Journal Press India^®

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India and its architecture has always been guided and shaped by its culture and traditions. Spaces reflect the traditions through the user and their activities. The word ‘Sacred’ has been linked in tremendously strong manner with widening its horizons from traditions to modernity. Sacred Groves as a concept is an ancient way to protect, preserve and value the mythology to give a sustainable future. People have strong attachments to sacred trees, gathering in their shade, socializing and developing economic spaces under them. Sacred is linked to any one single entity or one category of architecture. Sacred space is a healing sphere that is pure, holy and safe. The sacred space allows us to enter our quiet inner world, where healing takes place. Sacred space has shaped and provided deep meaning to cities and urban communities. Due to tremendous growth in urban cities, culture, traditions and values of city gets diverse. Sacred space could even be an area where a person often finds peace and the religion in work. The daily routine and regime become a part of worship. Across the culture and throughout time, people have designated sacred trees and groves as special places to meditate. Sacredness is conveyed through location, symbolism, and through the social process of creating such sites e.g. - Vrindavan, Nathdwara. Sensitivity to issues for Architecture and Urban Planners require more research and education to understand and evolve. This could be layered with social, cultural, common linkages to add more meaning and depth. The sacred can be personal, valuable in the perception of an individual or a group following tradition. The sacred space needs to achieve harmony in the multiplicity of voices found in the public. As policy makers and decision makers increasingly think of parks as green infrastructure, we much appreciate that these spaces have layered social and historic meanings.

Keywords

Sacred; Sacred Space; Landscape; Urban Spaces; Sensitivity

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