National Institute of Technology Calicut and School of Planning and Architecture New Delhi (SPA New Delhi) have launched a slew of unique initiatives to explore the historical and architectural facets of Iringanoor Siva Temple, one of the prominent worship centres, in Kozhikode district.

The temples and places of worship in Kerala have distinctive roles in Kerala’s architectural heritage, said Prof. Prasad Krishna, Director of NITC. The initiative by our faculty and students is sure to play a pivotal role in the conservation of the rich heritage of the state, he added. 

As part of the scientific study, the team used drone technology for the photo documentation process to help capture the unique perspective and intricate details of the temple architecture and come out with a comprehensive overview of the temple's distinctive architecture.
 
“This collaboration is focussed on academic exploration and cultural preservation of the temple located in Kozhikode district’s Thuneri block panchayat. It also stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region,” said Dr. Mohammed Firoz C, Head, DAP. The history of the temple spans many decades and holds a deep emotional connection with the local community, making it an integral part of their identity, he pointed out.

The field-level documentation process has already been completed. A team from SPA Delhi, including Dr. Arathy Gopal, Sh. T.S. Ravichandran, Dr. Pratyoosh Madhavi, Sh. Subham Mishra, Dr. Raja Singh, with the support of HoD Dr. Anil Dewan and Dean (A) Dr. Meenakshi Dhote, participated in the documentation process.

 The NITC team led by Dr. Sanil Kumar, Ar. Abhishek Kumar and Ar Sajana A completed the task with the support of Dr. Anil Kumar P P. Dr Kasthurba A K and Dr. Mohammed Firoz C. The Development Committee of the Iringanoor temple also stood by the students and faculty members to complete the process on time.

Project coordinators said the students under the team completed the measured drawing of the temple apart from the drone-based and photogrammetry-based documentation works.  A joint publication involving SPA Delhi and NIT Calicut based on this exercise would soon come out to mark the findings and research details.  

According to those who worked behind the project, the documentation process served as a learning platform for all students, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical application levels. It also underscored the importance and possibilities of interdisciplinary collaborations in the field of architecture and planning apart from fostering a holistic understanding of cultural heritage and its preservation.  

“This initiative will support the conservation efforts and help in similar documentation processes for other temples of unique nature”, said Dr. Sanil Kumar, Assistant Professor of DAP. He also said NITC was planning to collaborate with IIT-BHU and SPA Delhi to conduct joint workshops on similar projects in line with the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design at NIT Calicut.
 

Media Reports

• NIT-C, SPA join hands for documentation of Iringannur temple - The Hindu

• ഇരിങ്ങന്നൂർ ക്ഷേത്രചരിത്രവും വാസ്തുവും പഠിക്കാൻ വിദഗ്‌ധസംഘം -Malayala Manorama