| Sharp reactions force SGPC to reconsider ACs in Golden Temple |
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| Written by Dharmendra Rataul | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tuesday, 01 May 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sikh intellectuals have observed that the proposal is not in coherence with religious sentiments of the Sikhs. They also felt that the plans would play havoc with the heritage of the 16th century religious structure and the old paintings and frescoes, already at the mercy of the SGPC’s hammer, would be further vandalised. “We are concerned that the heritage and serenity of the Darbar Sahib remains intact. No action will be taken in haste and we will ponder over the issue at the next SGPC meet scheduled at Chandigarh on May 3,” said SGPC secretary Dalmegh Singh. He admitted that the technicalities of the installation have also to be studied and the feelings and aspirations of the sangat would be kept in mind before some final decision is taken. Various SGPC members, including Bibi Kiranjot Kaur, Manjit Singh Calcutta and well known conservationist Gurmit Rai, besides Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), have spoken up against setting up air conditioners. “It is contrary to religious feelings,” said INTACH state convenor Dr Sukhdev Singh, adding that they would oppose the move as it would harm the heritage value and paintings on the walls. Harkamaljit Singh an INTACH member added that installation of ACs may cause electrical accidents. On the other hand, some intellectuals feel that when electricity was installed at the sanctum sanctorum in 1920, similar reactions were aired. “People said lanterns and ghee diyas were more natural and electric bulbs would mar the religious aroma around the gurdwara. The time would soon come when all would approve the ACs,” said a Sikh scholar at GNDU, requesting anonymity. He, however, added that the heritage and unique architecture of the Golden Temple should not be spoiled. The SGPC, meanwhile, has the support of the Akal Takht as well, as Jathedar Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti has approved the ACs and an ultra-modern sound system for gurbani to be aired without disturbance and with precision and clarity. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
satvinder kaur
said:
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FOLLOWING 
| “People said lanterns and ghee diyas were more natural and electric bulbs would mar the religious aroma around the gurdwara." At the risk of sounding like a purist I have to say that electricical lighting may not "mar the religious aroma" but it would be nice to see buildings used as they were intended. I personally think use of diyas and oil lamps would enhance the ambience but this is of course a subjective view. |
Amandeep Singh Talwar
said:
| If the SGPC decides to install air conditioners regardless of the strong opposition against it from the satsangat across the globe, this is bound to make the Sikhs around the world feel that they have no saying in what is happening in our holiest shrine. This will lead to serious problems between the sangat and the SGPC. The Sikhs should make decisions TOGETHER in regards to our gurudwaras and their conservation efforts. It should not and can not be left to the hands of a few individuals. If a overwhelming majority of the Sikhs are against the installing of the air conditioners, that is what the SGPC should go by instead of forcing their own will on it. Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru ji ki Fateh |
Jasbir S Gill
said:
| It may be possible to pump in dry cold air-conditioned air from the floor. Underneeth the Harmandir Sahib, construct a small well insulated sound proof dry area to house the air conditining unit. |
Rajinder Kaur
said:
| Yes,Ifully agree it will make the life of Sevadars inside the Sactum Sanctorium easy, what at the moment is required some sort of discipline or controll and hepl the sangat to pay their obeyiance peacefully. Disabled people like me cannot even dream that We will ever be able to wait in the que and then be pushed when inside the santorum. I understand the Sharda with which people come to Harminder Sahib I dont mind mordern facilities but sancitity should not be destroyed. |
Brinder Gill
said:
| Well, the idea is to keep the Gurudwara cool without disturbing the heritage.I feel we should install powerfull fountains around the harmandir sahib in the sarover.which should be operated when required.Suitable lights can always be fitted around them,which can be used during night.This can boost the beauti of the shrine as well as will help cooling down the sorrundings.Idea is well dwelling on.Also the fountains can play according to the keertan going on. |
MOHINDER SINGH
said:
