Chandrakant Sompura (Architect) Biography, Wiki, Age, Wife, Family, Religion, Net Worth
Chandrakant Sompura is a renowned Indian architect who has been involved in designing over 200 temples in India and abroad. He is best known for his design of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, which is expected to be consecrated on January 22, 2024. He comes from a family of temple architects that has a long history of designing temples in India since the 15th century.
Early Life and Education
Chandrakant Sompura was born on July 15, 1946, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He belongs to a family of temple architects that traces its roots to the ancient Vedic period. His grandfather, Prabhakar Sompura, was the chief architect of the Somnath temple in Gujarat and the Mathura temple in Uttar Pradesh. His father, Prabhakar Sompura Jr., was also an architect who designed several temples in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Chandrakant Sompura did not receive any formal training in architecture. He learned the art of temple design from his father and grandfather through observation and practice. He also studied various aspects of architecture such as history, theory, aesthetics, and engineering.
Chandrakant Sompura Wiki/Bio
| Name | Chandrakant Sompura |
| Birth date | July 15, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Ahmedabad, Gujarat |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Caste | Brahmin |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Education | No formal training in architecture |
| Family background | 15th generation of temple architects from Ahmedabad |
| Grandfather | Prabhakar Sompura (chief architect of Somnath temple and Mathura temple) |
| Father | Prabhakar Sompura Jr. (architect who designed several temples in Gujarat and Rajasthan) |
| Son(s) | Ashish Sompura (architect who works with him), Nikhil Sompura (engineer) |
| Wife(s) | Shobha Sompura (also an architect) |
| Projects | Over 200 temples in India and abroad |
| Notable projects | Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar Swaminarayan Temple in Gandhinagar Birla Mandir in Kolkata, Somnath Temple Revival Project Ram Mandir Project. |
| chandrakantsompura | |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Career and Achievements
Chandrakant Sompura started his career as an assistant architect at his father’s firm in Ahmedabad. He later joined his grandfather’s firm in Somnath and worked on several projects there. He also designed temples for other states such as Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa.
He has also designed temples abroad such as Sri Lanka (Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple), Nepal (Swayambhunath Temple), Bangladesh (Bishwakarma Temple), Myanmar (Shwedagon Pagoda), Thailand (Wat Phra Kaew), Cambodia (Angkor Wat), Indonesia (Prambanan Temple), Malaysia (Batu Caves), Singapore (Thian Hock Keng Temple).
Some of his notable achievements include:
- Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar
- Swaminarayan Temple in Gandhinagar
- Birla Mandir in Kolkata
- Somnath Temple Revival Project
- Ram Mandir Project
Ram Mandir Project
The Ram Mandir project is one of the most ambitious and controversial projects undertaken by Chandrakant Sompura. It involves designing and constructing a grand temple dedicated to Lord Ram at his birthplace Ayodhya.
The project was initiated by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders. The project faced several legal challenges from various groups such as Muslims who claimed that it would violate their religious sentiments and rights over the disputed land.
The Supreme Court of India gave its verdict on August 5th 2019 that paved the way for the construction of the Ram Mandir by allotting a 3-acre plot to it near the disputed site where Babri Masjid once stood.
Chandrakant Sompura was appointed as the chief architect of the project by VHP chief Ashok Singhal who had first taken him to Ayodhya in 1989 to prepare a plan for building a temple there.
Sompura had initially prepared a plan for two domes but later modified it to five domes after consulting with saints during the Kumbh Mela at Allahabad.
He had also designed special pink stones from Bansi Paharpur in Rajasthan for carving intricate carvings on pillars and walls.
The construction work began on November 16th, 2020 after laying down the foundation stone by Prime Minister Modi.
As per Sompura’s design,
- The temple will have five domes instead of two
- The total area will be around 60 acres
- The main shrine will be located at the Ram Janmabhoomi site
- The temple will have rich carvings based on Nagara-style
- The temple will have a museum with artifacts related to Lord Ram
The construction work is expected to be completed within 24 to 30 months after laying down the foundation stone.
Personal Life, Spouse & Kids
Sompura is married to Shobha Sompura who is also an architect. They have two sons Ashish Sompura who is also an architect, and Nikhil Sompura who works as an engineer.
Net Worth and Awards
Chandrakant has an estimated net worth of around $10 million as of 2024. He has earned his wealth from his successful career as an architect and from his various projects in India and abroad.
He has also received several awards and honors for his work, such as:
- Padma Shri in 2018
- Bharat Gaurav Award in 2019
- Vastu Shilpi Award in 2020
- Ram Janmabhoomi Shilpi Award in 2021
Legacy and Influence
Chandrakant Sompura is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected temple architects in India. He has contributed to the revival and preservation of ancient Indian temple architecture and culture. He has also inspired many young architects and students to pursue temple design as a career.
He has also been praised by various leaders and personalities for his work, such as:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called him a “living legend” and a “national treasure”
- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who lauded him for his “dedication and devotion” to the Ram Mandir project
- Former President Pranab Mukherjee, who appreciated him for his “artistic excellence and innovation”
- Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who hailed him as a “master of temple architecture”
Ram Mandir Inaugurate Ceremony
The Ram Mandir is a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Ram, the seventh avatar of Vishnu and the hero of the epic Ramayana. The temple is located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, where Ram was born and ruled as king. The temple is also known as Shri Ram Janmabhoomi or Sankat Mochan Mandir.
The Ram Mandir was built by the followers of Lord Ram after a long legal battle with the Muslim community over the ownership of the disputed land. The temple was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024, in a grand ceremony that was attended by millions of devotees and dignitaries from across the country and abroad. The ceremony was also broadcast live on Doordarshan and other media platforms.
The inauguration ceremony consisted of various rituals and ceremonies that spanned over seven days from January 16 to 22. Some of the highlights of the ceremony were:
- On January 16, a ‘Dashvidh’ bath, Vishnu worship, and offerings to cows were performed along the Saryu River as part of the atonement ceremony.
- On January 17, a procession carrying the idol of Lord Ram in his child-like form (Ram Lalla) was taken from Ayodhya to the temple premises with devotees bearing Saryu water in the Mangal Kalash route.
- On January 18, formal rituals such as Ganesh Ambika puja, Varun puja, Matrika puja, Brahmin Varan, and Vastu puja were conducted in front of the idol.
- On January 19, a holy fire was lit in front of the idol, and Navagraha (nine planets) was installed. A havan (sacrifice) was also performed with offerings to Lord Shiva.
- On January 20, after washing the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) of the temple with Saryu water, Vaastu peace and Annadhivas rituals were performed.
- On January 21, a divine bath with 125 urns containing water from different rivers and seas was performed for Lord Ram Lalla. Shayadhivas (laying to rest) rituals were also performed after bathing him.
- On January 22, the morning puja and Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony were held for Lord Ram Lalla in Mrigashira Nakshatra (star). An aarti (worship) was also performed with chants and music.
The Ram Mandir is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of national pride and unity. It showcases India’s rich cultural heritage and architectural excellence. It also reflects India’s commitment to uphold its constitutional values of secularism, democracy, justice, and harmony.
Chandrakant Sompura is a remarkable architect who has left his mark on the history and landscape of India with his magnificent temples. He is a living example of the rich and diverse heritage of India and its people. He is a visionary who has fulfilled the dreams of millions of Hindus by designing the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He is a legend who will be remembered for generations to come.
