Sanctuary for All Beings

Atharva Living is not only a refuge for humans. It is home or corridor to birds, insects, small animals, microorganisms, plants and trees. In Vedic thought, all of them are jivas – living beings with their own purpose and place.

We therefore:

• Treat “pests” – mosquitoes, ants, monkeys, etc. – as part of the habitat, using plant-based repellents, essential oils and physical barriers rather than harsh chemicals whenever possible
• Use eco-certified or naturally-derived cleaning agents to reduce harm to soil and water
• Minimise the use of loud machinery, bright floodlights and disruptive noise at night, so nocturnal life can continue its work
• Maintain small corners of “wild” – unmanicured patches left for insects, birds and natural cycles

The guiding principle is simple:

We are guests in their world as much as they are visitors in ours.

Earthwise Design

Spaces that breathe with the land

Our design language is a blend of Vedic sensibility and contemporary simplicity:

• Building layouts follow airflow, light patterns and key directions, inspired by traditional Vastu principles where appropriate
• Public spaces open to courtyards, trees and sky, so you always have a visual relationship with nature
• Pathways encourage barefoot walking wherever safe, so you feel the texture of ground and stone

Walls, colours and forms are kept calm and grounded: muted tones, natural textures, and minimal clutter – creating an atmosphere where the nervous system can exhale.

Earthwise Art

Art at Atharva Living is created as prayer, not decoration.

Where possible, we:

• Use reclaimed wood, scrap metal, discarded fabrics, clay and natural pigments
• Invite artists who work with themes of the elements, plants, rivers, birds, mountains and cosmic geometry
• Create pieces that are touchable, sit-with-able and meditate-near-able, not just for viewing
• Offer spaces for live music, mantra and classical ragas in open courtyards and under trees, so sound becomes another sacred element in the environment

Earthwise Materials & Energy

What we build and furnish with

Wherever feasible, we prioritize:

• Certified or responsibly sourced wood for furniture and shared spaces
• Low-VOC paints and natural oils for finishes
• Stone and tile choices that balance durability, maintenance and environmental impact
• Natural fibres (cotton, linen, bamboo, wool) for furnishings and linens
• LED lighting and smart controls to ensure energy is used only where and when needed
• Low-intensity outdoor lighting to protect night skies, insects and nocturnal animals

We also plan for energy monitoring to learn which spaces consume the most and where we can reduce without compromising comfort and safety.

Water as Teacher

Water is one of our primary teachers.

At Atharva Living, we treat water as prasad, not a commodity:

• Rainwater collection and recharge structures (where viable) to support groundwater
• Greywater treatment and reuse for gardens and landscaping
• Faucet and shower designs that reduce wastage without compromising experience
• Preference for in-house water bottling using refillable glass or durable containers, to drastically reduce single-use plastic bottles
• Exploration of solar water heating and other renewable options as we grow

Guests are gently invited into this relationship by:

• Visible “water stories” around the property
• Simple prompts reminding us to receive only as much as we truly need

Less In, Less Out

Mindful sourcing, mindful waste

We aim to reduce impact in both directions:

Less in

• Favour local, seasonal, minimally packaged ingredients for our food and herbal preparations
• Support small farmers, artisans and suppliers where possible
• Prioritise products that can be refilled, repaired or reused

Less out

• Compost organic kitchen waste and use it to nurture gardens
• Separate and responsibly dispose of dry waste, electronic waste and medical / treatment waste through certified partners
• Capture and repurpose used oils through safe recycling channels
• Donate suitable leftovers or materials to local shelters or community initiatives

We stay curious about the full life story of everything that enters or leaves Atharva – and adjust our choices accordingly.

Wear it Like You Mean It

Textiles & clothing as part of Earthwise living

Your clothing touches your skin all day. It also carries a story of soil, water and labour.

At Atharva Living, we are committed to

• Using natural fibres (like organic cotton, linen and blends) for guest kurtas, pyjamas and staff uniforms, wherever possible
• Choosing fabrics that are gentle on the skin, breathable and durable
• Preferring dyes and finishes with lower toxic load when available
• Keeping designs simple, timeless and repair-friendly, so garments have a longer life

Our hope is that when you wear Atharva clothing, you feel:

• Connected to nature and Vedic simplicity
• Free to move, breathe and rest
• Reminded that comfort, modesty and beauty can exist without excess