Indian Temple Architecture holds a captivating allure, drawing scholars and enthusiasts from a wide spectrum of disciplines. The International Conference on Temple Architecture, Art, and Science (ICTAAS) serves as an eminent forum where experts and academics from around the globe convene to present and discuss their ideas and insights into the vast domain of Indian Temple Architecture and its related sciences. ICTAAS 2026 welcomes scholarly contributions in both English and Sanskrit, fostering a space for deep inquiry into subjects encompassing Architecture, Planning, Metaphysics, Ancient Indian Sciences, Art and its Appreciation, Indic Shastras, Cosmology, Astronomy, Iconography, Geometry, Building Sciences and related fields. (Please refer to Themes in this Conference for a comprehensive list of topics).
Dr. Nandini Bhattacharya Shahu is the Joint Director General (Monument-I, Publication), Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India, Government of India. She has been working in this area as a field archaeologist, specializing in Prehistoric, Proto Historical Excavations and Explorations. While heading the Prehistory and Excavation Branch I of the Archaeological Survey of India, she discovered and documented 247 rock art sites.
Dr. Joy Sen is Professor, Department of Architecture and Regional Planning, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur,
India since 1998. He has numerous awards including G. S. Sanyal All-round Faculty Excellence Award (2021) from IIT US Alumni Foundation, USA; and QANSAS Distinguished Speaker Award (2019) from Quantum Group.
Nilesh Oak is an author, researcher, and speaker, dedicated to unraveling the scientific and historical roots of Indian civilization. He authored “When Did the Mahabharata War Happen?,” “The Historic Rama,” and “Bhishma Nirvana.” A TEDx speaker and adjunct faculty at the Institute of Advanced Sciences, he combines logical reasoning with scientific rigor to promote understanding of India’s profound cultural heritage worldwide.
Dr. Tanisha Dutta, Director of Samvay Knowledge Enrichment Pvt. Ltd., is an Architect, Environmental Planner, Artist and Temple Architecture Consultant with a PhD in Fractal Geometry in Temple Architecture. Her expertise spans Temple Architecture, Symbolism, Vastu-Shastra, Temple Metaphysics, Green Buildings, Sustainability, and Art Therapy. Her insight into the symbiotic relationship between Symbolism and Fractals in the Hindu Temple context is remarkable. Dr. Dutta strives to promote in-depth investigation and analysis into Indic Studies reinforcing the Indian Knowledge Systems through her work.
Joint Director General (Archaeology) at ASI, specialized in Excavations, Rock Art and Conservation
Architect and Product Designer,
Associate Professor at Priyadarshini Institute of Architecture
and Design Studies, Nagpur
Retired Indian Army Lieutenant Colonel, Founder Veda Samskruti Samiti and Fellow of IETE
Lt Col. Dr. Akella Amarendra Babu is the founder of Veda Samskruti Samiti.
He has led defense projects, taught at top institutions, and specializes
in telecom, electronic warfare, and Vedic sciences.
A Fellow of IETE, he has published 19 research papers, two book chapters,
and a patent, earning numerous awards and presenting research globally.
He is a multidisciplinary expert with experience in defense,
Information Technology, and academia.
Architect, Planner and Professor at IIT Kharagpur with expertise in Urban and Regional Planning, Sustainability and Heritage Studies
Dr. Joy Sen is a distinguished Professor with over 50 peer-reviewed publications and seven authored books. He has led major academic, administrative, and consultancy projects and has received accolades including the G. S. Sanyal Faculty Excellence Award.
Principal and Professor at Priyadarshini Institute of Architecture and Design Studies, Nagpur
Prof. Nishant Manapure is a respected and loved mentor. His areas of expertise include Architectural Pedagogy, Human-Centric Public Space Design, Resource Sensitive Interior Design, Healthy Cities, Urban Design for Children, and Water Sensitive Urban Design based on traditional wisdom.
Assistant Professor at IITTM, Gwalior, specialization in Indian Culture and Heritage, Temple Architecture and Iconography
Ramakrishna Kongalla is a graduate in Tourism Management and Biotechnology. He integrates expertise in travel photography and heritage preservation. His work includes content development for tourism programs, mentoring in Indian Knowledge Systems, and authoring books on Temple Heritage and Interpretation.
Assistant Professor at VNIT Nagpur, leads the IRDR Center for Resilient Communities
Dr. Sameer Deshkar's work focuses on community resilience, urban-rural sustainability, and disaster risk reduction. He has guided over 32 postgraduates and has numerous publications to his credit.
Assistant Professor at VNIT Nagpur, leads the IRDR Center for Resilient Communities
Hemant Lodha currently heads India’s second-largest waste management company and is the founder of Helplink Charitable Trust, which works towards providing education to underprivileged children.
Associate Professor at SMMCA Nagpur, Principal Director of Varnan Space Planners
Dr. Madhura Rathod specializes in Heritage Conservation, Sustainable Design, and Architectural Education. She actively documents Heritage Sites, Guides Research, Organizes Workshops, and collaborates with INTACH and Vidarbha Heritage Society to promote Architectural History and Conservation.