| It is very disturbing news to learn that SGPC could even think of installing ACs in Darbar Sahib. How can they think of making holes in to install Air conditioner in the Gurudwara. Are we really a sangat of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who sat on a hot iron plate but didn't complaint about it to waheguru? We need to think again !!! I think its not the sangat that is hot but the SGPC employees who manage money and other duties in the Gurudwara. |
khushdeep singh
said:
| whatever is there t present is not so hopeless or bad that anybody or body like SGPC should decide anything like this for the structure being laid by the GREAT GURU SAHIB JEE HIMSELF.cold or hot is always wuthin limits as ever under HIS ORDER for HIS HOME. the way IT has been since ITS start, IT should be kept and protected for that state.we people or sangat has no value untill valued by TRUE GURU SAHIB JEE.same way our mind and thoughts have no value. many come and die, but that does not mean at any stage of long time for THIS HOME of GURU SAHIB JEE, our minds can think and change IT. change your perception,senses and give direction to your devotion, each one of you will see GURU SAHIB much more strongly to feel then to feel the tinnest of the things based on ordinary hair cells, pores and so on decaying body capabilities.concentrate how to build our own lives as per GURU SAHIB,how to keep togetherness among overselves then these hopeless things which lead to sharp egded thing being pointed towards THE STONE or WALL or ANYTHING in our GURU SAHIBs HOME.HE knows better what to do, when to do and how to do.ITS not mine or your home,ITS SACHKHAND.this cold ,hot ,warm,humidity,weather and anything else possible to think off, is under HIM, never above HIM. our lives need change,our mind need change not HIS HOME.SGPC is nobody to decide this, they have to and should consider the minds of all who bow their heads THERE in UTMOST DEVOTION. GURU RAKHA GURU FATEH |
dalbirgill
said:
| its is sad indeed that we need ACs now i been there in the hottest months i didnt feel like i needed AC as long as u doing seva u wont feel heat |
Harjit Khalsa
said:
| If the fans are allowed, A/C should not be a problem. In fact it will give comfort to those inside and they can focus their mind on Gurbani. Science has enabled things those were not possible to think of in the past. A central A/C unit could be installed on the roof top and small pipes could be brought in to bring the cold air without extra noise or any damage to the structure. Just for example, inside an airplane or a better built coach, the fans for individual passenger are fitted with pipes thinner than 1/4 inch diameter. Architects know better, but I would leave the main floor intact and install a few ducts or series of jets of cold air on the first floor and the cold air will come down automatically. Do whatever but please do not disturb the natural beauty of Darbar Sahib. |
Prateek Singh
said:
| Please don't install ACs. I love the Darbar Sahib as it is. |
PS Nijjer
said:
| The AC is not for Sangat or Guru, but for the big fat custodians who do not want to even do sewa or path without AC. Their fat bodies might be getting sweat while doing path or sewa. They should seek Sangat's permission before even thinking of making any change in OUR PLACE OF ORIGIN. |
Gurjeet Singh
said:
| Taati Vaho na Luggayi Paarbramh Sarnaiee, the Lord himself dosent allow even the warmest air to touch the one who has surrendered onself to HIM. No AC's required. |
DALBIR SINGH
said:
| I FULLY AGREE WITH THE MOST OF THE COMMENTS ABOVE AND AC'S SHOULD NOT BE EVEN THOUGHT TO BE INSTALLLED IN DARBAR SAHIB....I MAY EVEN REQUEST PEOPLE TO THINK TO MAKE THE AREA AROUND THE GOLDEN GURUDWARA TO BE MADE NO TRAFFIC ZONE AS IT HAS BEEN DONE AROUND THE TAJ MAHAL AT AGRA..IT WILL NOT ONLY PROTECT THE GRUDWARA BUT ALSO WILL BE MORE COMFORTABLE FOR PEOPLE VISITING THE SHRINE. WJKK,WJKF |
Atam Singh
said:
| I agree with the suggestion of making the surrounding area a "traffic free zone" - only pedestians or man pulled rickshaws. Absolutely no cars or trucks of any kind! Not only that this will cut down on warmer temperatures but it will also cut down on pollution as well which is becoming a growing concern for Harmandir Sahab's golden canopy! It is being marred by the pollution and is losing it's luster. |
sardar Gurpreet Singh khalsa
said:
| sikh don't requred AC in darbar sahab. it already surounded by water. those who aggred with AC please get out from sikhism. pick up the sikh history find the Sahab Sri Guru Gobind singh khalsa ji using fan, cooler or AC today you asking AC after that ask temple is small make bigger & then after AC Tank in Battel field. THOSE WHO REQURED ACs IN GOLDEN TEMPLE PLEASE DONT COME TO DARBAR SAHAB SET IN HOME AND HEAT THE EGGES UNDER AC (SGPC PLEASE DONT TOUCH THE DARBAR SAHAB IT GIVES MANTLE COOL OUR MIND) |
Arvinder S Atwal
said:
