Draft:K. Dakshinamoorthy

K. Dakshinamoorthy Sthapati is a Indian traditional architect (Sthapati), sculptor, and author known for his expertise in Hereditary Hindu temple architecture and sculpture. His work encompasses the design, restoration, and construction of temples in India and abroad, contributing significantly to the preservation of traditional Indian architectural principles.

Family, Education and Career
Karuppiahachary Dakshinamoorthy was born on June 19, 1962 to Sthapathi Swaminathan Karuppiah Achary (Sthapati S.K.Achary). His father was the chief architect of the Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari and served as the Chief Sthapati of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. His uncle, V. Ganapati Sthapati, was a renowned scholar and sculptor, best known for the colossal Thiruvalluvar Statue in Kanyakumari.

He pursued his education in the field of temple architecture, obtaining a B.Sc. in Temple Architecture, an M.A. in Philosophy, Religion, and Culture, and a Ph.D. in Sculpture. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his career in traditional architecture and sculpture.

Career
Dakshinamoorthy Sthapati has been involved in numerous prestigious committees and roles, including serving on the Heritage Committee constituted by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, and the High Court Heritage Committee constituted by the Madras High Court. He is the Managing Trustee of the Vastu Vedic Trust, a role he inherited from his mentor and uncle V. Ganapati Sthapati.

As an academic, he has contributed to the Tamil Nadu Government Music and Fine Arts University, serving as a member of its Academic Council from February 2015 to February 2018.

As an Author
Dakshinamoorthy Sthapati has authored several books and articles on temple architecture and sculpture, including:


 * The Introspection in Indian Architecture (Sthapatya Yoga), a comprehensive guide on Indian temple architecture.
 * The Architectural Legacy of Dharmaraja Ratha, exploring the architectural significance of the Dharmaraja Ratha.
 * Uli Ezhuthukkal, a book on traditional architecture and sculpture in Tamil.

Awards and Honours
He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to architecture and sculpture, including:


 * Honoured by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, for his architectural and sculptural design for Ramayana Dharshan Hall, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Sanskritik Kendra, Nagpur.
 * Awarded the 'Kalaichemmal' title by the Government of Tamil Nadu for his service in temple architecture and sculpture.
 * Recognized internationally, with accolades such as the 'Sirpa Kala Rathnam' title from the President of Singapore, and honours from various organisations in Canada, for his contributions to Hindu temples abroad.

Major Works
Dakshinamoorthy Sthapati has worked and designed many temples in India and abroad. Notable among his works are:


 * the design of the Ramayana Darshanam Hall at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's Sanskritik Kendra in Nagpur.


 * the impressive 20-story Raja Gopura at the Murdeshwar Temple in Karnataka.


 * Shri Shiva Murugan Temple, Concord CA, United States of America.