“BATHOU” is one of the oldest religions of the Bodo community. The shijou tree (in the genus Euphorbia) is taken as the symbol of Bathou and worshiped where in the tree symbolizes five elements of power: Air, Water, Fire, Sky and Living beings of the World.
With respect to this, the project aims at designing a temple complex “Bathou Than” for the native Bodo tribe residing at Khanapara area of Guwahati, Assam. The project proposes a Public hall, prayer hall with toilet facility along with designed open landscape areas, where in the Bathou (the Shijou tree will be in main focus). It also has an open stage area for performing the traditional folk dance and music of Bodo tribe.
The main temple (known as Manikut in local language) is designed keeping in mind the traditional style of temples of Bodo community. The roof generally is in stepped form like a Pagoda having five steps symbolizing five elements of power in Bathou religion. The mandapa area of the temple is designed as a semi open space with sloped roof and bamboo mesh work.
As per the beliefs and traditions of the native Bodo community, the project has more open and semi open spaces connected to nature. The community is enriched with their indigenous folk art, dance and music and is part of religious performances. A dedicated semi open stage cum performance area is designed for the various community celebrations during their festivals. Bamboo is used as the primary material along with murals of their folk art. The project used local building elements, local materials – bamboo, clay tiles etc. and elements from folk art.
Project name: Space for nature worship: ‘Bathou Than’ – Temple complex
Typology: Design & Planning
Location: Guwahati, Assam
Year: 2021
Status: Construction On – Going
Size: 0.57 Acres
Client: Bathow Mandir Unnayan Samittee
Design team: Sanjukta Das, Debashruti Giri, Zarna Shah
Collaborators: Bathow Samittiee
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