| I think an AC system should be installed in the darbar sahib, provided it is designed and installed by a very experinced professional engineer, architect and installers. And for those concerned about the damage that could be caused to the building, paintings and electrical accidents, let me tell them Air conditioning does not only cool the place but it also takes the moisture out (dehumidfies). Excess moisture is a big cause of damage to paintings, books and the building it self to name a few, it also promots the growth of mould and bacteria. And the humidity level in punjab especially in the rainy monsoon season skyrockets. A modern AC system is also capable of exhausting excess CO2 levels emiitted by the sangat and bringing in fresh conditiond air (this is achieved with the help of a computer). As far as the looks to the interior of the darbar sahib are concerned, customade air outlets can be fabricated with simlar materials to match the existing interior and installed ( few sharp eyed sangat may even catch it). As far as the electrical accidents, there is no need for any electrical wiring in the darbar sahib it self, the electrical wiring is only required for the compressors and fans only which can located up to several hundred feet away. I think the sangat would appriciate a comfortable darbar sahib and be able to concentrate on darshan rather than sweat in the hot summer. Or we can always leave it the way it is and do nothing about it. WJKK, WJKF |
Sarib Singh Khalsa
said:
| Definitely do NOT install air conditioning in the Darbar Sahib. Enough damage has been done already. Please do not drill a single hole, cut, scrape, or bolt any part of it. |
Engineer Singh
said:
| AC is not efficient unless the doors and windows are closed. Closing the doors is not an acceptable option. Given this inefficiency, the CFM and cooling capacity necessary to make any difference at all would require a significant amount of equipment and space, and would be quite loud. I for one would really not want to see this happen. Whether the equipment is located on the building or the air is piped under the water, I see no way of doing this in an unobtrusive manner without significant modification to the building which would be an absolute tragedy. I would humbly ask that whatever decision is made that the building itself not be altered in any way shape or form. |
MOHINDER SINGH
said:
| ARVINDER SINGH ATWAL AND HARJIT KHALSA, YOU GUYS ARE CRAZY !!! NO ACs FOR DARBAR SAHIB !!! IF GURU CAN SIT ON THE HOT IRON PLATE AND FIRE BURING UNDERNEATH THEN WE CAN HANDLE ALL THE HUMIDITY, SWEATING, AND BE THANKFUL TO GURU FOR GIVING US THIS BEAUTIFUL GURUDWARA !!! DON'T YOU DARE INSTALL THE ACs IN DARBAR SAHIB. YOU CRAZY "SGPC" LEADERS !!! |
manmohan
said:
| A/C system will not only control the temperature but humidity and quality of air inside the building. It is necessary for preservation of our revered heritage in the Hari Mandir Sahib so that comming generations can also have this great heritage available to them. Personnal comfort is an added advantage. It can be a discreet off site setup which will not interfere with our day to day prayers. A reputed professional architect should be hired to prepare an Enviromental Impact Report which should address all issues including our religious sentiments . Let professionals help. Public sentiments are valuable, but sentiment from public, well informed on the particular subject, should be the basis of decesion making process. |
Jagdeep Singh
said:
| AC is not needed by any devotee of harimandir sahib it is only needed by the tourists i want to reques to SGPC that only for few touists dont dont play with the sentiments, &emotions of sangat We does not have any need of ACs |
Harjyot Singh
said:
| Sat Sri Akal, I am consitantly dismayed by the actions of the SGPC. From barring the descendants of Bhai Mardana from performing in the Harminder Sahib, and various other examples of embarassment to the Sikh faith, they now would even consider this ? Those who have been put in place to uphold the virtues and treasures of our beautifull faith are the very ones who desecrate with their illogical decisions and actions, over and over. My comments may seem a bit harsh, considering we are only talking about the issue of air conditioner, but I am speaking generally of the cumulative failings and embarassing actions of the SGPC to date. (In this I include the DSGPC, if anyone recalls the two seperate yathra's to Nankana Sahib in the recent past, when there should be only one). For us Sikhs born and living in the West, I can tell you I am not alone in my disillusionment with the "guardians" of our our faith. Being off topic as I am, I will close with another issue of distress for me personally. On my first (and only) visit to date to the Harminder Sahib of my life last February, I was disheartened to see that the walls within the complex were marred by names of those peoples who had donated to the seva of the Harminder Sahib. My comment is this: where there is That persons name, there is That persons Shame. Your Ego will transcend into time immemorial until such time those names are erased, and your Ego vanquished back to yourself, and the Harminder Sahib restored to it's former glory. The desecration of the Harminder Sahib and its environs is a disgrace. If you donate, expect nothing in return. Shame is mostly heaped on the SGPC for continuing this practice. Please for the sake of saving our Sangats heritage, undo what has been done. WaheGuru Ji Ki Khalsa, WaheGuru Ji Ki Fateh Respectfully, Harjyot Singh |
