Hindu - Jain Temple
A unifying 'Sarva Dharma' temple built in Pennsylvania housing five distinct interiors under one Mandap for Lord Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu, Digambar Jain, and Shwetambar Jain.
The Story
About This Sacred Structure
A unifying 'Sarva Dharma' temple built in Pennsylvania housing five distinct interiors under one Mandap for Lord Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu, Digambar Jain, and Shwetambar Jain.
Pittsburgh, widely known as the steel city of the USA, is home to giant steel plants, and the surrounding state of Pennsylvania is famous for its lush greenery. In this region, a South-Indian style Balaji temple already existed. Recognizing the desire for representation of North Indian temple architecture, the North American Hindu Union invited Shri Sompura to visit the site in 1981. Following site inspection and discussions with the trustees, a vision was formed to construct a single temple encompassing five interiors for the benefit of all believers, fostering 'Sarva-Dharma Samabhav' (common goodwill for all religions). Thus, the Hindu-Jain Temple project was born. Within this temple, five separate 'Garbh-Gruhas' (sanctum sanctorums) each featuring its own summit were constructed under a single unified Mandap. These spaces enshrine the idols of Lord Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu, Digambar Jain, and Shwetambar Jain. The actual construction of this unifying project commenced in 1985 utilizing materials such as cement, concrete, wood, and marble, and was successfully completed in 1987. The temple stands today as an immaculate symbol of religious harmony.
Hindu - Jain Temple
Project Overview
- Style
- Sarva-Dharma Architecture
- Location
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Year
- 1987
- Duration
- 2 years (1985-1987)
- Artisans
- Traditional Sompura Craftsmen
- Material
- Cement, Concrete, Wood, Marble
- Height
- Temple Center
- Status
- Completed
Gallery
In Every Carved Detail
The Craft
How This Temple Was Built
Every Sompura temple follows a five-stage process rooted in the ancient SHILP Shastra texts — from the first survey of the land to the final sacred consecration.
Primary Material
Cement, Concrete, Wood, Marble
Artisans Involved
Traditional Sompura Craftsmen
Construction Period
2 years (1985-1987)
Site & Vastu Analysis
Every project begins with a thorough Vastu analysis — assessing cardinal alignment, soil quality, water table, and the subtle energetic properties of the land.
Sacred Drawing (Rekha)
Master Sthapatis produce hand-drawn plans based on Manasara and Mayamata proportional canons. Every column, shikhara, and doorway follows precise mathematical ratios.
Stone Selection
Stone is chosen based on grain, hardness, and acoustic properties. Sandstone, marble, and granite are assessed at the quarry before transport to the carving yard.
Hand Carving
Hereditary craftsmen carve each panel and deity by hand using traditional tools — chisels, hammers, and adzes passed down through generations of shilpis.
Assembly & Consecration
Stone panels are assembled using traditional dry-joint mortise and tenon connections — no cement. The structure is completed with Prana Pratishtha, the sacred consecration ritual.
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