Mian Mir (1550-1635) was a renowned Sufi saint of the medieval times. Originally belonging to Central Asia, he arrived in India with the view of spreading Islam. His real name was Shaikh Muhammad, but later on put a new name befitting his religious practice. He is also a highly revered personality in the Sikh religion owing to his lifelong friendship with
Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh guru.
Mian Mir attained fame in India through his religious preaching and boons, which came true. His preaching attracted Guru Arjan Dev. Their constant interaction and common thinking made them life long friends. When Guru Arjan Dev decided to construct the Golden Temple at Amritsar, he invited Mian Mir to lay the foundation stone. This invitation was symbolic to the openness of the Sikh religion to people of all religion and castes.
