February

i 12 B 14 15 16 17 universally known, is oneof Sikhism’smost sacred and historic shrines. Situated in the holy city of Amrit Punjab, the foundation stone of this secular and spiritual centre of the Sikhs was laid in 1588 by the Muslim Saint Sagen Mian Mir Ji at the invitation ofthe Fifth Ge 18 19 20 21 22 as 24 , Arjan Dev Ji~a gesture ee to demonstrate the universal outlook and all ‘embracing nature of Sikh teachings.

Since then, the main shrine 25 26 27 28 29 and surrounding complex have been damaged or destrayed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, particularly during, periods of intense persecution of the Sikhs - targeted because they are seen as key symbols of the community’s identity, unity, ‘and defiance against oppression.

Designed by the Guru himself, itis a classic example of Sikh architecture which borrows from both Hindu and Muslim traditions, One of the unique features ofits design are the four doors, each facing a different direction indicating a welcome to all, regardless of religion, class, ‘nationality, gonre or race: The shrine sits on a lake whose sacred origins and healing properties date back to ancient antiquity ‘The Adi Granth, a precursor to the eurrent-day Sikh Scriptures known as Gurti Granth Sahib was installed in the Golden Temple in 1604, in ‘The British described the Golden Temple as “one of the most striking and picturesque scenes in the whole of the Indian Empire.” Little wonder then, that it features prominently within the history of printed Sikh imagery