G SINGH
said:
| WE DO NOT NEED AC I AM ALWAYS THERE IN SUMMER NEVER FELT HOT WHEN YOU HAVE SIMRAN ON YOUR LIPS YOU DON'T FEEL ANY THING BUT CLOSENESS OF GURU & WHEN HE IS CLOSE WHAT ELSE CAN YOU THINK OF. NO NO NO NO AC. I AGREE WITH MOHINDER SINGH JI 7 PS NIJJAR |
Purshotam Singh Chitkara
said:
| Waheguru ji ka Khalsa! Waheguru ji ki Fateh!! Please study how kings and maharajas were keeping their palaces from heat. Sarovar (water) has a reason. A thorough study MUST be undertaken of old (golden) ways and newer technology to protect our heritage and beauty around Darbar Sahib. How about reducing pollution in the surrounding area, planting more trees (for shade, breeze and fragrance)? Think of everything natural and ways can be found. PLEASE don't make haste, keeping listening before taking any decision that is to the Panth. |
DAUGHTER OF THE GURU
said:
| What is wrong with the people (who call themselves SGPC) Installing AC in Darbar Sahib, they can freeze themselves in ice yet the heat will not leave them. their deeds, the way they are misusing their power is burning them from within. If they need AC they should look within themselves. Sangat do not have any complains regarding the heat only the SGPC. For that if you can't take the heat leave! The Sangat does not need you. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE DECISIONS FOR US. LEAVE THE DARBAR SAHIB AS IT IS. WE ARE THE SIKHS OF THE GURU WE DON"T NEED TO COOL FROM WITHOUT WE HAVE THE BANI TO COOL US DOWN FROM WITHIN. |
Lovejot Chahal
said:
| Why should the temple be thought about having an AC at this time in life? When all through history it did not need one? Why should you mess with a priceless structure that has been built by someone so dear to us? I think it should be left alone. I do not know think at this time in life an AC is needed to prove anything. What would the AC bring? more cooler air? BUT that is not the reason for the trip to the gurdwara. When one listens to the bani and path in the gurdwara he/she should be able to cool down with out needing the AC!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO on the AC from my side. |
Sohan Singh Bains
said:
| I fully agree with those who are concered about the beauty and the sanctity they carry in their hearts of Shri Harmandir Saheb. I do not know what has prompted SGPC to raise an issue of airconditioning the Sachkhand. It is they who feel heat. The sewa is being performed from the centuries and there were not even fans inside the Harmandir Saheb. I think they were the true sewadars who performed the sewa without demanding any comforts. Over the period we have become weak spritually. I am of the view that instead of demanding comforts, the SGPC should look into the weakness coming into the panth and devote their time and energy in building a stronger Khalsa Panth. Vaheguru ji ka Khalsa Vaheguru ji ki fateh. |
kawaljit
said:
| We go to Gurudwara to have peace of mind and seek GOD's blessings We dont need ACs there Maybe someone who cannot tolerate ACs will not be able to sit inside so you are telling those people not to go to DARBAR SAHIB Ithink those who are thinking of physical comfort only better stay at home You are not going to DARBAR SAHIB for meditation |
SANTOKH SINGH CHHINA, USA
said:
| I STRONGLY OPPOSE THE IDEA OF INSTALLING AC AT THE DARBAR SAHIB...GOLDEN TEMPLE . IF WE START DOING SUCH THINGS THEN WE HAVE TO DO SO MANY OTHER THINGS TO DESTORY THE OLD TRADITION. NEW SYSTEM CAN DESTORY THE OLD TRADITIONAL MONUMENTS WITH AC AND SUCH CHEMICALS.... KEEP UP THE WAY IT IS.. ALL PARTIES SHOULD WORK TOGETHER TO FIND THE COMMON GROUND WITH OPINION OF EXPERTS IN THIS FIELD...... |
jkaur
said:
| Please, dont install Ac in Darbar sahib. I really want to request all the elders who can do something , and all the sangat please wake up and dont allow sgpc to fullfill their wishes, slowly slowly they want to change darbar sahib, as they are under akali dal badal and badal is in hands of BJP and everyone knows that what BJP and all the people of BJP want. Pleae wake up and dont allow it otherwise slowly we are committing suicide with our this quietness and lost our real things in their original form. |
Gurmeet Singh
said:
