Architecture
Virasat-e-Khalsa: A New Museum Opens Its Doors
Based on report by JANGVEER SINGH
A button to unveil the museum’s inaugural plaque as the Virasat-e-Khalsa monument rose out of the Shivalik hills of Punjab.
Nihangs astride horses and on foot along with ‘gatka’ troupes dressed in blue with saffron colour turbans dotted the hillocks, adding to the backdrop.
Asha Bhosle started the function with a soulful rendition of the shabad, Mera Sahib, Mera Sahib, followed by Jaspinder Kaur Narula's rendition of ‘Deh Shiva Var Mohe Ihe’.
The programme ended with an ardaas by the Jathedar of Takth Sri Keshgarh Sahib.
A glider then showered confetti and flower petals on the assembled congregation.
Then, a fireworks display.
The Virasat-e-Khalsa stands at a site that is the birthplace of the Khalsa Panth, which is commemorated a stone's throw away by Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib. It was here in 1699, on Vaisakhi Day, that the Tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa Panth and consecrated consecrated the Punj Pyare with Amrit.
Conceived as a repository of the rich heritage of the Khalsa, showcasing the history and culture of Sikhs and their homeland, Punjab, the heritage complex sprawls on a 100-acre site, emphasising the eternal message of the Sikh Gurus.
November 26, 2011
Conversation about this article
1: Baldev Singh (Bradford, United Kingdom), November 26, 2011, 11:30 AM.
Wow! The Khalsa finally getting some recognition? - a museum 312 years after its inception. 172 years after defeating the Afghans (who were hitherto, and remain, since then, undefeated), 93 years after helping liberating Europe from Germany, 66 years after helping save Europe (again!) and Asia and the rest of the world from Fascism! We need monuments to the Khalsa everywhere on this planet ... where haven't they spilled their blood in service of humanity!
2: Sandeep Singh Brar (Canada), November 27, 2011, 12:09 AM.
This needs to be the Smithsonian of the Sikhs. It needs to be the world's largest repository of original artifacts related to Sikh culture - from rare paintings, manuscripts, coins, weapons, personal items belonging to the Gurus, etc. What you don't need is laser light shows and modern paintings of the Gurus. It will be interesting to see whether under its management it ends up being a Smithsonian, or a Vegas show.
3: Tehal Singh Chalotra (Meerut Cantt, U.P., India), November 29, 2011, 10:16 AM.
Wonder ... wonder ... wonder! No one can come to the level of this Sikh heritage. What an idea, what a thought, what a spirit, what a presentation, what an architectural design! What a showcase of Sikh history and culture! Wonder ... wonder ... wonder!
4: Parvinder Singh (Amritsar, Punjab), December 17, 2011, 4:43 AM.
There is no information/website for tourists who want to visit it!
5: Tejinder Kaur (New Delhi, India), January 16, 2013, 11:00 AM.
It is worth seeing! I wish that they would get working on it outside environs - grass lawns, flowers, plants, trees, etc.