About the Project
In the heart of Tirupati, a city known for its spiritual gravitas, Marasa Sarovar stands as India’s first theme-based 5-star hotel inspired by the10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu—the Dashavatara. Designed in
collaboration with SJK Architects under the creative direction of Shimul Kadri, the project sought to weave spiritual narratives into the hotel’s architecture without obvious religious imagery. Baaya Design was entrusted with translating this vision into handcrafted expressions that resonate subtly, yet powerfully, with the essence of devotion and reverence.
The Brief
The client envisioned an environment imbued with spirituality which was expressed not through overt symbols or idols, but via thoughtful design and storytelling. The brief emphasized highlighting the significance of the Dashavatara across the hotel’s spaces, while maintaining a contemporary, sophisticated tone suited for global hospitality.
Design Goals
The project aimed to capture the essence of the Dashavatara through contemporary design avoiding religious imagery while celebrating spiritual stories. Traditional craft techniques were reinterpreted in innovative formats, with a strong focus on precision, durability, and functionality suited for a high-traffic hospitality space.
Design Process
The design process centred around translating the Dashavatara narrative into material and form, guided by local art traditions. Dhokra brass casting was used to craft bespoke door handles, with each space named after an incarnation to subtly carry the story forward. A series of convex brass plates, installed in sequence across the walls, offered abstract interpretations of the ten avatars. Adding to this layered narrative, a hand-painted Kalamkari mural of the Kalpavriksha brought warmth and artisanal detail to the space, weaving together craft, culture, and storytelling.
Artforms & Design Highlights
Dhokra Brass Handles
Custom-designed door handles handcrafted using the Dhokra technique, lending character to each entryway while celebrating an ancient Indian craft form.
Dashavatara:
A series of convex metal plates that subtly reference the Dashavatara, installed in sequence to continue the narrative across the walls of the hotel.
Kalamkari Wall Mural
A striking mural of the Kalpavriksha, painted in traditional Kalamkari style, offering a poetic reflection on abundance and harmony.A series of convex metal plates that subtly reference the Dashavatara, installed in sequence to continue the narrative across the walls of the hotel.
Challenges & Solutions
The core challenge was adapting the free-form nature of Dhokra wax casting into precise, structurally consistent elements suitable for architectural application, particularly for the door handles and large convex plates.
Solution: Baaya developed specialized moulds and structural supports, working hand-in-hand with Dhokra artisans to achieve symmetry without compromising the handmade essence.
Conveying spiritual themes without literal representations demanded a careful balance of abstraction and symbolism.
Solution: The design relied on storytelling through craft, material tactility, and form, ensuring that the spaces echoed reverence without religious iconography.