Re: REQUEST : Gurudwara and Mandir sharing land and building.

Posted By Rajiv Varma (rvarma@stallion.jsums.edu)
20 Jan 1997 00:02:32 -0600

In article <ghenE467y5.I14@netcom.com>,
DEEPAK AWASTI <d_awast@alcor.concordia.ca> wrote:
> I would appreciate feedback on the following issue: Is anyone opposed to
>a Gurudwara and Mandir sharing facilities?
>
> The context is as follows: A Gurudwara committee is looking for
>land to build a Gurudwara. Unfortunately, they are facing many obstacles
>from the councils of the municipalities they have targeted. First and
>foremost is the question of re-zoning land from commercial to religious
>or institutional. Second, the available plots are too small for their
>purposes.
>
> The Mandir committee, however, just recently received approval
>for a zoning change from one of the cities being targetted by the
>Gurudwara committee. Unfortunately, the Mandir committee does not have
>the money to develop the property the have.
>
> A number of people, including myself, have recommended to both
>parties that they share the property and develop it jointly. this would
>mean constructing one building with two halls: one a Gurudwara and the
>other a Mandir. Other facilities, such as parking, dining, kitchen areas,
>as well as day-care and classroom facilities would be shared. Such a
>joint project would mean that both parties would get what they want- that
>is, a Gurudwara and a Mandir- while the community (or communities) would
>benefit from the development of a community centre. In fact, with certain
>facilties being shared less square footage would be required.
>
> Another option is for the Gurudwara committee to purchase part of
>the Mandir property and develop that portion of the land, however, so far
>the Mandir committee has refused to sell because it would reduce the size
>of the available property. I hope you will respond to my query.
>
>
> Thanks, Deepak.
>--

Gurudwara and a Mandir sharing the same venue is a noble idea. This will
go a long way in healing the wounds caused by alomost a century of
oppurtunistic politics, played by the British and successive Congress
governments, which tried their level best to divide the two communities.

This is one area where NRIs can play a significant role and lay the
foundation of a new Hindu-Sikh relationship, and show the way to the
brethern in India.

Even if it is assumed that Hinduism and Sikhism are two different faiths
(which I disagree with), it is not uncommon for two *Indian* 'religions'
to share the same venue. (Theere is no doubt about the Indianhood of
Sikhism). Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya is an example, which is currently
under the joint control of Hindus and Buddhists. Religiously speaking,
and regardless of the history of Mahabodhi temple, the Shiva at Mahabodhi
was consecrated as the protector of Bauddha Dharma. And since then both
systems (Hinduism and Buddhism) share the same temple complex.

In the current case, as described by Mr. Awasti, the Sangat at the
Gurudwara can be accepted as the 'protector' of the Temple dieties (which
are to be presumably consecrated). This arrangement would be historically
proper, as Sikhism is traditionally known as the "sword arm" of Hinduism.

Also refer to Maharaja Ranjit Singh's donation of a Gold roof to the new
Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Varanasi (the original one earlier demolished
by Aurangzeb).

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Overall, the Hindus and Sikhs at this community are standing at a
historical juncture. All they have to do is to manage the joint
managements of the project with goodwill of the two communities. If this
project gets consummated, it would a model for a new Hindu-Sikh
relationship.

Dhanyavaad,
Rajiv Varma

-- 
regards,
Rajiv

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