Central Square, N.Y. -

The Gobind Sadan USA, will be rededicated in a ceremony to be held at the new temple today at 10 a.m. in Central Square. The dedication will be performed by Giani Iqbal Singh ji, who has flown in from India for the special occasion. Singh ji is the head (Jethadar) of Takhat Siri Patna Sahib, which is one of the five traditional seats of Sikhism accepted and respected the world over. 

The dedication of the new building was first held up, awaiting a visit from Gobin Sadan’s preceptor and founder, Baba Virsa Singh ji. It was Babaji who had first selected the site for Gobin Sadan USA during a visit to America in 1986. Unfortunately, he passed away on Christmas eve 2007, never having the opportunity to perform the dedication. It was then that Giani Iqbal Singh ji, who actually presided over Babaji’s memorial service, offered to make the trip to Central Square in order to dedicate the new temple on behalf of Babaji.

Director of public relations for Gobind Sadan USA, Ralph Singh, noted, “Giani will be bringing the same message of love and sharing that Babaji did. He will bring a message of how we should all live together as one family ... and look to have joy and peace.”

The original Gobind Sadan USA structure, which sat parallel to the site as the new temple, suffered extensive damages due a fire set at the location on November 18, 2001. The unfortunate burning of the original structure was set by a group of area teenagers, who had mistakenly thought that those who worshiped at the temple were supporters of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Singh spoke of the disastrous occurance, noting that despite the hateful act committed, all has been forgiven. “Jesus taught us to forgive, even our enemy,” he said, “Babaji had forgiven the kids who had committed this act.”

Although the fire ravaged the original temple, the holy scripture, Guru Granth Sahib and Damask Granth, survived the fire unscathed. It was noted in a release this week that many of those who worship at the temple saw this as a miracle, symbolizing that “the Light of God’s love enshrined in scripture does indeed overcome the darkness of hatred.”

The planned schedule of events this morning will start off with hymns of God’s praise, followed by tributes and Gobind Sadan’s thanks to those who helped in the rebuilding process. The day’s activities will conclude with a traditional Sikh meal. Singh was very certain to note that everybody is welcome to the event.

Speaking further on the rededication to take place, Singh said, “I feel it is very appropriate, if not symbolic, that this event will take place during Easter week when everyone is celebrating the rising of Jesus ... this building has rose out of the ashes of hatred and, in its opening, is symbolic of love.”

http://www.palltimes.com