Thesis portfolio

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FINAL YEAR THESIS –

PILGRIM’S CENTRE AT PANDHARPUR

RESEARCH


INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE OF THE PILGRIMAGE

PROCESS OF THE PILGRIMAGE

1. WALKING TOWARDS PANDHARPUR

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

EXISTING SITUATION OF GHATS

8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF GHATS

14. 15.

Pandhravdi Ekadashi Chaturthi Angarki Aashadi Ekadashi Poornima Ganesh Chaturthi Anantha Chaturdashi Dassera Kojagiri Diwali Kartiki Ekadashi Maaghi Ekadashi Chaitri Ekadashi Adhik Maas & Shravan Weekends/ Daily

Kartik

Marghashi rsh Paush

Maagh

Phalgun

Nov

Dec

Feb

Mar ch

Jan

Bhadrapa d Ashvin

Shravan

Aug ust Sep t Oct

Aashad

Jeshtha

Occasions/ Festivals

Jun e July

Sr. No.

Vaishakh

PEOPLE PERFORMING BHAJANS ON THE WAY

Chaitra

FOOTFALL OF PEOPLE IN PANDHARPUR As per Pandharpur Nagarparishad

Apr il May

Pandharpur is the most popular pilgrimage city on the banks of the Bhima river in Solapur, Maharashtra. The Vithoba temple attracts lakhs of Hindu pilgrims during the major yatra in the month of Ashadh. Pandharpur hosts four annual yatras of hindu devotees. Among them, the pilgrimage in the month of Ashadh attracts most number of people. The others happen in Karthik, Shravan and Magh. The palkhi is a socio-economic gathering of people starting from about 2000-3000 people from Alandi to 25 lakh people midway and around 6-7lakh people till Pandharpur. It consists of varkaris, followers of lord vithoba. On their way from Alandi to Pandharpur that takes them 18 days to reach, they are supplied with food and shelter at their halts by local people, businessmen etc. as THE RIVER AND ITS INFLUENCE a donation for a holy cause. The river Bhima takes a gradual turn towards the Southeast from Pandharpur forming a crescent moon like shape due to which it is popularly known as Chandrabhaga. The varkaris reach Pandharpur on the eve of Ashadhi Ekadshi (the 11th day of waxing moon in the lunar month of Ashadh as per the Hindu calendar), which is normally in June-July. There are a number of temples in Pandharpur which an ardent Varkari visits during his stay. They are mainly divided according to their setting: those lying on the banks of Bhima, those lying on the way of the pradakshina (circumambulatory path around the temple precinct), and those of the nagarpradakshina

FABRIC OF PANDHARPUR-

URBAN RURAL FABRIC

Footfall

Means a group of people from the same village

40 thousand

8-9 lakh

3-3.5 lakh

Temple centric development, , spaces moved towards the temple making the street narrow These growths have pushed away the tangliable and intangiable cultural heritage.

2.5 lakh 2.5 lakh 30-50 thousand 20 thousand

Though the exact year when this pilgrimage began is •Most people come to pandharpur on the ashadi ekadashii (june-July) unknown, Saint Jnaneshwar is credited to formation of •On an average 17 lakh people come in this season amongst which 2 lakh is the stable the Varkari Sect towards the end of 13th century . population for 7 days. He integrated the pilgrims, laying down the norms about the duties of a ‘varkari’ in his sacred text of POPULATION OF PILGRIMS/WARKARIS VISITING PANDHARPUR ON AN AVERAGE PER YEAR ‘Jnaneshwari’. (as per Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir Samiti)  It is also asserted that the varkaris (the devotees of Lord Vithoba) did exist prior to Jnaneshwar and were also doing the pilgrimage to Pandharpur but they lacked any formal organisation. SANT DNYANESHWAR Saint Jnaneshwar’s life story (though debatable) contains Ashadi ekadashi Kartiki ekadashi Maghi ekadashi various accounts of hardships that he and his siblings Chaitri ekadashi 10-12lakhs faced as a result of caste discrimination, and how they 6-7 lakhs 3-4 lakhs 3-4 lakhs overcame these due to the miraculous powers displayed by him from time to time. INFERENCESo, at a very young age, their fame spread rapidly and The above numbers show that there is a need for an arrangement for the warkaris at Pandharpur, they were considered to be blessed by God. since the there is a huge number of people coming throughout the year. His entire family (outcast Brahmins), were the first varkari ALANDI, PUNE People coming for ashadi ekadashi is for 7-8 days. Thus there should be special arrangements missionaries. Jnaneshwar entered ‘Samadhi’ (voluntary made for this pilgrimage. death) at the age of 22 at Alandi ,earlier known as People coming in the last three pilgrimages is for 1-2 days only Alankapur . Thus it gained spiritual importance as one of the prime POPULATION OF PILGRIMS/WARKARIS VISITING PANDHARPUR DURING THE ASHADI locations from where his Palkhi begins. EKADASHIS Alandi lies about 28 km North-West of Pune city and is PANDHARPUR DURING PALKHI - (as per Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir Samiti) situated on the banks of the river Indrayani. Its present form as a temple town was developed by the WAARIWALK TILL rulers PANDHARPUR subsequent Maratha and has kept growing due to its increasing popularity and its closeness to Pune city. 10,37,177 10,21,097 11,18,971 The Palkhi is the most prominent 9,81,181 religious expression of the State of INFERENCEMaharashtra. The fluctuation in the number seen proves that a permanent facility will cause loss in resources. There are several groups of A temporary arrangement like that of the Kumbh Mela can be advisable. pilgrimages which occur simultaneously Arrangement of the facilities for the 7 days will prove a genuine solution. to Pandharpur, but that of Saint Jnaneshwar’s palkhi,which begins from GOVERNANACE the town of Alandi, is the largest group. The pilgrims begin their walk of 18 Central days to reach the holy town of State departments Planning Warkari Mandir Pandharpur, about 250 km towards departments committees sector samiti South-east. heads The starting point of Saint Jnaneshwar’s pilgrimage is Alandi. The Palkhi along with his silver footwear, PRIME MINISTER leaves for Pandharpur amidst a huge celebration on the predefined date and CENTRAL DEPARTMENTS( railway, defence, culture it etc.) all the dindis (groups) of varkaris organise themselves in their set STATE ADMIN (chief minister) positions from here on.  The shaping of the pilgrimage in terms STATE DEPARTMENTS(roads, bridges, health pollutions, pwd) of its organisation and the present paraphernalia of horses and a chariot is The Alandi- Pandharpur Pilgrimage route DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONER a recent development of about 200 years back. WARKARI HEAD AND MADIR SAMITI Thus, the Pilgrimage is characterized not only by the journey and the destination, but also with the starting

