As I approached the causeway to Harimander Sahib (Temple of the Lord), also known as Darbar Sahib (Court of the Lord), the crown-jewel of the Golden Temple complex, I was overwhelmed by the thought that all outstanding heritage sites: relics, archaeological treasures, and architectural monuments belong to all people. As great and magnificent visual symbols of mankind’s journey through the ages, they are the heart and soul of our civilization and a bridge to diverse cultures, people, inspirations, and human aspirations.

As if to affirm this transcendent intercultural moment, I encountered hundreds of non-Sikhs and non-Indians from other faith traditions visiting the holiest shrine of the Sikh faith, the magnificent sixteenth century Indo-Sarsenic masterpiece at Amritsar, Punjab-the colorful western “gateway” to Indian civilization. Situated in the middle of the “Pool of Immortality,” surrounded by celebrated reminders of Sikh history and struggles, bathed in serene and shimmering elegance in mid-day sun, from under the Temple’s golden domes, the message of Oneness, Equality, Human Dignity, and Sanctity of all faiths reverberated in a universal spiritual embrace.

The foundation stone of the famous Harimander Sahib at Amritsar was laid by venerated Moslem Sufi Saint, Hazrat Mian Mir, at the request of the Fifth Sikh Guru, Arjan Dev. In a magnanimous affirmation of the spirit and commandments of this fifteenth-century monotheistic Sikh faith, the writings of several Moslem and Hindu saints of various castes and revealed writings of Sikh Gurus are enshrined in the sacred Adi Grunth. Guru Arjan Dev compiled the original Guru Grunth Sahib and installed it at the sacred Temple in 1604.

Each pilgrim arrives here to offer prayers or make petitions for cherished hopes and concerns or express gratitude for blessings already received. Some estimates suggest that a million people from around the world visit the Golden Temple complex each week.

In this hallowed place, my mind and spirit surrendered in grateful salutation to: the majesty and splendor of other “cathedrals of spirit;” testimony of defiance and sacrifices of martyrs for righteous causes; anguish of Tibetans, Jews, American Indians, Sikhs and others over destroyed heritage and continued injustice; peaceful reflections of the beautiful Lotus Temple (Bahai) in New Delhi, sacred pagodas, pavilions and shrines that celebrate and grace our civilizations with a rich tapestry of emotions, traditions, experiences, cultural textures and rhythms, and offer us a glimpse of the Divine amidst temporal distractions. My time and spirit stood still as I meditated on the moment.

Countless unexplored and neglected heritage sites scattered throughout the human landscape capture the very essence of our cultural, visual, and spiritual universe. They are important mirrors and milestones of our collective wisdom, creative innovations, and landmark attractions. These sites need identification, designation as protected sites, legislative and financial support, and committed partnerships for preservation, restoration, and aesthetic integration into the community cultural and architectural fabric.

Safeguarding our threatened recent and ancient history, celebrated architecture, and heritage sites - our collective cultural frontier - with responsible action and intervention, and assuring universal and safe access, is a challenge with unimagined promise.

Pen and ink sketch of Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) by K.P. Singh.

Copyright ©2005 K.P. Singh. About the author