Ambika Soni opens Exhibition of Sikh Shrines named after trees

New Delhi, Aug 10 (UNI) Punjab's sacred heritage, expressed through Sikh shrines and represented by various species of trees was, put on display at the WWF-India Auditorium here today.

The exhibition, Tryst with Trees-Punjab's Sacred Heritage', inaugurated by Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni carries a vivid documentation of 48 Sikh shrines in India and Pakistan which are named after 17 species of trees.

The Sikh shrines named after trees are Gurdwara Tahli Sahib, Ber Sahib, Jand Sahib, Imli Sahib, Lahura Sahib, Phalahi Sahib and Amb Sahib and the like.

''Though trees are repeatedly referred in various texts and ancient hymns which emphasise that man must co-exist with his environment and respect the forests ..in Sikhism some of the most sacred shrines are named after different native species of trees'', said Mr D S Jaspal, a senior IAS officer, who prepared the pictorial documents of the Gurdwaras over the years.

Some pictures of trees are steeped in sanctity, held in high esteem by the devotees and reflect the central role of nature in religious preaching and practices.

The documentation of the sacred trees also carries a brief description of their botanical features with their health status as well as the realtionship between the species and historical and religious background of the shrines.

The exhibition, lasting till August 12 is an acknowledgement by the WWF-India that there has been a close bond between Religion and Conservation and it would be put on display in other countries too. UNI JSS PR RAI2102