Vasthuvidya Gurukulam is a unique Institution under the Department of Culture, Govt. of Kerala, intended to promote and preserve the Traditional Architecture, Mural Painting, and other related subjects. This institution is being located at Pathanamthitta District on the banks of the Holy river Pampa, west of the famous Parthasarathy Temple. This is the pioneer institution in its kind in India under government sector. In the absence of a statutory council for Vasthu sasthra, Government of India, Human Resource Development Ministry declared Vasthuvidya Gurukulam as National Nodal Agency for Vasthu and other related subjects.
The rejuvenation, conservation and propagation of our traditional wisdom is indispensable for the evolution of a more meaningful harmonious and environment friendly modern technology which would be both inspired by tradition and better adapted to present day materials, climate and circumstances
To function as an apex body /nodal agency to promote and nurture cultural activities of all types in the region. This will include :
1.Take up activities aimed at promoting public awareness about traditional architecture, including, but not limited to production of literature , multimedia products, organizing awareness programmes etc.
2.Coordinate with other agencies, organizations and institutions involved in the field of cultural activities through organizing joint programmes, arranging financial assistance from funding agencies and leading joint initiatives.
3.Prepare comprehensive plans for assisting cultural institutions for establish them to function effectively, and implement such plans with the cooperation of such institutions
4.Take up directly and indirectly programmes and initiatives that will increase the spread of cultural activities in the region.
5.Involve in all such related activities with the objective of showcasing, preserving and promoting cultural activities specially those relating traditional architecture and sculpture , mural painting and arts.
6.To conduct various academic courses covering various aspects of Traditional Architecture and other ancillary arts at the Certificate /Diploma/Degree level after getting the necessary recognition for the same and refresher courses for practicing Architects/Civil Engineers..
7.To undertake documentation/archiving of existing traditional buildings of architectural importance through detailed survey, photography, videography and architectural drawings.
8.To undertake activities for preserving and strengthening specific old buildings of Architectural significance which need restoration work.
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam Purchased 3.96 acres of land from Co-operative Academy of Professional Education at Aranmula and submitted a project proposal to Govt. of India to seek financial assistance to upgrade Vasthuvidya Gurukulam as a National Institute and Multipurpose Cultural Complex with sufficient Infrastructure facilities.
This is the only institution in India to promote and preserve Traditional Architecture and other related subjects under Govt. sector.
Human Resource Development Ministry approved Vasthuvidya Gurukulam as National Nodal Agency for Vasthu and other related subjects in principle. Procedures are going on to upgrade Vasthuvidya Gurukulam as a National Institute.
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam is conducting four Academic Courses in Vasthuvidya and Mural Painting based on the basic texts of Vasthuvidya , Mayamatham, Manasaram, Thanthrasamuchayam, Silpiratnam and Manushyalayachandrika.
The first University recognized Vasthuvidya course is conducting by Vasthuvidya Gurukulam.
The total student strength of Vasthuvidya Gurukulam is 250 nos. out of which more than 50% are Engineers and other technically qualified persons.
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam has a very efficient Consultancy Wing which prepare sketches , plans & designs for those who are interested in building their houses and other structures in the traditional architectural patterns.
Nearly 6500 Houses, 270 Temples and 30 Churches have been built in the state utilizing the service of the Vasthuvidya Gurukulam’s Consultancy wing.
Mural Painting drawn with natural colours and where complex techniques are used, are exhibited here. Mural Art Gallery is designed in such a way as to impart information about these complex forms to the people.
Government of India & United Nations Development Programme selected Aranmula village as a focal point to implement their endogenous tourism project. In India they selected 31 villages and Aranmula is one among the prominent cultural heritage villages in their schedule. Vasthuvidya Gurukulam is being selected as the implementing agency for this project.
In the line with project submitted by Vasthuvidya Gurukulam, Govt. of India decided to start a National Institute for Vasthuvidya with Vasthuvidya Gurukulam as a roll model. This was a great privilege and accreditation for Vasthuvidya Gurukulam.
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam is documenting all the Traditional Architectural Buildings of Kerala for Department of Tourism.
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam prepared heritage plan for Alappuzha and Thalassery for State Town planning department .
Gurukulam has documented selected 50 important architectural structures in South India and handed over a copy to the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
‘The last supper’ one of the holy moments of Christian mythology is being painted through the traditional style of Mural Paintings and handed over to Vathican Museum is really an achievement and blessing to the Mural department of ‘Vasthuvidya Gurukulam’ while we consider the facts that the Mural picture of the ‘Last Supper’ had not so far been drawn up.
Mural Art gallery at Mannam Samadhi, an excellent example of mural paintings representing historical moments of a legend.
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam designed and prepared the Sketch and plan for Chattampi Swami Memmorial cultural comple, Kumaranasan smaraka cultural complex, Kerala Kalamandalam destination development, Kerala Bhasha Institute, Kadammanitta Smrithimandapam & Mannam Ayurveda Medical College at Pandalam.
The renovation work of Chendamangalam Synagogue is done under the supervision of Vasthuvidya Gurukulam.
