The Golden Temple in Amritsar is the holiest shrine of Sikhs, which forms one of the major pilgrimage centers of India. Also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, it is built on a 67 sq ft platform and is surrounded by a lake, the Amrit Sarovar (the pool of nectars), which is spread over an area of 150 sq. m. The shrine covers an area of 40.5 sq ft. There are entrances to the Golden Temple on all the four sides, which stands for the importance of acceptance and openness. The architecture of the temple stands for the unique blend of the Hindu and Muslim architecture and is so marvelous and enchanting.Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, thought of having a common place of worship for the Sikhs. This thought inspired him to start the construction of Harmandir Sahib. Before him, Guru Amardas Sahib, the third Guru, had planned the excavation of Holy Tank (Amrit Sarovar), but it was executed only by Guru Ramdas Sahib, under the supervision of Baba Budha Ji. Guru Arjan Dev Ji laid the foundation of Golden Temple with the help of a Muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir Ji of Lahore, on 1st of Magh (December 1588). The building work was completed in 1604 A.D.
After the construction of Sri Harmandir Sahib was complete, Guru Arjan Dev Ji installed the Adi Granth in it. He appointed Baba Budha ji as its first Granthi i.e. the reader of Guru Granth Sahib. After this event, it attained the status of 'Ath Sath Tirath’. Guru Granth Sahib, the 11th Guru of Sikhs, is revered as Holy Scripture of the Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhs, terminated the line of human Gurus. He elevated Adi Granth to Guru Granth Sahib and declared the sacred text to be the final Guru of Sikhs. Verses from the Guru Granth Sahib are inscribed on doorway of the Golden Temple as well.
Golden Temple Architecture
Golden Temple, or Sri Harmandir Sahib, is built on a 67 sq ft platform and is surrounded by a lake called the Amrit Sarovar (the pool of nectars), which is spread over an area of 150 sq. m. The temple covers an area of 40.5 sq ft. There are entrances to the temple on all the four sides.
How to Reach Golden Temple
Golden Temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers in India. It boasts of a well-developed infrastructure, which allows for an easy accessibility from every part of the world. It is conveniently connected to the outside world by road, rail as well as by air.
Golden Temple History
Sri Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as Golden Temple, literally means "the House of God”. The shrine consists of Darbar Sahib, which is surrounded by the Holy Tank (Amrit Sarovar). It was constructed under the aegis of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the Fifth Sikh Guru. He wanted to build a common place of worship for the Sikhs
Best Time to Visit
Golden Temple, or Sri Harmandir Sahib, is one of the most visited pilgrimages across the globe. It is one of the oldest Sikh gurdwaras, which is revered by people of every caste and creed. Thousands of pilgrims flock to Amritsar, to pay obeisance at the temple. Though it is visited throughout the year
