Roorkee: In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from IIT Roorkee, along with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and Uppsala University (Sweden), have found that eight iconic Shiva temples across India are not just spiritual landmarks—they are also located in areas rich in natural resources like water, sunlight, wind, and fertile land.

The study, published in Humanities & Social Sciences Communications (Nature Portfolio), shows that these temples are aligned along a narrow north-south line called the Shiva Shakti Aksh Rekha (SSAR), which follows the 79°E meridian. This line runs from Kedarnath in Uttarakhand to Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu.

This belt could produce 44 million tonnes of rice every year and has about 597 GW of renewable energy potential

Using satellite data, geospatial mapping, and environmental analysis, the research team discovered that this SSAR region, which covers only 18.5% of the total area studied, holds a much higher share of natural resource potential. For example, this belt could produce 44 million tonnes of rice every year and has about 597 GW of renewable energy potential—more than India’s current renewable energy capacity.

Indian civilizations may have had a deep understanding of nature and sustainability

“This research shows us that ancient Indian civilizations may have had a deep understanding of nature and sustainability, which guided their choices of where to build major temples,” said Prof. K.S. Kasiviswanathan, Principal Investigator and faculty in IIT Roorkee’s Department of Water Resources Development and Management (WRDM).

Different parts of this belt offer different environmental benefits. For example, Kedarnath in the north is ideal for hydropower, while southern regions like Tamil Nadu are best for solar and wind energy.

Many of these Shiva temples represent the five basic elements

The study also connects temple symbolism to nature. Many of these Shiva temples represent the five basic elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space (Panchabhuta)—and have served as important spiritual and cultural centers for hundreds of years.

“By revealing the scientific reasoning behind the placement of sacred temples, we are not only enriching academic understanding but also uncovering how India’s civilizational knowledge can guide sustainable development today,” said Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee.

These temples were built not just for worship but also as civilizational markers

The study suggests that these temples were built not just for worship but also as civilizational markers that helped ancient people plan around key natural resources.

“Our findings suggest that ancient temple builders were also environmental planners. Their choices were guided not just by faith but by a keen understanding of land, water, and energy resources,” said Mr. Bhabesh Das, lead author and research scholar at IIT Roorkee.

“This is a remarkable interdisciplinary collaboration that bridges heritage and water resources. It shows the value of revisiting ancient practices with modern tools to shape a more sustainable future,” added Prof. Thanga Raj Chelliah, Head of the WRDM department at IIT Roorkee.

Temple sites were chosen based on water availability, fertile land, and stable geography

Archaeological evidence from river basins like Vaigai and Porunai further supports the idea that temple sites were chosen based on water availability, fertile land, and stable geography. This study not only shines new light on India’s spiritual and architectural heritage, but also offers valuable lessons for modern environmental planning, especially in times of climate change and resource challenges.