<P> Sai Mian Mir, holds a pivotal legendary place in Sikhism and in Sikh history . Sikh people around the world learn about him, his spiritual contribution and his place in Sikh history . A major Pakistani newspaper reporter described his recent visit to the shrine, "I met many Sikh Yatris who had come to pay homage to this great saint . Many of them were from Pakistan, while some had come from India . Mostly Sikh Yatris come here during the birthday celebration of Guru Nanak ." The reporter asked the Sikh Yatris as to why they like to visit Mian Mir's shrine, "To us, Mian Mir Sahab is as divine as the saints of Sikhism . Sufis and Gurus, and their message, transcends geographical and cultural boundaries . They are the beacons of light ." </P> <P> Guru Arjan Dev Ji, (1563--1606) the fifth Sikh Guru, often visited Lahore, the birthplace of his father (the fourth Guru, Guru Ram Das) to meet his relatives . On the occasion of one of such visits, he called on Mian Mir . Both men eventually became close friends . Mian Mir was a well - known saint . "Being a man of God, no barriers of caste or creed marked his thought . He loved those who loved God ." </P> <P> Guru Arjan Dev was responsible for the construction of many public water tanks and buildings . In 1588, he planned to build a temple in the centre of the holy water tank called Amritsar or the pool of the nectar of immortality . As the temple was to be thrown open to people of all religions, castes, creeds and climes, he invited Mian Mir to lay the foundation stone of the Harmandir Sahib of Amritsar, the most sacred temple of Sikhs (now known worldwide as the Golden Temple). Mian Mir came to the city of Amritsar wearing a religious mendicant's long cloak made up of patches of coarse wool and a cone - shaped cap, with a rose flower on top . </P> <P> Mian Mir was given one of the warm welcomes for which Guru Arjan Dev was famous . The two holy men embraced each other in sincere love and regard . The purpose of the temple was disclosed to the Sufi saint . Mian Mir was delighted at the fine objectives the Guru had in mind . The foundation - stone was laid in January 1588 . "Never before and, for that matter, never after has the foundation stone of the highest religious seat of a religion ever been laid by the head of another religion . This remains the unique privilege of the Sikh temple ." </P>

Who laid the foundation of the golden temple