GARDENS OF HARMANDIR SAHIB

“What is the role that you assign to a garden that is located within a sacrosanct precinct?”

Harmandir Sahib; the Golden Temple. In Amritsar, it sits as a testament to one of the most unique religions in the world; it is the epitome of Sikhism. A monotheistic religion, it has incorporated in its teachings lessons from other religions – Hinduism, Islam, Christianity – that it finds value in. This has made its religious text – the Guru Granth Sahib – the only one in the world to do so.

Harmandir Sahib, as a monument, has a rich history of its own; it is the monument around which an entire religion, followed by approximately 0.4% of the world, has developed. It has become an embodiment of the values of Sikhism – those of compassion, community and equality. Elements of the temple – the causeway, the four entries and exits and the Amrit Sarovar (water tank)– become tangible representations of the same. Unlike most places of worship that are designed for the devotee to ascend, Harmandir Sahib requires the devotees to climb down - symbolizing humility. 

The garden is located between the Langar Sahib and the main place of worship. Much like the precinct of Harmandir Sahib, it was important that the garden embodied the idea of accessibility; it needed to become a space with the ability to provide multiple experiences.