Temple & Heritage Researcher — Sthala Puranas & Architecture
Document ancient temple architecture, sacred iconography, epigraphical inscriptions, and living Sthala Puranas across India.
01About SattvaLok
SattvaLok is a mission-driven technology platform dedicated to bridging the depth of timeless Sanatan wisdom, Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), and cultural heritage with modern digital architecture. Unlike conventional content portals or superficial aggregators, SattvaLok builds high-integrity knowledge engines, research-backed digital archives, and responsible AI-powered discovery platforms. We adhere to rigorous standards of textual authenticity, epigraphical accuracy, and cultural nuance. Our interdisciplinary team unites software engineers, AI/RAG researchers, Vedic scholars, Sanskritists, and creative storytellers to create digital experiences that are trustworthy, inspiring, and globally accessible.
02About the Role
Every stone of an ancient Indian temple tells a sacred story—from the cosmic proportions of the Vastu Purusha Mandala to the intricate carvings of Dravidian vimanas, Nagara shikharas, and Vesara mandapas. Yet, countless extraordinary temples remain undocumented or misrepresented online. As a Temple & Heritage Researcher at SattvaLok, you will research temple origins, epigraphical records, iconography, historical patronages, and oral legends (Sthala Puranas). You will create the definitive digital encyclopedic archive of India's sacred sacred sites.
03Responsibilities & What You'll Do
- →Research, catalog, and author comprehensive monographs on ancient, medieval, and living temple complexes.
- →Analyze temple epigraphs, copper-plate grants, and royal inscriptions to establish factual historical timelines.
- →Explicate sacred architectural styles (Nagara, Dravida, Vesara, Kalinga, Hoysala, Champa) and Vastu Shastra principles.
- →Record and cross-reference Sthala Puranas (local temple legends) against classical Sanskrit Puranic literature.
- →Collaborate with photographers, 3D artists, and cartographers to create visual temple walkthroughs and spatial maps.
- →Verify historical and ritual details for SattvaLok's temple discovery and pilgrimage navigation features.
04Qualifications & Experience
Required Qualifications
- ✓Master's or doctoral degree in Art History, Archaeology, Epigraphy, Sanskrit, or Ancient Indian History.
- ✓Deep understanding of Indian temple architecture, iconography (Pratima Lakshana), and Vastu Shastra.
- ✓Proven ability to read and contextualize historical temple inscriptions and secondary scholarly literature.
- ✓Lucid, dignified English writing capability that honors both historical facts and devotional sanctity.
Preferred / Nice-to-Have
- ★Epigraphical literacy in Brahmi, Grantha, Devanagari, or regional medieval scripts.
- ★Field documentation experience visiting ancient temple sites across rural India.
- ★Published monographs, guidebooks, or peer-reviewed research in temple studies.
05How to Apply
- 1Review SattvaLok's temple discovery directory and heritage articles.
- 2Submit your CV alongside a sample research profile of any historic temple (highlighting architecture, history, and Sthala Purana).
- 3Email [email protected] with the subject line below.
Application: Temple & Heritage Researcher — Sthala Puranas & Architecture06Frequently Asked Questions (AEO)
Direct Answer GuideDirect answers to common candidate queries for AI search and applicant clarity.
Q: Is this role remote?
Yes, research and writing are conducted remotely, with voluntary opportunities for field documentation trips.
Q: Does the research focus only on famous mega-temples?
No. While we cover prominent pilgrimage centers, a core mission of SattvaLok is documenting obscure, rural, and neglected heritage temples.
Q: Can I publish my research elsewhere?
Yes, SattvaLok encourages researchers to publish scholarly papers in academic journals alongside platform entries.
Q: What is the scope of engagement?
We offer full-time research positions, part-time fellowships, and per-temple documentation grants.
Q: What resources are provided?
Researchers receive access to specialized academic databases, digital epigraphical archives, and travel documentation stipends.
Build Technology With Purpose
Even if you don't match 100% of the requirements, if you have deep dedication to authenticity, craftsmanship, and cultural wisdom, we want to hear from you.
Apply for Temple & Heritage Researcher — Sthala Puranas & Architecture