ARRANGEMENT OF WELCOME GATEWAYS

STREETSCAPE OF PANDHARPUR

TYPICAL STREET SECTION The most important architectural feature binding the urban fabric is the treatment of the edge condition. In Pandharpur this consists of 1200 -1800mm wide verandas, connected to the road by steps and covered by the projection of the building above.  This feature has also affected the use of public spaces as it articulates the edges by softening it so as to blur the boundaries between the private and the public.

I N T R O D U C T I O N


Among the various events and festivals in Pandharpur town, the Palkhi’s arrival and stay is much awaited and publicly celebrated. The Jnaneshwar Palkhi follows the route which passes many temples including the Bhairavnath temple, to reach the vithal mandir. This route passes through the dense gaothan (town core) area. There are two main squares at the junctions of Laxmi road. These squares are the ‘Laxmi chowk’ and the ‘Tanaji chowk and they define the extent of public space on the Palkhi route.

LAXMI CHOWK, PLAN, SHOWING THE SQUARE DIMENSIONS

PALKHI IN TOWN- ACTIVITY MAPPING

MAJOR POTHOLES

The arrival of the Palkhi and its movement till it reaches the Palkhi Tal is a process which goes on for almost an hour after it first enters the town at the junction of the highway. The two horses which lead the procession are believed to be holy and are welcomed with great honour. Their arrival marks the official entry of the Palkhi. The pace of the entire procession is reduced as it enters the town, to respond to the change of scene. The residents of Lonand welcome the Jnaneshwar’s pilgrimage amidst music, fireworks, drums and cymbals, and flower decorations.

SOLID WASTE DEPOSITION

SETTLEMENT ON BANKS

PART PLAN OF PANDHARPUR SHOWING THE SELECTED PUBLIC SPACES ON THE PALKHI ROUTE (Adapted from: DP Report, 1980)

GOING TOWARDS LAXMI CHOWK

VIEW FROM LAXMI CHOWK

STUDY OF LAXMI CHOWK

The size of Laxmi chowk is approximately 27 m by 32m . Though the minimum dimension1 exceeds 21 m, it is important to note that these dimensions are discontinuous due to the presence of Laxmi Temple in the chowk, which divides the square into fragments.  The area in front of the temple veranda is the effective space used whereas the peripheral areas lie within the street zones. This effective space is about 14m in width and thus falls within the acceptable range for small public squares.

Laxmi chowk is the first public square on the arrival route of the Palkhi. It is formed by a meeting of three roads but is spatially and visually divided by the Laxmi temple.

MAP SHOWING PALKHI ARRIVAL IN LAXMI CHOWK

POLLUTION

on INFRASTRUCTURE

The zones of pilgrims and the onlookers indicated in two colours get overlapped at certain nodes.  This is observed in places where there is more space to expand, or where there are verandas and steps for the onlookers to gather.  The entire route is enlivened with onlookers who are local residents, as well as people from nearby villages.  The edge between the public and the private is extensively used during this activity.