World Map at Ravi Karunakaran Museum at Aalappuzha, Mural panel at SBI head quarters, Mural painting renovation work at Sree Padmanabhaswami Temple Thiruvananthapuram and Aranmula Parthasaradhi temple – completed.
Mural Painting Department of Vasthuvidya Gurukulam prepared a mural portrait of Hon’ble President Mr. Barack Obama, with natural colours on a specially treated surface, observing the traditional techniques of Kerala Mural Painting. This is a unique and novel approach to the Kerala ritual Mural Painting system
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam participated in the Vasthu Sasthra workshop conducted by Banarus Hindu University.
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam participated in the workshop conducted by Arachaeological Survey of India for the conservation and preservation of Mural paintings and gave sponsorship.
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam participated “Vasthuvidya 2013” - National Convention of Traditional Architecture and Technology conducted by Vasthuvidya Pratishtanam, Calicut.
Renovation of Mural painting work at Thali temple was completed.
Mural panel at Wayanadu Kerala veterinary and animal Science University head quarters, Mural painting renovation work Kerala Kalamandalam –completed.
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam designed and prepared the Sketch and plan for South Indian Performing Arts Museum for Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University.
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam is doing the documentation of Padmanabhapuram Palace for State Archaeology dept.
Gurukulam is governed by a committee with 17 members headed by Mr. T.K.A.Nair, former Advisor to Prime Minister as Chairman and department heads, government secretaries and experts in ancient science nominated by Govt. of Kerala
Mr. P.N. Suresh is the member secretary cum Executive Director of the institution. The institution functions with a proficient team of Engineers, Architects Mural Artist, and Experts in Traditional Science and languages, headed by Sri. Kanippayyoor Krishnan Namboodirippad the Legend in Vasthuvidya as dean.
Chairman : Sri.T.K.A Nair (Former Advisor to Prime Minister)
Executive Director cum Secretary : P.N. Suresh
Treasurer : District Collector,Pathanamthitta.
Members:
Smt.Veena George , Aranmula M L A
Secretary, Cultural Affairs Department
Director, Dept of Archaeology
Director General , Archaeological Survey of India New Delhi
Chief Architect, PWD
Dr. M Velayudhan Nair
Director, Dept of Tourism
Dr. Mohanakshan Nair, Kizhakketharayil ,
Mallappuzhassry, Aranmula.P.O
Sri. A Padmakumar, Keechamparambil, Aranmula.P.O
Sri. R Ajayakumar, Neduvelil, Nalkalikkal.P.O, Aranmula
Sri.G.Vijayan , Njalipparambil, Aranmula.P.O, Edasserimala
Smt.Mini Shyammohan, Shyam Nivas ,Kozhencherry East.P.O
Sri. A.K. Haridas, Koickalveedu, Aranmula.P.O
Smt. S Nirmaladevi, Thottathil, Prakkanam.P.O, Elanthoor
Smt. S. Usha Kumari, Mudiyilezhathu Veedu,
Mudiyoorkonam.P.O,Pandalam
Public Information Officer,
Smt.Geethakumari P R
Office Assistant,
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam,
Aranmula ,Pathanamthitta Dist.
Kerala State
Phone : 0468- 2319740
Appellate Authority
Sri. P.P.Surendran
Architectural Engineer,
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam,
Aranmula ,Pathanamthitta Dist.
Kerala State
Phone : 0468- 2319740
This division is the most important element of Vasthuvidya Gurukulam. The academic division is meant to teach the new generation engineers about traditional architecture and to make awareness among the educated people for the conservation of ancient science. The first University recognized vasthuvidya course is being conducted by Vasthuvidya Gurukulam. Vasthuvidya Gurukulam conducts four academic courses with a total student strength of about 250 nos, out of which more than 50% are Engineers and other technically qualified professionals.
As a part of promotion of Vasthuvidya it is necessary to have a good team who can apply the traditional architecture for the present era. Gurukulam has a panel of eminent engineers and vasthu experts for monitoring the activities of consultancy wing.
The services of consultancy wing include:
Architectural design based on traditional vasthu principle for residential/ commercial/ institutional structures.
Rectification of already built structures according to Vasthuvidya.Design of temples and churches strictly based in vasthu principles.
Help in preserving age old structures built according to vastuvidya.
This division had already completed almost 6500 residential buildings, 300 devalayas ( temples& churches).and many other institutions including medical college, cultural complexes, Natyagraham etc.
Registration fees for Rs.1500/- +service tax need to be remitted in the office for any type of consultation.
Rs. 3000/+ service tax is the registration fee for availing the service of Sri. Kanippayyoor Krishnan Namboodirippad and service may be given with in a period of 2 months after registration date according to his convenience.N:B All travel expenses need to be availed by the client.(by Car /Train -A/C chair car)
* Rs. 2.6/sq.ft + service tax need to be remitted, for correction of plan provided by the client.
* Rs.8.27/sq.ft + service tax need to be remitted for obtaining complete design including estimate for residential/commercial building based on vastu (Architectural plan only for obtaining sanction)
For obtaining architectural plan without estimate we charge Rs 5.2/sq.ft.+service tax)
.
*Gurukulam has the right to change the date once given in case of any urgency.