| How do expect to keep the place cool without closing doors and windows...... thus when you shut them ...arent you shutting the world from your lively comforts . Thus it is not about putting the air cons in , it's how you put them in and without spoiling the human elements. I don't know who's idea is this but whatever you want to do...... you better think twice, thrice, four or five times. You can't shut the doors and windows so how do you expect to keep the place cold!!! even a 5 yrs old child would tell you that is not possible. If someone from SGPC is reading this... you should care to explain and be transparent on your ideas . Don't sit far and far away and expect people to understand what you want to do. be transparent and clear. This seems impossible but if you think you can do the possible then may the force be with you. |
harvinder singh
said:
| in fact yesterday morning while listening to the program from durbar sahib , i was myself thinking that why cant we make some arrangement of keeping the temperatures down in the sanctum sanctorium. now since it is already a point in consideration of sikh sangat , i would like to suggest that we can install split systems somewhere away from the main hall and bring the cool air through the ducts from under the water of sarovar but underneath the floor so that no holes in the wall are required. this way we will maintain the originality and the requied cool air for the comfort of sewadrs and sangat are also made available. |
harvinder singh
said:
| Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa Wahe Guru Ji Ke Fathae! Truly sad news. I feel these overpaid employees of sgpc should be shot! These are true butchers of Sikhism in sheep clothing. Forgive me for the harsh words, this type of emberasing ideas makes my blood boil. No deep love for Sikhism but faking the world and stealing the sangats money for their pleasures. Dharamraj is waiting for them. People from all over the world come to find peace, blessings and remove their sins, these sgpc employees collect their sins. Wahe Guru Ji Ka Khalsa Wahe Guru Ji Ke Fathae! |
Jaswinder Singh
said:
| It is time of modern technoligies and if can keep the climax under control without disturbing the purity and can keep the old paintings safe it is no harmfull also as the temrature of globe is increasing day by day and Sikh Maryada is to look for the comfort of SAD SANGAT as well as of Our LORD " GURU GRANTH SAHIB JI MAHARAJ" when we can serve "GURU " when is in SUKH ASAN with A/C why can not do it when "GURU SAHIB " in DARBAR . We some time think very unlogical so Respected SAD SANGAT JI think over the issue like open mind this is just we keep safe our VIRSA and Maryada . Any think said more must be give " MAFI " GURU ROOP SAD SANGAT JI" |
Malkit
said:
| I think you should have AC in the golden temple as it would make it more improved and help people focus on god. In my view maintaining its natural heritage is very important for future generations to learn from history, but also the golden temple must move with the times and not be left behind to remain relevent with modern people. |
Pritpal Singh
said:
| The simple answer to all the technlogies old,new should be in compliance to the GREEN Building code-Fully sustainable.Any service for the shrine should be in concerntfor the nature,by the nature and to the nature. Let's all Sikh engineers,thinkers,scholars unite and make true Sewa by making it World's first zero-carbon, zero-waste religious building............and make our Guru's most beloved building as the Envirnment's most beloved also.Hope the Guruji will make my words heard at the right place at right time for the right cause.WJKWJF. |
satvinder kaur
said:
| Skim reading through some of the comments I noticed that there were some itelligent solutions for cooling the Darbaar Sahib. I think however that they would still result in some alteration [however minimal] to the fabric of the site if not the building. From a personal point of view I think it would be nice to preserve as far possible historical shrines to their original concept otherwise there is no end to the alterations that could be made in the name of comfort. In line with Pritpal singh ji's comment above - the orginal concept was green - [four openings - natural cross ventilation etc] we've just taken steps back over the years by installing modern conveniences. Other than the need for sanitation and clean water supply - I think we might have been able to away with not putting in anything else or at least very little [electric lighting, fans etc] |
satvinder kaur
said:
| Malkit ji said: " but also the golden temple must move with the times and not be left behind to remain relevent with modern people" My argument is that time will always be on the move - how far will we go before we realise that we've destroyed history and progression is not always without fault; years after the development of industries we're realising that we've damaged the environment. |
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