Shri Chandrakant Sompura, India’s foremost traditional temple architect, has been honoured with the Padma Shri 2025 for his remarkable contribution to Architecture, particularly in the domain of sacred temple design. A resident of Gujarat, Shri Sompura carries forward a 15-generation-old family legacy of temple architecture that has shaped some of the most iconic spiritual monuments across India and abroad.
Among his most celebrated works is the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, where he serves as the chief architect. Associated with the project since 1980, Sompura’s design adheres strictly to ancient Nagara architectural style, incorporating elements of Vastu Shastra and traditional stone craftsmanship. The temple is widely regarded as a symbol of spiritual resurgence and cultural pride.
Born into a lineage of master craftsmen, Sompura follows in the footsteps of his grandfather Prabhashankar Sompura, who designed the revered Somnath Temple and was also a Padma Shri recipient in 1973. Chandrakant Sompura himself has designed over 130 temples worldwide, including the Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Birla Mandir in Kolkata, Swaminarayan temples in London and the US, and several other spiritual landmarks.
Expressing his gratitude upon receiving the award, Sompura said, “This is not just a recognition of my work but an honour for the centuries-old architectural heritage carried forward by my family. The Ram Mandir is the culmination of decades of dedication and faith.”
His works are renowned for their grandeur, structural precision, and adherence to traditional Indian aesthetics. Beyond temples, his architectural contributions have also been pivotal in promoting cultural tourism and preserving India’s civilizational heritage.
With this Padma Shri, Shri Chandrakant Sompura joins the ranks of India’s most esteemed architects, celebrated not only for their skill but for their commitment to preserving the sacred traditions of Indian architecture.
