NEEH PATHAR SACHKHAND SHRI HARMANDIR SAHIB

Foundation stone of Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, was laid down by the renowned Sufi Saint of Qadiry order, Mir Mohamed Khan, popularly known as Hazarat Mian Mir of Lahore. Sri Harimandir Sahib, unlike any other place of worship, was built at a lower level than the surrounding area. It has doors on all four sides, signifying both humanity and universalism and that it was open to people of all the denominations. Sri Harmandir Sahib was established for signing the praises of Almight — “Har Japae Har Mandir Sajia ||” Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru, often visited Lahore, the birthplace of his father (the fourth Guru, Guru Ram Das) to meet his relatives. On the occasion of one of such visit, he called on Mian Mir. The two and became life-long friends. Mian Mir was thirteen years older than Guru Arjan. Guru Arjan was responsible for the construction of many tanks and buildings. In 1588, he planned to build a Gurdwara in the centre of the holy tank called Amritsar or the pool of nectar. As the Gurdwara was to be open to people of all castes, creeds and climes, he invited Sia Mian Mir to lay the foundation stone of the Sri Harmandir Sahib. He came to the city of Amritsar wearing a religious mendicant’s long cloak made up of patches of coarse wool and a cone-shaped cap, with a rose flower on top. Mian Mir was given one of those warm welcomes for which Guru Arjan was famous. The two holy men embraced each other in sincere love and regard. The purpose of the Gurdwara was disclosed to the Sufi saint. Sia Mian Mir was delighted at the fine objectives the Guru had in mind. The foundation-stone was laid. Hymns were sung in praise of God and sweets were distributed among the audience.