India's New Parliament Building Set To Be A Celebration Of Sanatan Parampara And Vaastu Shastra

The new Parliament building will reportedly showcase nearly 5,000 pieces of art, including paintings, decorative art, wall panels, stone sculptures, and metal objects, all following the guiding principles of Sanatan parampara and vaastu shastra, spread across 65,000 meters of space.

The new building has six entrances, each featuring “guardian statues of auspicious animals” that have been chosen based on their significance in Indian culture, vaastu shastra and attributes such as wisdom, victory, power and success.

These animals carry affirmations that promote well-being and harmony, Indian Express reported quoting sources.

The ceremonial entrance of the north is guarded by the gaja, an elephant that embodies wisdom, wealth, intellect, and memory.

According to vaastu shastra, the northern direction is associated with Mercury, which is the source of higher intellect.

The southern entrance is watched over by the ashva, a horse representing governance characterised by endurance, strength, power, and speed. The eastern entrance is surrounded by the garuda, an eagle soaring high symbolizing the aspirations of the people. In vaastu shastra, the east is associated with victory represented by the rising sun.

Different entrances of the place hold distinct symbolism. The north-eastern entrance has a swan, signifying wisdom, while other entrances exhibit a makara, representing unity amidst diversity, and a shardula, symbolising the power of people in the country.

The upcoming building will feature six granite statues of individuals involved in the freedom struggle and Constitution-making, along with four galleries for each House, three ceremonial foyers, and several India and Constitution galleries. Its inauguration is expected soon.

According to sources, there will be no existing artwork featured in the new building as all the pieces have been newly commissioned. Over a thousand artisans and artists have been involved in the process, with a focus on incorporating indigenous and grassroots artists from across the country.

The aim is for the pieces to represent the aspirations and values of the people of India, as the parliament is meant to belong to the citizens.

The artworks will showcase the Indian ethos and identity, referencing both the country's civilisation and culture. Overall, the project aims to create a truly representative and culturally rich environment in the new building.

The building's interior will showcase various themes on each wall, such as honoring tribal and women leaders. Its underlying narrative is aimed to represent 5,000 years of Indian civilization with adequate focus on Indian knowledge and scientific traditions, monuments, and the Bhakti tradition, according to an official.

According to an official document outlining the objectives of artwork for an upcoming building. The document, reviewed by Indian Express, states that the installation of artworks represents the Sanatan tradition that has continued for thousands of years, and the overall theme has been designed with consideration of vaastu shastra and maintaining the building's character.

Vaastu shastra is an ancient Indian system of architecture based on traditional texts that outline principles such as design, layout, measurements, space arrangement and spatial geometry. Its roots lie within Hindu culture, specifically the sanatan parampara, which has existed for centuries.

According to a source, the parliament building does not allow room for immersive art or advanced technology, but digital displays will be utilised in certain areas.

The Culture Ministry has established multiple committees, involving academics, historians, artists, archaeologists, as well as officials from the Culture and Urban Development Ministries, to design the interiors of the new building.