Sri. K.P.Umapathy Acharya
The Viswakarma Institute of Sacred Architecture is a unique institution founded by Sri.K.P.Veezhinatha Acharya and Sri. K.P.Umapathy Acharya both brothers are hail from the illustrious family of Veda and Silpa Sastra – Vastu Sastra scholars, Temple-architects and sculptors, with a vision to explore, enhance and preserve the ancient sacred architecture, iconography and painting of India.
60/80, Mettu Street,
Kumbakonam-612 001,
Tamilnadu. (India)
Mobile : +91 9944532723, +91 6380111878
E-mail : sastra1000@gmail.com
Professional Philosophy
In the Indian tradition, temple architecture is not construction alone—it is consecrated knowledge given form. Shri K. P. Umapathy Acharya’s work is guided by the understanding that sacred space arises from inner realization, scriptural injunction, and devotional discipline, expressed through precise proportion, iconography, and ritual order.
His methodology integrates:
- Classical interpretation of Śilpaśāstra and Āgama texts
- Spiritual insight rooted in ritual practice and meditative discipline
- Architectural precision following traditional measurements, geometry, and symbolism
This scholar–practitioner approach ensures fidelity to tradition while allowing sacred architecture to remain relevant and meaningful in the contemporary world.
Major Contributions
- Preservation and active practice of authentic Viśvakarma architectural traditions, maintaining genuine ritual, iconographic, and design principles
- Temple architecture consultancy, planning, and execution for numerous projects across India, strictly adhering to scriptural and traditional norms
- Establishment and leadership of Gurukula-based training, mentoring many students who now practice as architects, sculptors, and traditional craftsmen
- Research, authorship, and presentation of scholarly work integrating Śilpaśāstra with contemporary academic and educational frameworks
Teaching, Lectures & Knowledge Dissemination
Committed to the transmission of sacred knowledge beyond lineage boundaries, Shri K. P. Umapathy Acharya has delivered invited lectures, workshops, and training programs at leading academic and cultural institutions, including:
- IIT Madras
- IIT Bombay
- Amrita University
- TEDx platforms
- Various Indic knowledge, heritage, and cultural forums
Through these engagements, he bridges traditional authority and modern pedagogy, contributing to the wider understanding of Indian sacred architecture within contemporary discourse.
Honors & Recognitions
- Best Artist Award – Government of Tamil Nadu (2005)
- Living Art Treasure Award – Government of Tamil Nadu (2023)
- Shanta Prasad Award – Crafts Council of India (2008)
- Abhinava Sarvasiddhi Āchārya – Gurushree Manocharya Pratishthan, Badami (2013)
- T. V. Kapali Sastry Award – Sākṣi Trust, Bengaluru (2016)
- National Award (Tribhuvana Āchārya) – Conferred by
Sri Saraswati Peethadhipati Sri Kalahastendra Swami,
Kattapadu, Udupi (2025)
Scholarly Works Dedicated to Shri K. P. Umapathy Acharya
- Ṛg Veda, Maṇḍala 1 – Edited by Prof. R. L. Kashyap, Sākṣi Trust, Bengaluru (2009)
- The Architects and Sculptors of Early Chalukya Art – Dr. Sheelakant Pattar, Shilpa Publications, Badami (2014)