Laying the Foundation Stone of the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple, known in Sikhism as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, is the holiest Gurdwara and the most important pilgrimage site of Sikhism.

The construction of Harmandir Sahib was initiated by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ramdas Sahib, in 1574. He dug a tank (sarovar) that became known as Amritsar (Pool of the Nectar of Immortality).

His successor, the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Sahib, began the construction of the temple within the tank in 1588. Guru Arjan Sahib wanted the temple to be a symbol of universal worship and accessible to all, irrespective of their caste, creed, sex, and religion. For this reason, unlike traditional Hindu temples which are built on high plinths and have only one entrance, Guru Arjan Sahib designed the Harmandir Sahib to be built on a lower level and have four entrances, representing acceptance from all four directions.

Significantly, to emphasize the universal nature of the temple and promote interfaith harmony, Guru Arjan Sahib invited a revered Muslim Sufi saint, Hazrat Mian Mir ji of Lahore, to lay the foundation stone of the Harmandir Sahib in 1588. This act was symbolic, highlighting the inclusive message of Sikhism.

Guru Arjan Sahib completed the construction of the temple and installed the holy scripture of Sikhism, the Adi Granth, inside it in 1604.

Therefore, based on historical accounts, the foundation stone of the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) was laid by Hazrat Mian Mir ji.