DP Curates: 7 Divine Mandirs Rooted In Rituals But In Tune With Modernity

As leaves turn and festive season inches closer, the spirit of renewal seeps into our homes. Along with fresh coats of paint, rearranged furniture, and sparkling decor, one corner that often receives special attention is the mandir. In modern homes, this sacred space has evolved from beyond marble pedestals and orthodox wooden arches. For homeowners with cosmopolitan lifestyles and luxe interiors, their mandir isn’t just a place of prayer, it’s a design statement. They blend effortlessly with the interiors of living rooms, dining areas or patios, each one reflecting the homeowners’ unique taste and design sensibilities. If you are considering a revamp, these enchanting mandirs offer fresh inspirations and will keep your gaze affixed. Even in their modern guise, they hold fast to the timeless essence of worship.

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1. A Dome Of Sacred Radiance by Neelesh Chopda Architecture

Vortex 21, a residence in Betul, Madhya Pradesh has so much to tell. But taking the spotlight in this ultra-modern home is a serene Shivling-inspired mandir helmed by Principal Designer Neelesh Chopda of Neelesh Chopda Architecture. Enclosed within a striking geodesic dome, the mandir is a modern tribute to spirituality, inviting peace and divine connection. The semi-transparent shell allows daylight to pour in, turning the space into a prism of shifting illumination. Wooden florals by Saijal Goenka are adorned across its triangular lattice, softening the geometry. Ceramic tiles handcrafted by artist Sanjay from Orissa, wrap the inner walls with ornate depictions of Jain temples, turning the mandir walls into a narrative mural. Surrounded by lush indoor greenery and grounded by patterned flooring, the mandir with its luminous ambience, offers the residents a sacred haven to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the infinite, in the comfort of their home. 

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2. Interpretation Of Temple Architecture By Shraddha Pardhe Architects

At Pacharne Villa in Pune, Principal Architect Shradha Pardhe of Shraddha Pardhe Architects crafts a pooja room where you’re instantly caught in the spell of an arresting Ghumat-inspired ceiling. Made of high-density fibreboard sourced from Action Tesa, its sculpted rhythmic tiers recall the geometry of traditional temple Shikhara and ancient Mandapas. Custom lighting from Range Lite accentuates its sculptural depth. A soft grey palette and clean intersecting arches on the wall create a quiet backdrop, allowing the ceiling’s intricate volumetry to stand out. Making space for more modernity is a bold red artwork that becomes another decisive accent. The result is a divine space that honours India’s temple architecture while articulating a contemporary spirit. 

3. A Lotus Throne For Ganesha By R+R Architects

A beacon of positivity, this ethereal Ganesha mandir in an Ahmedabad home by R+R Architects, rises like a sculpted centrepiece balancing the weight of tradition with the clarity of modern design. Principal Architect Ramesh Lohar has emblazoned it with cultural symbolism, clean lines and tactile richness. A lotus form reveals itself, etched with finesse from Bronze Armani Marble, transforming into a devotional corner. At its core, a Ganesha idol sits against a gleaming CNC-cut brass backdrop, punctuated with delicate perforations. A closer glimpse reveals exquisite gold inlay work delicately etched into marble, exuding a quiet opulence. The mandir indeed stands as one of the most iconic and spiritually resonant spaces within the home, embodying a seamless fusion of devotion, design, and craftsmanship. 

4. A Golden Crescendo Of Devotion By Sandeep Geeta And Associates

Casa Divina’s mandir in Gurgaon whispers piety and modernity in equal measure. Designed by Sandeep Geeta and Associates, the mandir was conceived not as an isolated alcove, but as an integral part of the residence. The arched frame, drenched in gold leaf curves inward like a radiant shell. A sculptural marble base holds the family’s collection of marble idols, and storage for pooja essentials is concealed within the design. A stylised Art Deco backdrop of lead marble makes the unit visually pristine. Scale and volume are handled with restraint, allowing the composition to feel both stirring and serene. Instead of indulgent excess, the design borrows its poise from the soft golden tones, delicate carvings and lighting in the space. It is a composition of reverence and refinement, one that blends tradition with contemporary sensibility. 

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5. Mandir with a dash of Japanese Minimalism by Onedot6

This devotional jewel by Onedot6, led by Creative Directors Aamir & Hameeda is inspired by the quiet elegance of Japanese temples. Reimagined for an Indian home in Hyderabad, the mandir is made entirely in birch ply. Its surfaces are defined by clean lines, playful cutouts, and a mix of hand-painted vignettes of birds and foliage. These details introduce color, depth, and storytelling, seamlessly blending artisanal craft with modern geometry. A golden tree with gleaming textured leaves rises alongside, creating a dramatic focal point that contrasts beautifully with the understated wooden form. Lotus-shaped vessels with flowers at the base further ground the mandir in Indian ritual and symbolism. Ample natural light filters in from the adjoining double-height glazing, while subtle ambient lighting ensures the mandir glows softly in the evenings, enhancing its spiritual presence without overwhelming the interiors. Both reverent and exuberant, the mandir becomes a striking centerpiece on the first floor.

6. Divinity Under A Hand-painted Tree By Studio.609

As though sheltered beneath a blossoming tree, this mandir by Studio.609, unfurls with grace beside the staircase of a biophilic Ahmedabad home. Envisioned by Principal Architect Archita Patel, the intimate mandir feels both modern and whimsical. Within, wood, limocoat, frosted glass, and premium Italian marble are layered with intention, creating a serene space for devotion within a sleek setting. At the heart of the mandir, a circular brass-and-wood panel etched with ‘Om’ is adorned on a marble backdrop. Radiating like a cosmic sunburst, this element becomes the spiritual and visual focal point of the mandir, drawing the gaze inward. Above, a row of suspended brass diyas blend with the pared-back design, to become part of the temple traditions. Balancing contemporary finishes and cultural symbolism, this minimalist mandir depicts how modernity and tradition can coexist beautifully in interior design. 

7. A Blue-toned Mandir by Studio Raha

Reflecting how spirituality merges with daily life, Principal Architects Rashi Lalaji Mehta and Shikha Shah of Studio Raha craft one corner of the living area in this Mumbai home with a bespoke mandir. Handcrafted by the skilled artisans of Studio Raha, the design delves into tranquil spirituality while retaining a modern sensibility. Perched like a jewel box on a cylindrical pedestal, the alcove is washed in powder blue hue blending well with the room’s calm palette. Its blue fluted shutters, when drawn open, reveal a white porcelain deity, placed against a tessellated backdrop from Housewarming. Every detail carries intent and precision. The drawers below hold pooja essentials with quiet discretion. It is a serene worship space where minimalism meets tradition, quietly and elegantly.