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The Domes of The Golden Temple

Text & Photos by AMARDEEP SINGH

 

 

 

The entire architecture of the Harmandar Sahib encapsules the very epitome of universal brotherhood.

At the request of the Fifth Master, its foundation stone was laid by a spiritual leader (Mian Mir, the follower of Islam) of another faith, signifying that spirituality has no boundaries.

The Harmandar has four gates for entry, signifying that people from all directions and belonging to any faith, any caste, are welcome.

To enter the premises, one needs to take a flight of steps down, forcing the visitor to lower his head … signifying the need to surrender one’s ego.

The sanctum sanctorum is in the midst of a water-body, serving to remind the need to live an adaptable life as water takes any shape. And to rise above the water, pristine and pure, like the lotus.

The entire architecture is an amalgam of traditional architectural forms -- the dome of the Islamic mosque and that of the Hindu temple, for example -- yet, it is a distinct departure from both. Signifying the need for us all to live together, in harmony.

An aerial view of the domes reveal the design of a lotus flower. The lotus is known as the flower that blooms amidst stagnancy, signifying the need to create a unique identity by rising above the temporal issues and affairs of daily life.

All of which adds up to a perfectly harmonious setting.

Looking at the variety of domes we find within the Darbar Sahib complex, we see a number of different ones, each with lotus-leaf shaped patterns converging in the centre.

The central dome puts up a splendid sparkling appearance in the ever-changing mood of the sun. The glittering beauty of the dome has been a subject of absorbing interest for many through the centuries.

I have also tried to depict through my photography a number of smaller domes which adorn the parapet and other areas of the buildings.

 

To see the complete photo exhibit, please CLICK here.

June 20, 2013

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