Joint Secretary of Vidarbha Research Society, Nagpur, Specializes in Indology
Dr. Sheshshayan Deshmukh's passion for preserving heritage led him to successfully traced a 300-year-old illustrated manuscript of Dnaneshwari from Nagpur, at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, USA. For the past decade, he has been organizing monthly heritage awareness seminars at Vidarbha Research Society, fostering a deeper appreciation of cultural legacy.
Founder, School of Indian History, Expert in Temple Architecture and History of Maharashtra
CA Shantanu Paranjape has been conducting online classes on Temple Architecture of India and heritage tourism since the last 6 years. He has travelled to more than 200 temples across India and authored two books.
Lecturer at University College London, specializes in sustainable heritage and data analysis, blending technology with heritage conservation
Pakhee kumar is a conservation architect with interdisciplinary experience across India, Italy, Denmark, and the UK. She develops AI tools for disaster-related heritage analysis and researches the impacts of climate change and decolonization on heritage practices. Her innovative projects include crowdsourcing for disaster-affected cultural heritage and advancing sustainable management of historic buildings.
Proprietor at Pratibha Shilp, is affiliated with the Municipal Corporation of Nagpur and the Municipal Council of Ramtek.
Specializing in Sculpture and Archaeology, he has discovered prehistoric rock shelters in Maharashtra, published two papers in archaeology, and is currently working on an ASI conservation project in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. He has sculpted numerous stone and metal statues across India.
A Principal Architect at Space Construct Architects in Nagpur, specializing in urban design, space planning, interior design, heritage conservation and Vaastu.
With experience in architectural workshops and heritage documentation, she is a visiting professor and a dedicated member of INTACH and the Vidarbha Heritage Society, organizing heritage walks and cultural activities.
Professor, Architect, Urban Planner and Educator with over 18 years of experience. Specializes in Urban Design, Sustainability and Heritage Conservation
Ar. Vandana Khante is the Officiating Principal at TGPCA, Nagpur. She has Coordinated numerous Workshops, Research Projects and Academic Programs. She has won awards like the Academic Excellence Award (2011) & Nation Builder Award (2015). Her expertise spans Urban Planning, Architectural Pedagogy and Sustainable Development. Has published extensively and actively contributes to bodies like COA, IIA, ITPI, and INTACH.
Associate Professor, PIADS Nagpur
Ar. Radhika Pathak is a member of IIA, ITPI, and IIID. She excels in residential interior design and architectural education blending academia and architectural practice with a vibrance in design and lifestyle industry. Beyond architecture, she is a celebrated participant and jury member in national and international beauty pageants, as well as a content creator and influencer on social media.
Architect and Product Designer,
Associate Professor at Priyadarshini Institute of Architecture and Design Studies, Nagpur
Dr. Rupesh Manohar Surwade is a distinguished academician, researcher, and design professional with a keen interest in design pedagogy and innovation. With over 18 years of experience, his expertise spans architecture, industrial design, and construction techniques.
Architect and Urban Researcher, Ph.D. in Urban and Environmental Studies
Dr. Namrata Gaurkhede has a vast consultancy experience, contributing to several large-scale urban development projects, like Ward Development Plan for Raipur, World Bank, Naya Raipur Development, GIFT City in Gandhinagar, DB City, and various regional planning assignments. Her research focuses on sustainable urban development, stakeholder-driven planning, and the integration of spatial and smart technologies for resilient cities.
Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture & Planning at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur
Dr. Sarika Bahadure's expertise includes Sustainability, Urban Planning, Urban Open Spaces, Solar Potential, Neighborhoods, Research Methods, and Design Pedagogy.
Assistant Professor, Architect, Urban Planner at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur
Dr. Pankaj Bahadure has 20 years of teaching experience and his expertise includes Barrier-Free Built Environments, Compact Cities, and Transport Accessibility, alongside involvement in research and urban planning projects.
Assistant Professor, Priyadarshini Institute of Architecture and Design Studies, Nagpur
Ar. Shrutee Dhanorkar is an expert in Architectural Education and Innovative Teaching Methods. As a researcher, she has published 13 papers, authored five book chapters, and presented at International Conferences.
Research Scholar, VNIT Nagpur, specializing in the Urban Built Environment, Architecture and Urban Planning
Ar. Surakasha B N is an expert in Urban Planning has presented her B.Arch thesis at ISOLA Bengaluru and a research article at ICSDI Riyadh in 2024. She has won many accolades including National Temple Towns Competition organized by ITPI.
Select the registration type that best fits your contribution to the conference.
For researchers presenting original academic work
For visual or exploratory research contributions
For attendees, scholars, and practitioners

