Gardens

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The gardens are designed in the classic Moghul style. This is known as “Chatur Bagh” or a garden divided by water courses into four sections, often with a wall surrounding it to create a secluded oasis.  This style of garden was developed by the royalty of India into a luxuriant art form. The goal was to create a replica of heaven on earth.

The concept is based on verses in Vedas (India’s vast spiritual texts) that narrate how the holy Ganga River flows into this universe first on the top of Mount Sumeru where she then splashes into four streams, flowing in the four cardinal directions. Later on, Koranic texts related the same concept; that there are four rivers flowing in heaven.

When incorporated into a temple’s design, the gardens provide flowers for the worship services and a meditative place for the resident monks and visitors.

Continuing that tradition, the gardens at ISKCON of Escondido will be open to the public for peaceful meditation and quiet contemplation.

For examples of the classic Moghul gardens that have served as inspiration for the gardens at ISKCON of Escondido see the Gardens section of the photo gallery.