Everything to know about Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is an architectural marvel
The Golden Temple has enormous religious and spiritual significance for all Hindus, particularly for the Sikh communities. The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is a high regarded Sikh Gurudwara located in Amritsar, Punjab. The temple was built during the 16th century by Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru. The temple is recognized for its stunning and iconic architecture, with its main building plated with real gold and surrounded by a large Sarovar (a big pool of water) known as Amrit Sarovar, which means “pool of nectar” in English. Moreover, the temple has other buddhas too, like the Akal Takht.
One of the most astounding aspects of the temple is that anyone can visit and pray in it, no matter what their religion or culture is. It’s a place where all people are treated equally. The temple is one of the major attractions in Punjab and it is visited by thousands of people every month from different parts of the world. One amazing thing about the temple is the lander, where free meals are served to everyone. The temple reminds us that people may be divided by caste or religion, but all of us are connected through a single heart.
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Golden Temple History
The Golden Temple also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib holds a great significance in Indian history. Initially Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru initiated the construction of the temple and his successor Guru Arjan Dev ji later completed its construction. They initiated the construction of the temple with a vision to create a place where everyone, no matter their religion, might gather to worship, expressing the principal of equality, inclusion, and dedication important to Sikhism. The foundation stone of the temple was laid by a kind Muslim person names as Hazrat Mian Mir reflecting equality and harmony among different faith and religions.
Arjan Dev Ji put the holy book of Sikhism, called the Adi Granth, inside the temple, Sikhism holy scripture was written within its precious wall in 1604, establishing it as the spritual center of Sikh activity. Throughout the temple’s history, it has served as a symbol of opposing discrimination, overcoming attacks and conflicts, particularly the operation Blue Star in 1984. Despite these obstacles, the temple has been carefully rebuilt and renovated that to the constant commitment to Sikh communities around the world confirming its status as a symbol of faith and worship.
Golden Temple’s architecture and visual appearance
The Golden Temple’s architecture is one of the greatest things that I have seen till now. The temple is adorned with 750 grams of pure gold. It’s a perfect blend of Islamic, Hindu, and Sikh inspirations, with its famous golden exterior shining brightly in the sunlight. The iconic structure is made up of marble and features delicate decorations and designs that add another charm to its beauty.
The surrounding area is highlighted by a beautiful central dome decorated with gold readings and a lotus-shaped terminal that represents Sikh unity. The calm Sarovar surrounds the temple, its waters reflecting its golden excellence. The temple building is accessible via a walkway and amazing, beautiful entrance gates, and it flows with elegance in every step. The Akal Takht stands close to the temple, reflecting its architectural beauty. Inside, the Guru Granth Sahib sits on a beautifully decorated palki, representing Sikhism’s spiritual riches.
Motive behind Golden Temple construction
Gur Ram Das established the Golden Temple to provide a special location for everyone to pray and feel connected to their religion. They wanted it to be a place where everyone felt welcome, regardless of who they were. The temple reflects Sikh values of equality and openness to all. It is more than just a place to pray, it also represents SIkh identity and strength. When they started construction of the temple, they ensured that it reflects respect for other religions. For excample, a Muslim Saint helped in the construction of the temple showing that people of different religions were able to live together. Overall, the temple remains a great symbol of unity, peace, and faith for everyone.
How to reach Golden Temple, Amritsar
By Air: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is the nearest airport to the Golden Temple. The distance between the airport and the temple is approximately 11 kilometers. You can either take an auto-rickshaw, taxi, or hire a cab to reach the temple.
By Train: Amritsar Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the Golden Temple. The distance between the railway station and the temple is approximately of 3 km. You can either take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach the temple.
By Road: Amritsar has a well developed road network, and busses travel to the city from all throughout the Punjab and surrounding regions.
By personal Vehicle: Amritsar is well connected through roads from the major cities. If you have your vehicle you can use Google Maps to reach there.
Golden Temple Address: Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Amritsar Cantt,. Punjab 143006
Important information about the Temple
Golden Temple opening and closing timings
| Days | Timings |
| Monday – Sunday | 4 AM – 11 PM |
Do you have to pay anything to visit Golden Temple?
