A Seven - Storeyed temple, equipped with a library and a darbar, may sound a difficult proposition in the congested vicinity of Juhu.  The prospects of a Shiva temple right in the midst of Nana Chowk also seems impossible.  Another seven-storeyed structure replacing the famous Jivdani temple of Virar will be laughed off by many.  But then these are not the dream projects of the builder community of Mumbai.

      Sompura Arts, a concern specialising in traditional temple architecture, is to complete these projects in a span of five years.  The Sompura clan, from Gujarat, has specialised in the construction of traditional Hindu, Jain and other temples ever since the Mughal era.

      The architects, formally called Sthapati, were primarily responsible for the protection of the Somnath temple in Gujarat following periodic onslaughts from foreign conquerors.

      Around 200 families of these temple-architects still exist in Gujarat, of which Mumbai-based Hariprasad Hargovindas Sompura has built 37 temples in his career, including two Jain temples at Wadala and King's Circle.

      "Temple construction has virtually come to a halt in the post-independence era.  Earlier, families like the Birlas and the Jains built public and private temples.  Despite the lack of demand for temples, we have continued with our mission," claims Mr. H H Sompura.

      According to him temples are like speed-breakers for a generation which cannot think beyond the share market.

      "We do not want to shout like the Hindutva brigade.  We sincerely feel that temples can bring two warring faction at one level.  They have a soothing effect in an environment of animosity," he adds.

      Interestingly, the present generation of the Sompura clan has got given up the profession. There are around 200 new architect, assisted by 1,000 shilpis.  Except for Hariprasad's son Hitesh, none have been imparted formal education in architecture.  His daughter Purvi is another exception in the family, being the first woman architect in the last 12 generations.

      While she has undertaken projects like the Almoda temple in Uttarkashi, Purvi specialises in mini temples of marble along with rock and marble furniture.  The Sompuras use an indigenous building technology.  "We retain the traditional symbols of the Hindu or Jain temples.  For instance, the Hanuman temple at Paithan (Aurangabad) faces the South, Whereas the others face East.  The Swaminarayan temple in Kasabada (Gujarat) has three Shikhars.  The rule book, which is handwritten and passed from one generation to another, is followed religiously," he adds.

      The building material specifications of the Sompuras sets them apart from others.  They do not use any steel rods in order to avoid rusting.

      The average age of modern Indian temples is around 80 years unlike the earlier ones which lasted for over 800 years.  In order to raise lasting structures we do not use steel and cement," he claims.

      The Sompuras do not advertise their crafts.  "We are invited by word or mouth publicity.  Individuals and housing societies approach us.  The mahurat for the Nana Chowk temple was conducted recently under the auspices of a client who is willing to spend Rs. 50 lack, " he says.

      The Jivdani temple trust approached the Sompuras for the seven-storeyed structure costing over Rs. 5 crores.

      Interestingly, it will be the first such structure in Greater Mumbai.  Temple this tall were a common feature in the eighth century.

      The returns from this traditional temple architecture are not very inspiring, according to Mr. Sompura.

      "We charge 2 per cent of the temple cost.  The Shilpis get around Rs. 60 per day.  It is a taxing job.  But it is good to be different."