1st Magh – 14 January
Establishment and Significance of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib
Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Amritsar Sahib, is the most sacred and central religious shrine of Sikhism. It is not merely a building or a place of pilgrimage; rather, it is a living symbol of Sikh spiritual, social, religious, and humanitarian philosophy. The establishment of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib reflects the farsighted vision of the Sikh Gurus, the message of equality, and the spirit of Sarbat da Bhala (welfare of all).
⸻
Background of the Establishment of Sri Amritsar Sahib
The city of Sri Amritsar Sahib was founded in 1577 CE by the Fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das Ji. Guru Ram Das Ji envisioned this place as a spiritual center.
The excavation of the sacred sarovar was carried out by Sikh congregations with deep devotion and love. Many devoted Sikhs contributed their voluntary service (seva) to this sacred task.
Later, this sarovar came to be known as the Amrit Sarovar, from which the name “Amritsar” became widely known. This sarovar is not merely a reservoir of water; it symbolizes spiritual purification, remembrance of the Divine Name (Naam Simran), and inner cleansing.
⸻
Establishment of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib
The Fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji, completed the great task of establishing Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib. According to Sikh history, in 1588 CE, Guru Arjan Dev Ji had the foundation stone laid by the Muslim Sufi saint Hazrat Mian Mir Ji. This historic event reflects the universal and inclusive outlook of Sikhism, emphasizing that religion exists to unite humanity, not divide it.
In 1604 CE, Guru Arjan Dev Ji installed the Adi Sri Guru Granth Sahib at this sacred shrine. Baba Buddha Ji was appointed as the first Granthi.
⸻
Architecture and Unique Design
The architecture of Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib is unique and deeply symbolic. The shrine is built at a level lower than the surrounding ground, representing humility. While many religious structures are built on elevated platforms, Sri Harmandir Sahib conveys the message that one must bow in humility to enter.
The shrine has four entrances, symbolizing openness to people of all religions, castes, social backgrounds, genders, and nations. This principle aligns with the Sikh belief expressed in Gurbani:
“ਮਾਨਸ ਕੀ ਜਾਤ ਸਭੈ ਏਕੈ ਪਹਿਚਾਨਬੋ ॥”
The location of the shrine in the center of the sarovar represents spiritual centrality and the continuous cycle of Divine remembrance.
⸻
Gurbani and Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib
Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib is not merely a physical structure but a center of Gurbani. Continuous recitation and singing of Gurbani (Kirtan) is an essential part of Sikh spiritual life here. Guru Arjan Dev Ji states:
“ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰੁ ਏਹੁ ਸਰੀਰੁ ਹੈ ਗਿਆਨਿ ਰਤਨਿ ਪਰਗਟੁ ਹੋਇ ॥”
This verse conveys that the true Harimandir exists within the human body, where the jewel of divine knowledge is revealed.
⸻
Installation of Adi Sri Guru Granth Sahib
The installation of the Adi Sri Guru Granth Sahib in 1604 CE marks a significant milestone in Sikh history. Through this act, Sikhism received a stable and eternal spiritual foundation in the form of a living scripture. Guru Arjan Dev Ji included the hymns of Bhagats such as Bhagat Kabir Ji, Bhagat Namdev Ji, Bhagat Ravidas Ji, and others, thereby establishing the principles of inclusiveness, equality, and universal spirituality within Sikhism.
⸻
Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib and the Langar Tradition
The Langar tradition associated with Sri Darbar Sahib is a living example of Sikh social philosophy. People from all backgrounds sit together in a single row and are served food without any discrimination. This tradition is rooted in Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s principle of “Vand Chhako”—sharing with others.
⸻
Significance in Sikh History
Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib has witnessed numerous trials and struggles throughout Sikh history. From the invasions of Ahmad Shah Abdali, the Misl period, the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, to the tragic events of June 1984, this sacred shrine has continuously served as a source of unity and resilience for the Sikh community. Maharaja Ranjit Singh adorned the shrine with gold, further enhancing its spiritual and historical significance.
⸻
Significance in the Modern Era
In the contemporary world, Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib remains the spiritual center for Sikhs across the globe. Every day, hundreds of thousands of devotees bow in reverence at this sacred site. The shrine continues to spread the universal message of peace, tolerance, humility, and the welfare of all humanity.
⸻
The Soul of Sikhism
Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib is the soul of Sikhism. Its establishment is the result of the profound vision of the Sikh Gurus, who sought to guide humanity toward unity, humility, and truth. This sacred shrine reminds us that true religion lies in service, equality, and love. Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib eternally conveys the message of Sarbat da Bhala—the welfare of all.
Gurpreet Singh
Editor, Khalsa Newspaper
