Psychoarchitecture in Ancient Dravidian Temples: An Analysis of Its Effects on the Human Brain Through Visual Perception, with Special Reference to the Someshwara Temple, Halasuru, Bangalore,

Psychoarchitecture in Ancient Dravidian Temples: An Analysis of Its Effects on the Human Brain Through Visual Perception, with Special Reference to the Someshwara Temple, Halasuru, Bangalore,

Sravani Banerjee1 , Prof Shynu Robert  2, Prof. Ashik S3, Dr. Shilpa Madangopal4
1 Affiliation - Student, Christ University, Bengaluru, sravani.banerjee@arch.christuniversity.in

2 Guide - Affiliation - Assistant Professor, Christ University, Bengaluru, shynu.rv@christuniversity.in

3Dissertation Coordinator – Affiliation - Assistant Professor, Christ University, Bengaluru, ashik.s@christuniversity.in

4Affiliation - Associate Professor, Christ University, Bengaluru, shilpa.madangopal@christuniversity.in

Abstract
This research investigates the application of "psychoarchitecture" within ancient Dravidian temples, using the Someshwara Temple in Halasuru, Bangalore, as a primary case study. The research explores how architectural elements—specifically spatial hierarchy, enclosure, light, and movement—function as intentional "neural triggers" that influence human emotional and cognitive states, such as peace, concentration, and reverence. By integrating contemporary neuroarchitecture and environmental psychology with traditional Indian architectural theory, the study seeks to bridge the gap between ancient spatial design and modern cognitive science

This research investigates the application of "psychoarchitecture(Zhou & Fang, 2024)" within ancient Dravidian temples, using the Someshwara Temple in Halasuru, Bangalore, as a primary case study. The research explores how architectural elements (ELEMENTS OF SPACEMAKING Yatin Pandya | Vastu-Shilpa Foundation, n.d.)—specifically spatial hierarchy, enclosure, light, and movement— function as intentional "neural triggers"(Abbas et al., 2024) that influence human emotional and cognitive states, such as peace, concentration, and reverence. By integrating contemporary neuroarchitecture (Abbas et al., 2024) and environmental psychology with traditional Indian architectural theory, (Shemesh et al., 2026) the study seeks to bridge the gap between ancient spatial design and (Shemesh et al., 2026) modern cognitive science architecture into spaces that actively heal the mind

The findings demonstrate that classical Dravidian design principles are not merely historical relics but represent highly effective, human-centered "neuro-geometry and light modulate the visitor’s neurological condition, the study validates the temple as a "cognitive filter" that systematically regulates (Abbas et al., 2024) emotional and cognitive responses. Ultimately, this research provides a theoretical and practical blueprint for modern architects and urban planners.(Kiruthiga & Thirumaran, 2017) By identifying and extracting these "neuro-triggers," the study suggests that contemporary high-stress urban environments can be transformed into psychologically restorative spaces,     effectively bridging the disconnect between modern architectural design and the biological requirements of the human brain(Abbas et al., 2024)

Keywords: psychoarchitecture, Chennai Visual Sequence Audit , Urban Connectivity, Livability, Social Rajagopuram