If what we build is unique enough, it will capture the imagination of the world

The Sikh Community in Houston is building a fountain to raise awareness of Sikhi to the local community and beyond

MISSION 

The history of Sikhs is a history of persecution. The mission of this Shaheed Fountain is to dedicate this unique on-of-a-kind artwork to the many martyrs who selflessly gave their lives to uphold the values of Sikhism and the Guruji’s teachings.

Please consider adding your heartfelt contribution to help us finish the project.

FOUNTAIN’S FEATURES AND THEIR MEANING:

1. Remembering Sikh Philosophy of love and kindness all throughout the day: In the center of the fountain a traditional double sided sword called the Khanda rises up towards the heavens. It is 24 feet high, representing 24 hours in each day. It reminds us to keep the teachings of Sikhism in our mind day and night, and to inform each action we take during our day with the values we have been taught to live by, namely honest work (“Kirat Karna”), and serving others (“Wand Ke Chhakna”).

2. Remembering our Gurus: Radiating out from the center, around the central Khanda, are eleven curved swords. These represent the ten living Gurus of Sikhism, and their holy book called the “Granth Sahib” which is revered as the eleventh Guru.

3. “Lord, everything is yours”: Each of these radiating swords is 13 feet in length. The word for 13 in Punjabi, the language of the Sikhs, is “Tera”. In Punjabi the word for “yours” also happens to be “Tera”. So this is a play on the sound of the word for 13. There is a story about Guru Nanak, the founding Guru of Sikhism, who would meditate on the Divine and chant, "Tera, Tera, Saab Kuch Tera", which translates to “yours, yours; Lord, everything is yours”. This aspect of the Khanda fountain harkens to Guru Nanak’s chant, reminding us to be generous with the material wealth we have been blessed with, and sharing it with others less fortunate than us.

4. Provide generously for the needy: Pouring out from the base of each radiating sword are streams of water. Water is nourishing. This is a reminder that Sikhs use their weapons only for the defence of the weak, never for offense. Sikhs use their strength to protect the downtrodden and nourish the needy.

5. Think before acting: Both the central sword and the radiating arms will rotate left to right, at varying speeds. This symbolises taking only “right” actions, and refraining from actions that are amoral.

6. Practice self reflection: The swords are made from mirrored Stainless Steel. It is a reminder that self reflection and meditation are central practises in Sikhism.

Learn more on our website - including photos and videos of the current work being done! SikhFountain.com