Logo

Synopsis Amritsar - literally meaning the tank of Nectar, was founded by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, who was a great visionary and a preacher par-excellence. Guru Arjan, the fifth Master, succeeded his father. Guru Ram Das on September 1, 1581. He was a remarkable organiser, Seer, Poet and a Martyer. Among the great and monumental tasks finished by Guru Arjan were the compilation of Adi Granth, completion of the holy tan|c at Amritsar and the construction of the Hari Mandir in the midst of the Tank. The founding of the city of Amritsar has played an important role in the spiritual life of Sikhs. Ft changed the entire character of the Sikh movement. The Guru laid the foundation of the future stability of the Sikhs Through congregational prayers, the Sikhs imbibed a spirit of unity and brotherhood and the generation of fellow-feeling among them, strengthened their mutual bonds and paved the way for the formation of a Commonwealth on patriotic lines. With the passage of time, Amritsar became a centre of pilgrimage which attracted the Sikhs in large numbers from far and near. Located in the heart of the city of Amritsar, the Hari Mandir is a source of eternal bliss and spiritual light to the innumerable devotees. Sikhs residing anywhere in the world pray daily to God for Darshan fshnan, spiritual sight and bathing in the holy Tank which has become the symbol of their faith. Amritsar, thus, is the cradle of the Sikh religion. For the Sikhs it is a symbol of their motherland as well as their religion a Mecca which gives them spiritual tranquilly and solace. As Guru Arjan had said: "By bathing into the holy tank of Ram Das, all the sins of man are washeth. The book gives a vivid and detailed account of the events leading to the founding of this great city and how it suffered at the hands of the invaders and how the Sikhs made great sacrifices to keep it intact and maintain its sanctity. The history of the city of Amritsar has been narrated in lucid, crisp and simple language, which will prove useful lav readers and scholars alike.