Focuses on Form, Geometry, Planning Strategies, and Design Concepts for understanding spaces.

Explores Construction Techniques and Material Science in Temple Architecture for Conservation.

Delves into philosophical insights shaping Architectural Ideologies and Spiritual Foundations.

Examines Geometric Mathematical Principles embedded in Temple Design.

Highlights traditional wisdom influencing Temple Architecture, Rituals and Allied Influences.

Explores ancient pedagogical frameworks rooted in holistic learning methodologies and the architectural setting for it.

Covers interdisciplinary studies connecting Architecture, Design, Archaeology, Cultural Heritage, History Ancient Shastras and related subjects.

Encourages scholarly submissions in Sanskrit or Sanskrit- English combination to promote accessibility and preservation of language and texts.

Explores the deep relationship between Astronomical settings and their impacts on principles of Temple Art, Architecture and Science.
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| Important Dates / Deadlines | Date |
|---|---|
| Abstract Submission Deadline | 15th April 2026 |
| Last Notification for Abstract Acceptance & Approval to Present | 15th May 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Full Paper | 30th June 2026 |
| Poster Submission Deadline for Presentation | 30th June 2026 |
| Last Date for Early Bird Registration | 15th May 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration | 30th July 2026 |
| Conference Program Release | 15th August 2026 |
| Conference Launch | 11th September 2026 |
|
Letter of Visa (for delegates who need visa for entry) *Payment required |
15th June 2025 |
| Conference Fee | Fee | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Presenting Delegate Fee | ₹15,000 /- | 30th July 2026 |
| Attending Delegate | ₹15,000 /- | 30th August 2026 |
| Early Bird Registration Save More | ₹12,000 /- | 15th May 2026 |
|
Student Registration (Undergraduate & Postgraduate) |
₹12,000 /- | (Deadlines Same) |
ICTAAS is a premier global forum on Indian Temple Architecture, uniting scholars, architects, and enthusiasts to explore the cultural, artistic, and scientific dimensions of ancient temples. With sessions in English and Sanskrit, it’s a unique opportunity to engage in discussions on themes like metaphysics, ancient sciences, and art. Join us to gain insights, connect with experts, and contribute to the global discourse on this captivating heritage.
Nagpur is a culturally vibrant and historically significant destination located at the geographical heart of India. Known for its blend of heritage, spirituality, and urban development, Nagpur reflects the evolution of Indian architectural and cultural thought across different eras. The region is influenced by traditional temple architecture, regional craftsmanship, and symbolic design elements that express India’s rich philosophical and spiritual legacy.
Situated in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Nagpur lies approximately 850 kilometres southeast of New Delhi and serves as a major cultural, educational, and logistical hub of central India. With a population of over 2.5 million, the city offers a dynamic environment that balances tradition with modernity. Nagpur provides an intellectually stimulating setting for discussions on Indian architecture, symbolism, and metaphysical thought, enriched by its historical depth and contemporary relevance.
