Temple & Heritage Researcher — Sthala Puranas & Architecture
You can still review the qualifications and submit a general expression of interest for future opportunities.
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 Opportunity
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 & Scope of Contribution
- →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 & Required Skills
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.
Key Skills & Technologies
Preferred / Desirable Skills
- ★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.
05Candidate Privacy Notice (DPDP Act, 2023)
Transparent Personal Data Processing:
Candidate personal data provided during application is collected and processed solely for recruitment evaluation, role matching, and communication in compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
We do not collect unnecessary sensitive data (such as Aadhaar, PAN, or financial details) during initial applications. You may request correction or deletion of your candidate record at any time by contacting [email protected].
06Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Stay Connected For Future Opportunities
Hiring for Temple & Heritage Researcher — Sthala Puranas & Architecture is currently closed. Introduce yourself to be considered when matching opportunities open.
Submit General Expression of Interest