Raj Sabhagruh: Blending Jain Heritage with the Strength of Modern Marble and Concrete
Serie Architects has designed Raj Sabhagruh, a 16,000-square-metre complex in Dharampur, Valsad district of Gujarat, India dedicated to Jainism. Located within the 100-hectare Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, the building serves as a hub for discourse, study, meditation, and rest. Its design draws from traditional Jain temple architecture while incorporating contemporary elements.
Raj Sabhagruh stands as a testament to thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship. Its combination of architectural symbolism, advanced engineering, and community-driven planning ensures that it will remain a focal point of Jain spiritual life for generations. By harmonizing aesthetic and functional elements, the complex reflects the values and aspirations of the Ashram while providing a lasting space for contemplation, discourse, and growth.
Design and Structure
The building features interlocking concrete walls, giving it a distinctive stepped appearance. These walls are clad in hand-chiselled bricks made from white marble off-cuts sourced from Makrana. The small size of the bricks allows them to conform to the curved surfaces of the structure. A total of 800,000 bricks were used, covering 36 elevations. Circular windows punctuate the walls, bringing in natural light and enhancing interior brightness.
The architectural reference for the design comes from the Jain Samavasaran, a mythical temple symbolizing the path to enlightenment. Serie Architects collaborated closely with the Ashram and spiritual leader Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji over two years, refining the design to align with the institution’s spiritual and functional requirements.
Central Auditorium and Interior Spaces
At the core of Raj Sabhagruh is a 5,000-seat auditorium, a 54-metre-wide and 20-metre-tall space. The hall features a column-free structure achieved through four curved arches. The concrete interior is complemented by wooden acoustic baffles arranged concentrically to echo the ceilings of Maha-mandapa gathering halls found in Jain temples.
The auditorium is accessed through a large foyer with eight entrances. A stage for the Guru is positioned at one end, while a mezzanine level with additional seating is located at the other. Above the auditorium, a meditation hall spans 20 metres in height and accommodates 300 worshippers. It is designed as a glowing structure with more than 1,000 embedded lights visible from afar.
Additional Facilities
The complex includes a museum dedicated to the life and teachings of Shrimad Rajchandra, a revered Jain saint. A library housing rare Jain texts and multiple classrooms support the institution’s educational mission. The layout follows a structured hierarchy, with spaces transitioning from public discourse on the ground floor to experiential learning, deep study, and introspection on the upper levels.
Outdoor Features
The building is raised on a plinth connected to a large plaza. The plaza is paved with white marble, consistent with the cladding of the building, and incorporates ficus trees to provide shade. A dining hall with a capacity of 5,000 is positioned to the north, while a 5,000-seat open-air amphitheater extends to the west. To the south, the plaza leads to Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram.
The plaza functions as a gathering space for visitors and devotees, enhancing the communal aspect of the complex. It provides a transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, reinforcing the integration of built and natural environments. The open design allows for easy navigation and accommodates large congregations during significant events and spiritual discourses.
Construction and Materials
The hand-laid bricks on the building's facade create shifting patterns of light and shadow. The rough-cut marble exposes crystalline structures that interact with natural light, changing tones throughout the day. Deep-set circular windows allow natural illumination to penetrate deep into the interiors, contributing to the building’s visual depth and energy efficiency.
The construction process required meticulous planning, particularly due to the unique curvature of the walls and the extensive use of hand-cut marble bricks. Skilled artisans worked to ensure uniformity while maintaining the individuality of each piece. The use of locally sourced materials not only enhanced sustainability but also ensured that the building resonated with its regional context.
Project Team
The project was a collaborative effort involving several experts. Serie Architects led the architectural design, working closely with structural consultants Lera and auditorium specialists RMM Designs. MEP systems were managed by Arkk Consulting, while Andy Munroe provided acoustical consulting. Clarity handled lighting design, ensuring optimal illumination throughout the complex. The coordinated effort of these specialists contributed to the project's success, aligning architectural vision with technical precision.
The involvement of spiritual leaders and the Ashram community played a key role in shaping the project. Regular discussions and workshops allowed for feedback from practitioners and devotees, ensuring that the final design aligned with the functional and spiritual needs of its users. This iterative approach resulted in a building that not only serves practical purposes but also enhances the experience of worship and learning.
Raj Sabhagruh serves as a significant addition to the Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, balancing tradition and modernity. Its design accommodates a range of activities while remaining adaptable to the evolving needs of the Ashram. By integrating architectural references from Jain heritage with contemporary construction techniques, Serie Architects has created a space that supports spiritual, educational, and communal functions. The project exemplifies how architecture can facilitate both religious practice and community engagement in a cohesive and functional environment.