Shabad: I have seen all places but none can compare to you

Founded by Satguru Ramdas Sahib, Sri Amritsar (which used to be known as Raamdaspur) is the holy city of the Sikhs. Satguru Ramdas Ji and his Gursikh Sevadars first excavated the sarovar (or lake) which surrounds the Golden Temple today. Soon Sri Amritsar was transformed from a dense jungle to a prosperous city. In due course all Sikh religious activity would take place at Sri Amritsar which soon became the main trading point in northern India. Today, Amritsar gets its name from the 'Amrit Sarovar' (pool of nectar) surrounding the Harimandir Sahib (Golden Temple). The structure of the Harmandir Sahib has specific features that symbolize particular aspects of the faith. Firstly the foundation stone was laid down my a Muslim Saint, Huzrat Mian Meer which puts an emphasis on equality and unity amongst humaninity. Traditionally Hindu temples would be built on high grounds such as hills and mountains. Guru Arjun Dev Ji specifically had the Harmandir Sahib built on a lower level than surrounding land so devotees had to step down to enter it. This symbolizes that what ever status you have in society whether high or low we are all on the same level in the temple of God. There are entrances on all for sides of the Harmandir Sahib itself. This symbolizes that the Harmandir Sahib is open to all regardless of what faith you follow, what direction you come from and what caste you belong to. The Harmandir Sahib soon became the centre of the Sikh faith, even to this day and is always open to one and all providing food and shelter indiscriminately at all times.

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YouTube | June 4, 2007

Tags:. .caste. .stone. .lake. .enter. .due