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How to build wooden temple for home?

Hi all,

This question is mainly for someone good at wood working, but welcome any tips tricks and ideas.

I am Hindu, most of us have wooden temple at home for worshiping, we call that Mandir. Buying them are very expensive and I am daring to think about designing it at home, if possible. Following are some of the pictures I extracted from internet.

they are quite expensive to buy, so if I can design I could save some money too 🙂

Or are there some individual parts that look alike what’s been in above design and which I can integrate them together?

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MitchellMc

Hi @Sugar,

This is certainly a beautiful and meaningful project, and I absolutely encourage you to give it a go—it’s definitely achievable at home, especially if you start with a simpler design. The examples you’ve shared are lovely, and many feature traditional turned columns and ornate detailing, which are often created using a lathe to shape dowels (DAOs) into decorative forms. You can see this detail clearly in images 1, 2, 3, and 5. For a beginner-friendly build, image 4 would be the most practical to start with. It uses flat panel construction that can be made by tracing your design onto plywood or MDF and then cutting it out with a jigsaw.

This style avoids complex joinery or lathe work and allows you to focus on creating a functional and attractive Mandir using basic tools. Once the main structure is built, you could enhance it with decorative trims, mouldings, or small finials from the timber section to give it more of a traditional appearance. You can also look into adding pre-made turned columns or ornamental pieces if you want to recreate some of the more intricate details from the other designs.

It’s a wonderful project to take on, and we’d be happy to guide you through the process if you have more specific questions about materials, dimensions, or construction steps.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

AlanM52

Search for things like this:

35cm Wooden Furniture Legs

71ljmm6rMEL._AC_SX522_.jpg

https://tinyurl.com/vtajxrk4

20cm Wooden Furniture Legs

71bU1X0L1+L._AC_SX522_.jpg

https://tinyurl.com/58p6jt5n

Also search for smaller items with search criteria 'wood turned finials'.

Small Wood Finials.

51TBfuoYoBL._AC_SX679_.jpg

https://tinyurl.com/3ehb8xcj

There are many of those that could be used as they are or modified.

Go for a walk in the Bunnings timber section and look at plywood pine and dressed pine.

Check the paint section for stains and varnish.

Check Aisle 11, Bay 4 for Knobs etc.

You will need basic woodworking tools plus jigsaw and palm sander.

Cordless drill and drill bit set would be good.

Also PVA glue, sandpaper and other sundries like nails & screws.

That should get you started... good luck.

Cheers

Noyade

Personally I like the fourth one down.

Has that backing been routered completely through the wood to create the pattern?

MitchellMc

Hi @Sugar,

I thought I'd create a rendering to help you visualise how the panels could be cut to replicate your inspiration image.

Mitchell

Sugar

@Noyade I agree, My fav. 1 and 4.

@AlanM52 Really great way to show where I can look for them. Much appreciated mate.

@MitchellMc thanks to you for helping out and encouraging me. I have plenty of questions to ask.

I have following tools to use :

a.) Mitre saw : https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-2100w-254mm-10-corded-double-bevel-sliding-mitre-saw-scms-2125_p6290588

b.) Ryobi nail gun

c.) Circular saw : https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-165mm-circular-saw-skin-only_p0033141

d.) Multifunctional tool : https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-cordless-multi-function-tool-pxmfts-018-skin-only_p0353560

e.) Detail sander : https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-cordless-detail-sander-pxmss-700-skin-only_p6290475

f.)Jigsaw : https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-jigsaw-pxjss-600-skin-only_p6290477

As you can see I am Ozito user :).

1.) I guess I have sufficinet tools to start my project, let me know.

2.) What tool can to good job to create profile like this :

I am guessing Jigsaw can do this job, plese confirm. If yes, how to get the smooth finishing profile? I believe using sander going to get the job done but will the sander can go to that details to have seamless profile creation around the edges ?

3.) how to get even cut in areas like this ?

4.) What are the ways (tools) to get such corners smoothless, good finishing ?

My family and frieds are willing to see where I go with this project. They are excited as well.

Once again thanks for explaining and reading so far. I am also excited to start and finish ( with slow pace) @MitchellMc

EricL

Hello @Sugar

Allow me to try and answer some of your questions.

Yes, you have enough tools to start and fish this project. (you will need an extra tool here and there and I will mention what they will be)
The jigsaw is the correct tool to use to cut the curving top profile of your wooden temple. Make sure to use a pencil guide so that you know how far to cut. (Practice first on a timber offcut before you commit to cutting the actual wood.) You can also use a coping saw if you want to be very precise in your cuts.
Draw pencil guidelines and use your jigsaw to cut the notch in the wood. You will need a thin timber chisel to cut the top of the notch after using the jigsaw.
You can also use the jigsaw to cut the rounded corner of the panel, just make sure there is a pencil guide. You will need to use sandpaper to round off the corner and produce a smooth superior finish.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

AlanM52

You can use your purchased tools to make your own tools.

Here is my XU1 Jigsaw Table.

How well does that work?

Accurate enough to make gear wheels.

XU1 Scroll Saw.

8" Bandsaw.

Cheers

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