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Gobind Sadan USA, New Temple (Gurdwara) to be dedicated by Internationally known Sikh Dignitary
A Lasting Tribute to Baba Virsa Singh ji’s Mission of Peace for Everyone
Central Square, NY - Saturday, March 22, 10 am - 1 pm:
The
new building which rose out of the ashes of hatred following the post
9-11 arson will be dedicated by Giani Iqbal Singh ji, the head
(Jethadar) of Takhat Siri Patna Sahib, one of the 5 traditional seats
of Sikhism accepted and respected the world over.
Giani Iqbal Singh ji will fly from India for the dedication ceremony.
Joining
Giani Iqbal Singh ji, will be religious and community leaders from
across Central NY who see Gobind Sadan as a symbol of religious
pluralism.
The morning will start with hymns of God’s praise,
followed by tributes, and Gobind Sadan’s thanks to those who helped in
the rebuilding process, and will conclude with a traditional Sikh
community meal. All are welcome.
The site for Gobind Sadan USA,
was chosen according to the vision of Baba Virsa Singh ji, Gobind
Sadan’s beloved founder and preceptor, during his first U.S. visit in
1986. The new building dedication had awaited Baba Virsa Singh ji’s
visit but unfortunately Babaji left this world on Christmas eve, 2007.
Giani
Iqbal Singh ji who loves Babaji very much, presided over his memorial
service in India, then kindly agreed to take time from his busy
schedule to come in Babaji’s stead and on his behalf to dedicate the
new temple here in Central Square.
The holy scripture, Guru
Granth Sahib, and Dasam Granth, which survived the fire unscathed, will
be installed in their new place of honor within the temple. To us this
was a miracle, and to others it was symbolic that the Light of God’s
love enshrined in scripture does indeed overcome the darkness of hatred.
Guru
Granth Sahib, regarded by Sikhs as the living word of God, teaches that
there is one God for all humanity, indeed for all creation, that loving
God is central to human existence, and it teaches that everyone should
show love and respect to all religions and those who bring God’s
message. As such it is a inclusive testament to move beyond tolerance
to a sense of community for all.
A Sikh, the devotee of God, is called on to always remember and thank God through prayer and meditation, to work hard and earn an honest living, and to share with those in need.
The
Sikh religion founded 500 years ago by Guru Nanak Devji and his 9
successors, is now considered the 5th largest with numbers of over 20
million worldwide.
Baba Virsa Singh ji’s mission focuses on
healing the human mind, overcoming terrorism, overcoming poverty and
religious conflict, and bridging the gap between science and religion.
While Babaji has left his physical body his mission continues through
his message and the work of his devotees world wide.
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