*It is the duty of client to implement the dimensions given by Vathuvidya Gurukulam correctly in the field.
N:B Registration fees once remitted cannot be taken back but the client has all the right to postpone the date further away as per his convenience.
Our Counsultancy Wing:
Dean-Brhmasri.Kanippayoor Krishnan Namboodiripad
P.P.Surendran -BTech(Arch)
Tele:0468-2319740(Office)
0468-2319388(Residence)
9847053294(Mobile)
A.B.Sivan - MA(SANKT), MA (MAL),DIID DT Arch.Master Degree in Astrology
Tele:0468-2319740(Office)
0479-3295153(Residence)
9947739442(Mobile)
Drafting Wing:
Francisca Antony Mannaly.M.A
Manoj.G.Kumar
Deepthy.P.R
The true tradition of Kerala is reflected in the ancient structures. Gurukulam under takes the task of identifying such structures and documenting them for future research purpose. The documentation is partly full filled by attaching it with academic courses. The institution documents prominent heritage chattels of south India with the assistance of Govt. of India.
Gurukulam has started a survey of Mural Paintings, great architectural buildings like temples churches, mosques, persons who practice Vasthuvidya today. The survey is conducted in all the villages, towns and cities and this kind of a survey is the first of its kind in the country
The traditional Kerala mural is a combination of ritual, art and culture. The painting is done based on ‘ Dhanya Slokas’ using natural colours made out of leaves and stones. In an attempt to make this art form more popular, mural department undertakes projects outside also. From the Preparation of Natural colours, drawing , painting upto finishing pictures all are done here. Gurukulam has documented all important Mural Paintings in Kerala.
An extensive mural art gallery open to the public makes it possible for all art lovers to see and familarize the unique world of mural painting erstwhile confined to the interiors of temples and palaces. There is also provision for the public to purchase the murals directly from the gallery.
Mahatma Gandhi University and Vastuvidya gurukulam jointly publish an array of books on traditional Indian architecture. These books based on the ancient documents and texts present the salient features of the traditional architecture of Kerala in a simple and contemporary manner to the common people so that they can understand it easily.
A well equipped reference library which mainly consist of ideological books and manuscripts.
Competent faculty members to guide inquisitive students in their research process related to Vastuvidya
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam conducts the following five courses:
a. Post Graduate Diploma in Traditional Architecture (PGDTA)
Course intended for Civil/Architectural Engineers. Recognized by Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala.
Duration : 1 Year
Seats : 25
Medium : Malayalam
Course fee : 10000
b. Diploma in Traditional Architecture Correspondence Course (DTAC)
An awareness course intended for any graduates, Civil/Architecture Polytechnic Diploma holders.
Certificate issued by Vasthuvidya Gurukulam after the successful completion of course.
Duration : 1 Year
Seats : 300
Medium : Malayalam
Course fee : 10000
c. Certificate Course in Traditional Architecture(CTA)
Course organized for candidates from viswakarma members only aged below 30
Duration : 1 Year
Seats : 20
Medium : Malayalam
Course fee : 3000
d. Mural Painting Course
Course formulated to teach traditional Kerala Mural Painting in natural colours.
Duration : 1 Year
Seats : 5
Medium : Malayalam
Course fee : 3000
e. Mural Painting Short term Course
An awareness course for those who interested in Mural Painting.
Duration : 1 Year
Seats : 25
Medium : Malayalam
Course fee : 15000
Manveeyam Vailoppally Cultural centre
Vasthuvidya Gurukulam designed and prepared the plan and estimate of Vailoppilli Cultural Center built at Nalanda, Thiruvananthappuram, by the Government of Kerala. It is designed according the principles of the ancient architecture of Kerala. The entrance or Padippura is self explanatory as far as the traditional technology and the aesthetic sense of our traditional architecture concerned.
Padmanabhapuram Cultural Complex
The Padmanabhapuram palace of the Travancore Rajas is planned to be converted into a Heritage complex. The whole work is designed by the Gurukulam. Herbal Garden and Heritage complex are built preserving the unique nature of the palace structure. Twenty seven trees are planted here to represent the 27 stars. These trees include some rare trees too.
Heritage Documentation
State Government have initiated a Heritage Documentation project in association with Vasthuvidya Gurukulam to list out and document all heritage buildings in Kerala.
A team, which consists of Engineers, Architects and traditional architectural experts, constituted by Vasthuvidya Gurukulam, Aranmula, for the project is approved by state government. Sri. P.N. Suresh, Executive Director of Vasthuvidya Gurukulam, Aranmula is entrusted with the additional duty as the State Co-ordinator of Heritage documentation project. Vasthuvidya Gurukulam completed the listing of three districts.
GOI-UNDP Endogenous Tourism Project at Aranmula
Government of India and United Nations development programme have entrusted Vasthuvidya Gurukulamn as Nodal Agency for implementing its Endogenous Tourism Project for the promotion of tourism activities and generating income at the bottom level at Aranmula . It is the result of the identifying the indigenous tourism resources, positively exploiting them and Sustaining them for the posterity to see and enjoy the land in all its diversity and indigenous uniqueness.