In the bustling heart of Amritsar, hidden between the vibrant lanes of Guru Bazaar and Bazaar Mai Sevan, stands a quiet relic of immense historical and spiritual significance — Darshani Deori. Once a revered portal that greeted pilgrims on their path to the Golden Temple, this structure now lies cloaked in neglect and obscurity, struggling to hold its place in the rapidly evolving urban landscape.
Darshani Deori, which now houses a modest gurdwara, dates back to the formative years of Amritsar, when the city was still taking shape under the spiritual leadership of the Sikh Gurus. Its roots are entwined with the legacy of the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, and the structure once served as a grand gateway marking the sacred route between Guru Ka Mahal and the revered Harmandir Sahib.
Back then, the expanse between these two sacred sites was open and clear. Pilgrims arriving from Guru Ka Mahal would catch their first “darshan” — or glimpse — of the sanctum sanctorum from this very point. It was a moment of deep spiritual awe, giving the gateway its name: Darshani Deori, the “Gateway of the Glimpse.”
Later, the structure saw significant enhancement under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the lion of Punjab, who also named the nearby market after Mai Sevan, a pious woman known for her dedicated service at the Golden Temple and the wife of military commander Fateh Singh Kaliawala. Today, Bazaar Mai Sevan remains a thriving commercial hub, though it now masks the rich stories and layered history that once breathed life into its narrow alleys.
Locals and historians recall a time when the Deori stood unobstructed, its architectural elegance unmarred by modern clutter. Intricate frescoes and nakashi work adorned its walls, and sacred calligraphy once echoed the divine hymns of the Gurus. But today, these heritage elements are all but lost. The walls are punctured with nails and festooned with electrical wires. Shops, signage, and concrete encroachments have buried the monument in a tangle of urban sprawl.
Despite being listed on Punjab Tourism’s heritage walk, the Deori has become a victim of apathy. Its once-regal stature is now camouflaged by haphazard construction and a maze of unregulated development.
“This is not just a structure, it’s a spiritual and historical landmark,” said Sandeep Singh, a heritage activist and long-time resident. “We cannot afford to let Darshani Deori disappear beneath concrete and cables. It deserves restoration, reverence, and recognition — not neglect.”
The call for conservation is growing louder, with many urging the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Punjab’s Tourism Department, and the state government to join forces in preserving what remains of this gateway of the Gurus.
As Amritsar strides into the future, questions linger over how it treats its past. Will Darshani Deori be reclaimed as a cherished chapter of Sikh heritage — or simply fade into footnotes of forgotten history?
