – Carpenter, Shilpi – Architect and Sculptor, Twashta – Metal work, Vishwagyan – Goldsmith.