The Golden Temple: Its Theo- Political Status

Although the title of this small tract written by a learned Sikh scholar is "The Golden Temple", its contents deal with the significance of Sri Akal Takhat as well. The main thesis of this tract is that since Sikh beliefs, and practices are integral ad inseparable, the holiest Sikh shrine "The Golden Temple" including the adjacent Sri Akal Takhat is a symbol of the combined theo-political foundation of Sikh religion. While the "The Golden Temple" is as sacred to the Sikhs as Mecca to the Muslims, Benaras to the Hindus, Jerusalem to the Christians, Jews and Muslims, the latter shrine Sri Akal Takhat is an extension of the former for dealing the socio-political life and problems of Sikhs. History is a witness to the significance of this Theo-political center of the Sikhs as the Sikhs made uncountable sacrifices to maintain its sanctity and unique identity after every act of its desecration. The tract traces the history of the sacredness of the site of this Sikh shrine since the beginning of life and civilization in this region. The signs and symbols of its sacredness and divinity were revealed during the original digging of the site for making its sacred pool. The political significance of the shrine has been proved by the repeated invasions, destruction of this shrine and its repeated reconstruction by the Sikhs. The tract justifies that the violent Sikh reaction to the latest desecration of this shrine in 1984 by the Indian State.