Bodhgaya is recognized as the site where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Its impact on the nearby regions has given rise to a remarkable array of Buddhist monuments and institutions. The local expertise in brick making has contributed to a unique architectural style characterized by corbeled arches and brick vaults. The design of the entire hotel is influenced by these historical Buddhist structures found in the vicinity, including the Mahabodhi Temple, various Buddhist monasteries, and stupas.…
The hotel design incorporates two distinct architectural themes. The first theme is Memory, which draws inspiration from the historical elements of Buddhist architecture, characterized by intricate brickwork, vaults, corbeled arches, and stepped jambs, all reinterpreted in a modern context to resonate with the present. The second theme is Emotion, rooted in the Buddhist principles of simplicity, compassion, and tranquility. These sentiments are expressed through the choice of materials and the overall structure. The architecture reveals itself in a captivating manner, featuring layers that facilitate smooth transitions from the exterior to the interior, enhanced by verandahs and framed openings. A banyan tree is framed from the entrance, leading to a peaceful courtyard that serves as the emotional and physical core of the project.
The five aspects of Buddha’s wisdom are manifested in public spaces: fearlessness, connection to the earth, generosity, self-unity, and the understanding of dharma. These principles serve as a compass for the spiritual journey from the individual to the divine, and they are represented through various symbols and materials in each area. The symbolic attributes of the Buddha are conveyed through specific gestures, known as mudras, with each attribute represented by a Dhyani Buddha that embodies a distinct color, symbol, element, and season. Each area of the hotel features its own mudra, thoughtfully designed to reflect the emotions and characteristics associated with that gesture. For instance, the Spa embodies the Bhumisparsha Mudra, symbolizing “Oneness with the Earth.”
The color associated with this concept is Blue, representing the Thunderbolt, while the element is water and the season is Winter. These elements have been thoughtfully integrated into the spa’s design to evoke the essence of the mudra. Each public area has been designed to reflect the core principles of the religion, ensuring that the fundamental aspects of Buddhism are present throughout the hotel environment. The hotel’s architecture, along with the interior design and landscaping—which features lotus water bodies, calming color schemes, and refined aesthetics—harmoniously incorporates the five wisdoms of the Buddha as represented in the Vajradhatu Mandala. This combination creates a captivating atmosphere that embodies the simple, serene, and tranquil nature of Buddhist philosophy and values.
