A Sanctuary inspired by Gurbani in Gati Harike, Punjab: A Spiritual Journey of Awakening

Abstract

This research investigates the profound connection between spirituality, architecture, and urban design, aiming to create built environments that express spiritual values and evoke deep presence, meaning, and emotional resonance. Drawing upon the universal teachings of Gurbani, the project translates the Elements of Creation and the energy of Chakras into a transformative spatial design language for a "Journey of Awakening." The thesis posits that humanity should strive for total consciousness, or Mukti (liberation), by transcending Trigun Maya to realize divine truth, emphasizing "truth in design" over mere aesthetics.

The study explores how metaphysical principles can imbue built spaces with meaning, facilitating a journey from an "enslaved (under the impact of five vices: Lust, Anger, Greed, Attachment, and Ego driven by desires) to a free (filled with Divine Virtues) person" through experiential understanding of the five elements of nature and the practical implementation of divine wisdom. It argues that architecture plays a pivotal role in shaping emotions, behaviors, and consciousness, and that a lack of spiritually attuned design contributes to modern societal issues.

Employing an interdisciplinary methodology spanning cultural history, philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, and phenomenology, this research examines the reciprocal relationship between human neural processing, architectural stimuli, and spiritual experiences.

The proposed ISHQ-E-SAT (meaning "Love is Truth") sanctuary, an eco-sensitive retreat within the Harike Wetland, Punjab, exemplifies these principles. Its design organizes the site into seven chakra-aligned nodes, integrating the Five Elements, sacred geometry, Punjabi vernacular architecture, and symbolic elements. This fosters spiritual resonance, cultural rootedness, and community empowerment through sustainable, inclusive practices. Ultimately, this work seeks to enrich architectural practice, guiding individuals toward self-reconnection, spiritual awakening, and harmonious living with nature and humanity.