Sthapati is working on a memorial at Mahabalipuram for Brahmarishi Mayan, who is considered to be the father of Indian architecture. He also plans to recreate the glory of the Mayan civilization of Mexico.
An exclusive interview:
Can you describe what went into the making of the sculptor in you or who all inspired you? I am not merely 82 years old, but I am 15,000 years old because my tradition is so big and rich. My forefathers and father were all great sculptors. We are Viswakarmas, who have been involved in sculpting and architecture for the last 15,000 years.
When did you settle down in Chennai?I was born at Pillayarpatti in Sivagangai district.
I studied at Dr Alagappa Chettiar College in Karaikudi and graduated in mathematics.
We came to Chennai seeking a livelihood about 60 years ago.
My father Vaidyanatha Sthapati, who was principal of the School of Architecture and Sculpture at Mamallapuram, designed and executed the Gandhi Mandapam in the city.
And I designed and executed Valluvar Kottam.
What makes Valluvar Kottam special? Making a stone chariot was a daunting task, especially its stone wheels. The chariot has three parts - an inverted pyramid shape at the bottom with wheels, pillars in the middle and a pyramid form on top.
Your name is associated with giant statues….
(Interrupting and getting emotional) Don`t use the term statue. Statues are human forms. We are not creating human forms. We are creating divine forms. We are creating gods and goddesses.
When you made the Thiruvalluvar (statue), people said it would not withstand the waves. But the world has seen how it withstood even the tsunami of 2004. What is the secret behind it?
You are the first person to ask me what is the secret behind it. It is not only secret but something sacred as well.
You know the 133-foot tall Thiruvalluvar is mounted on a rock. It is made of 7,500 pieces of granites and all the pieces are interlocked. People said it would not withstand the winds and waves. But, as you said, it withstood even the tsunami. How?
Images: `Nano technology saved my Thiruvalluvar`I use nano technology in architecture and sculpture. It is the same nano technology that keeps my Thiruvalluvar in Kanyakumari intact. This is what makes our tradition great.
Can you explain the use of nano technology in sculpting?Space is everywhere. Space becomes a living organism if it is confined by a four-walled structure. Space is filled with countless sub-atoms. The sub-atom is not an empty space, but a built space cubical in form. It is invisible. However, it is recognised by a yogic sculptor as a power point containing creative elements numbering 8x8=64 mini spaces in every paramanu. This is Indian Nano Technology.
What do you think is your greatest contribution?I have designed and built over 600 temples in India and abroad. Foreign countries where I have built temples include the US, the UK, Russia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Australia.
I designed and built the Thiruvalluvar in Kanyakumari, Valluvar Kottam in Chennai, Sri Swaminatha Temple in New Delhi, the Silappathikaram art gallery at Poompuhar and the administrative block in Tamil University at Tanjore, to name but a few.
I have learned the five Vedas and applied their essence in my works. That`s my greatest contribution to India architecture, I believe. Moreover, I tried to popularise Indian Vaastu Sastra in the US and many other countries. I have been able to create lovers and students of Indian Vaastu Sastra all over the world.
While I was the principal of the Government College of Architecture and Sculpture, I campaigned to revive Indian Vaastu Shastra and our degree courses got affiliation from the University of Madras.
It has been over 20 years since I retired as the principal of the college. But I never wasted time. I established the Vaastu Vedic Trust and Vaastu Vedic Research Foundation and V Ganapati Sthapati & Associates. I did all this to popularise Vaastu Sastra.
My wife Dhakshinavathi and I have no children. But many of my fans abroad have requested me to adopt them as our children. This shows how much they cherish our culture.
What is your take on modern architecture?People living in big houses suffer many ailments. It’s because vaastu is not properly followed in these houses.
My horoscope said I would die at the age of 75. But at 82, I am still alive. I escaped death because I have been following the science of Vaastu – the Vedic science.
Can you tell us about your recent projects?I was working on a huge Rangaraja idol which I designed at the request of former Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga. This colossal idol is lying in my workshop. The Sri Lankans haven`t claimed it so far because of the battles and inner politics there.
Special: Madras DayAnother project I am working on is a life-size statue of Chanakya.
I want to honour our great Brahmarishi Mayan who is the great exponent of Indian Vaastu and the Mayan culture of Mexico. The Red Indians had a rich architectural tradition. The memorial will come up near Mahabalipuram. I am spending all my money on it. I want to develop it as a university.