LAXMI CHOWK, TRANSVERESE SCTION

BHAJJAN AND KIRTAN SPACES CONCLUSION

LAXMI CHOWK, LONGITUDNAL SCTION The buildings which enclose, range from approximately 11.35 to 14.55m in height.  Though the physical width of the chowk is 30m the adjoining open plot (fenced up) has an additional 24m width abutting the tallest (14.55m high) hospital building.  Hence, visually the space extends beyond 30m giving the square a more spacious feel. The stark mass of the hospital building is softened by this open plot with the large tree which acts like a visual buffer.

CORRUPTION

MARKET SPACE DURING THE PALKHI

 Distance- 8m to 11m on either side of the temple with the total dimension- 27.7m  Buildings- on both sides max height 8.15m. Corner building- G+2 storey’s high  Stepped receding profile - 8.15 to 11.35m high. Width to height ratio - 45 to 18 degrees.  These fall within the range of optimum angles to view the surrounding buildings without getting overpowered by their height.

Both chowks are enclosed from all sides by buildings which are mainly residential and commercial and to a lesser extent, public or religious. The enclosing elements, in the case of Laxmi chowk are discontinuous as some intermediate plots are vacant or in a state of new construction. A triangular open plot marks one edge and is fenced up to demarcate the road area.

HEALTH AND HYGIENE

The privately owned verandas have turned into places for pilgrims and travellers to rest, eat and chat. They also use them for small scale businesses like hair cutting and shaving, polishing of pots and pans, sharpening of knives, mending of different articles such as jewellery, watches tools, and bicycles.  The street as well as its edges accommodates these activities as the people convert the steps, landings, patios, courtyards or street space to suit their needs.

E F F E C T

The Pandharpur waari is a confluence of lakhs of people walking for 18 days in a sacred time towards a sacred place and river.  Lakhs of pilgrims, religious practitioners and volunteers live together in the tent city on the sandy river beds. They perform their rituals- bathing in the river and pradikshinawalking around the temple. This pandharpur waari, only of its kind in Maharashtra, pragmatically promotes the pluralism inherent in the Indian civilization by creating the spatial and psychological conditions reflecting the spirit- By whatever path you go, you will lose yourself into the one- Lord Vithoba. This settlement on the river bed causes a lot of problems of pollution, hygiene, sanitation and infrastructure, along with disturbances in the whole town of Pandharpur. These problems need to be taken care of, yet maintaining the holyness of this pilgrimage, keeping in mind the sentiments of the pilgrims, attached to this waari.

T O W N


FINAL YEAR THESIS –

PILGRIM’S CENTRE AT PANDHARPUR

DESIGN SOLUTION


SITE LOCATION AND ANALYSIS

GRID PLANNING

DESIGN APPROACH

The grid as a neutralizing field meets the fluid idea of the moving of the warkaris from one destination to the other The adjustable grid also mediates between the existing infrastructure(light and water) and the changing form of the temporary city. It acts as an administrative tool as well as physical mesh of infrastructure for convenience.

A DINDI

The dinidi limit is what is allotted by the governing bodies.  Within the dindi, the various groups will occupy the land by building tents and other structure for their specific needs. SPATIAL STRUCTURE OF THE DINDI As seen in the image below, the central space(palkhi tal) is marked by a boundary). The religious space is surrounded by open public spaces for people to come and pray in ques.  The proximity of this space in the design will determine the spatial hierarchy. Thus a provision for three such palkhi tal will be made

MAP OF MAHARASHTRA Highlighting the districts through which palkhi passes The site is located 1.2 km away from the main temple and river bed Thus the frequency of usage of the river bed will reduce, helping to reduce river pollutipon.

BEFORE

1. settlement on the ghats of the river causes pollution and unhygienic conditions even after the pilgrimage is over 2. the road leading to the ghats hinders the existing settlement of the town causing disturbances to the villagers.

AFTER 1. the palkhi now goes directly to the site without majorly affecting the town. 2. direct connection to the ghats is provided 3. distance between the palkhi tal and the temple and its ghats helps to reduce the pollution that is caused on the banks and to the river. The site has been aquired by the government for this purpose itself.

ROUTE OF THE PILGRIMAGE GAONTHAN AREA VITHAL MANDIR SITE NEW ROUTE

ROADS Traffic, crowd control, public space

FIGURE GROUND Urban form, Cultural activity, settlement

INFRASTRUCTURE Material, technology

Bathing rituals on the river

Haphazard arrangement of the tents

SPATIAL STRUCTURE OF THE DINID

PALKHI TAL

SPATIAL STRUCTURE W.R.T. LANDUSE Road towards the site

Existing materials for the tent

CONGREGATION SPACE Provision of toilets by sulabh

SECTORS Governance, administration

S I T E A N A L Y S I S


C I R C U L A T I O N


G R O U N D O C C U P A T I O N


S E R V I C E S


ARCHITECTURAL THESIS PART 2–

MTDC RESORT






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