Persian Gardens as Paradise

The Persian Garden, which represents Paradise “Pari-daizi”, is a four part, cross shaped design called “Chahar Bagh.” These gardens are used for meditation, reflection and contemplation. The central water feature represents the Fountain of Life with channels and basins creating the four quadrants. These gardens create divine order, are well unified and create a sacred space for protection of the “good gardener.”
The gardens symbolize Eden with the four natural elements of sky, earth, water and plants. Also known as fire, water, earth and wind.

These gardens were later introduced to India known as the Mughal Gardens, the greatest example of these is the Taj Mahal. The four requirements for the afterlife are shade, fruit, fragrance and water. In Afghanistan pomegranate, cherry and orange trees were planted in these gardens.



A commonality of all Faiths is God as a “Good Gardener.” The allegory of Living water, The Garden of Eden & Provisions for the Afterlife. The beauty of this allows us to recognize our differences, cross boundaries and grow in mutual understanding.