Entry to Golden Temple is free for all visitors. Visitors don’t have to pay any amount to enter the temple. Moreover, if a person is claiming to be a ticket person, just don’t pay anything to him.
Amazing and interesting things you can do in Golden Temple
Explore the temple: The temple itself is the major attraction to visit and explore. The temple’s elegance gets enhances when sunshine shines off its gold-plated exterior. People all over the world, especially tourists, visit the temple just to see its exterior.
Join the langar: Langar are the free and complimentary meals offered by the temple’s langar-serving community. Join the langar, where you can eat among hundreds of visitors.
Engage in Seva: Participate in langar seva by volunteering in variety of helpful services such as assisting in the langar kitchen, providing langar food to visitors, and many other responsibilities.
Akal Takht: Visiting Akal Takht is a must; it is the highest spiritual seat for Sikhs located within the temple. Pay your respect.
Guru Granth Sahib Palki: One of the major attractions of the temple is the Guru Granth Sahib Palki. It is Sikh’s holiest texts located inside the temple on a raised platform known as Palki. All the devotes connects to pray and seek blessings.
Experience Kirtan: Experience the soul-pleasing devotional music known as Kirtan, performed by professional musicians and singers who fill the air with spiritual and positive vibes.
Most unique and lesser known facts about Golden Temple at a glance
- One of the most amazing fact about which makes it a very special and interesting place is that the Golden Temple is covered in around 750 Kilograms (1653 pounds) of pure gold.
- Hazrat Mian Mir, a Muslim kind person, establish the foundation stone for the temple, reflecting Sikhism’s accepting and secular values.
- Visitors can enter the temple from four sides, as it has entrances on all four sides. These entrances are intended to show the openness and inviting character of Sikhs. It implies that people of all religions and castes are welcome to enter the temple.
- The temple welcomes people 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with continuous and langar meal serving.
- The temple’s kitchen is the biggest free kitchen in the world, serving free meals to thousands of people every day.
- There’s an underground passage below the temple that was once used as an escape route during wartime and conflict.
Is it worth it visiting Golden Temple?
Absolutely, the Golden Temple is worth visiting. The amazing and unique gold architecture combined with the city’s beauty. Moreover, there are no restrictions on entering the temple. Visitors from any religious and cultural background can enter the temple.
Suggestions
- During the summers, don’t visit the temple during the daytime due to the high temperatures, and try to bring a water bottle along with you.
- There is a lot of people in the temple, so keep your kids with you.
- Give extra care of your personal belongings.
Who should visit Golden Temple?
- People who have never seen or experienced the temple should visit it.
- According to me, people who are busy in their hectic day-to-day lives and who want to spend a day in a peaceful place should visit the temple.
- Families with small children can also visit the temple.
- People who hold great interest in religious and spiritual sites should visit the temple.
Best time to visit the Golden Temple
The evening is the ideal time to see the temple because it is double beautiful then due to the lights that enhance its already beautiful appearance.
Nearby attractions
Here are some of the most visited tourist attractions from the temple.
- Jallianwala Bagh (650 meters)
- Partition Museum (1 km)
- Durgiana Temple (2 km)
- Gobindgarh Fort (2.5 km)
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum (2.5 km)
Golden Temple Pictures
Where is Golden Temple?
The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is a highly revered Sikh Gurudwara located in Amritsar, Punjab. Amritsar is located in the northwestern part of India, close the border with Pakistan.
Who build the Golden Temple?
The temple was built during the 16th century by Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru. The construction of the temple begins in 1581 and it was completed in 1604
Why is it called the Golden Temple?
The temple It is known as the “Golden Temple” because its main structure is covered in real gold. When sun shines on the temple, the gold plating creates an outstanding visual.
What are the main attractions within the Golden Temple?
The temple offers multiple attractions inside; some of them are Akal Takht, Sarovar, Guru Granth Sahib Palki, Langar Hall, Guru-ka-Langar, and many more.
Can anyone visit the Golden Temple?
One of the most astounding aspects of the temple is that anyone can visit and pray in it, no matter what their religion or culture is. It’s a place where all people are treated equally.
Know more about the temple from here.
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