~ Devotion unparalleled ~

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Devotion unparalleled

By Varinder Walia (Tribune News Service)

Dec 5, 2005, 01:12

Amritsar, December 4

Keeping alive a 100-year-old unique tradition of offering four bouquets daily at Sri Harmandir Sahib, Mata Amrit Kaur,88-year-old widow, visits the holiest Sikh shrine every day overcoming old age and setting a world record of sorts in the process.

The tradition started by Bhai Vir Singh, hailed as father of modern Punjabi literature, about 100 years ago continued even after his death in the year 1957. Bhai Vir Singh was born on December 5, 1872.

Mata Amrit Kaur, like her mentor, used to go to Harmandir Sahib with bouquets every day on foot till recently.

However, due to old age, nowadays she has to use vehicle to reach Harmandir Sahib. She said the practice would continue till she breaths her last.

Mata Amrit Kaur, disciple of Bhai Vir Singh, has been living in the tastefully-decorated residence of the great Punjabi poet for the last about fifty years.

The house of Bhai Vir Singh is perhaps the most beautiful residence in the state and dates back to British times. Mata Amrit Kaur picks up beautiful flowers with the help of caretakers of the house.

While the houses of many Punjabi writers and poets, including Bawa Balwant belonging to Amritsar, have either disappeared or are in a dilapidated condition, the residence of Bhai Vir Singh remains intact and all belongings of the celebrity writer have been preserved in the original shape.

[karmjeet]

waheguru............