Preserving a Sikh Shrine in Iraq
In a significant development, the Government of Iraq has decided to rebuild the 15th century Sikh Guru Guru Nanak Dev’s shrine which was destroyed in the 2003 war in Baghdad. [link]
Guru Nanak Dev Ji is said to have visited the place on his way back from Mecca where he stopped to speak with religious leaders including the caretaker of the mausoleums of Abdul Qadir gilani and Bahlol the Wise, who were greatly impressed by his views on God and religion. A monument, in the form of a platform, was raised where Guru Nanak had sat and provided these discourses. It is documented that Sikh soldiers who went to Iraq during the First World War, 1914-18, raised a Gurdwara here, but now only a room exists which is visited by Sikh and non-Sikh Punjabis who work in Iraq. In addition, it is noted that since the gurdwara is located within a graveyard, visitors are banned from staying overnight, cooking meals or holding Langar and Kirtan. I was not able to locate any information regarding who is currently in charge of the gurdwara or what the dynamics of the gurdwara are (without Langar or Kirtan). I do wonder if a Guru Granth Sahib is kept there and, in that case, who does the seva.
Recently spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who is on a peace mission to Iraq, met with Iraqi Vice President Adil Abd-al-Mahdi about rebuilding the over 500-year-old Sikh shrine. While I am not very familiar with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, I think it is important to acknowledge his efforts on behalf of the Sikh community. Without these types of efforts, many of our important and historic Sikh sites are dissapearing (a fellow Langa-(w)riter previously discussed preserving what history we have left). What can we do about this?
For those of you who are interested, the inscription on the shrine reads:
“Lo! The Great God hath fulfilled the wish. A new building for Baba Nanak Darvesh has been constructed. Seven holy men extended their help in the construction. Its date as reckoned comes to 927. The lucky disciple caused a new current of water from the earth.” [link]
14 Responses to “Preserving a Sikh Shrine in Iraq”
GURU FATEH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
… have also posted video at
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=VjtXV89Weaw
GURU FATEH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
… have also posted video at
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=VjtXV89Weaw
This is very important to High command of Sikh Body. They should take it seriously and they have to need do the best.
This is very important to High command of Sikh Body. They should take it seriously and they have to need do the best.
I m very glad to all of u on behalf of H.H.Sri Sri RavishankarJi and the Art Of Living to recognise and appretiate our work at the Iraq Peace Mission. We Believe in makin people’s life a celeberation by implementing stress removing technique, “The Sudarshan Kriya”. A similar Trauma Relief movement is being initiated in Iraq to help the Iraqi Youth. We on an all, need a lot of Volunteers for seva and help fm the society to go smooth…. we wud reali be obliged if the sikhs in Iraq and abroad and on a whole anybody to please come forward and makin a contribution of time and effort. Thanking u all and the writer of the blog, Jai Hind!
I m very glad to all of u on behalf of H.H.Sri Sri RavishankarJi and the Art Of Living to recognise and appretiate our work at the Iraq Peace Mission. We Believe in makin people's life a celeberation by implementing stress removing technique, "The Sudarshan Kriya". A similar Trauma Relief movement is being initiated in Iraq to help the Iraqi Youth. We on an all, need a lot of Volunteers for seva and help fm the society to go smooth…. we wud reali be obliged if the sikhs in Iraq and abroad and on a whole anybody to please come forward and makin a contribution of time and effort. Thanking u all and the writer of the blog, Jai Hind!
I m very glad to all of u on behalf of H.H.Sri Sri RavishankarJi and the Art Of Living to recognise and appretiate our work at the Iraq Peace Mission. We Believe in makin people’s life a celeberation by implementing stress removing technique, “The Sudarshan Kriya”. A similar Trauma Relief movement is being initiated in Iraq to help the Iraqi Youth. We on an all, need a lot of Volunteers for seva and help fm the society to go smooth…. we wud reali be obliged if the sikhs in Iraq and abroad and on a whole anybody to please come forward and makin a contribution of time and effort. Thanking u all and the writer of the blog, Jai Hind!
I am very glad and hartly thank full to goverment of iraq
I am very glad and hartly thank full to goverment of iraq
I am very glad and hartly thank full to goverment of iraq
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