Sri Ganesha Temple Expansion
Nashville, TN
Location:
Client:
Sri Ganesha Temple
Building Area
36,775 sf
Estimated Completion
2027
Originally completed in 1990, the Sri Ganesha Temple was built to provide a home for the cultural, educational, and spiritual activities for the Hindu community in Middle Tennessee. Sited on a sloping hill in Bellevue, the temple was designed by Sri MuthiahSthapathi to resemble the temple architecture of the Chola dynasty. Indian artisans travelled to Nashville to embellish the temple with highly intricate ornamental Indianization.
A new ceremonial entry
Following a long period of restoration work, the temple contracted SAW to study solutions for water intrusion issues at the East Plaza. The selected design solution proposed enclosing the East Plaza as a new pre-function space connecting the north and south wings of the temple. The main entry is celebrated with a new 52-foot tall, multi-tier Rajagopuram. Due to the existing site constraints and proximity to the exterior shrines, a reconfigured semi-circular granite staircase with cast stone balustrade provides both ceremonial access and egress from the sanctuary.
Sacred Details
Special detailing attention was required to coordinate the complex structural and waterproofing requirements and support a future phase of highly decorative “Indianization” by the Indian artisans. The new pre-function space is capped with a large, hipped skylight and coffered ceiling trays with cove lighting. Other unique details include carved wooden doors imported from India, marble floor medallions, and specialty brass railings. Each design decision was carefully considered to elevate the temple's architectural character, enriching its beauty while honoring its legacy for generations to come.