Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab
Sri Harmandir Sahib also called Darbar Sahib and popularly referred to as the Golden Temple is the holiest site of Sikhs and the most iconic symbol of heritage and traditions of Sikhism.
Golden Temple is also voted as one of the seven wonders of India.
We have also included this temple in our list of top 10 temples in India.
History of Harmandir Sahib
Construction of the Golden Temple was completed under the tutelage of the fifth Sikh guru Arjan who himself laid the foundation stone in 1558.
According to the legends, the Gurudwara came up around the lake Amrit Sarovar excavated by fourth guru Ram Das. Under the leadership of Guru Arjan, the Gurudwara construction was completed in 1604 and Guru Granth Sahib was installed at the Golden Temple.
The story goes that impressed by the local lifestyle and as an act reverence to the third Sikh guru Amar Das, Mughal Emperor Akbar gifted a small piece of land to his daughter on occasion of her marriage to Bhai Jetha who later became the fourth guru Ram Das.
In yet another legend, it is believed that Guru Amar Das found the cure to the skin disease of the second Sikh guru Angad on the banks of this pool. It is also one of the reasons why the water of Amrit Sarovar is considered to contain medicinal property.
Significance of Golden Temple Architecture and Design
Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple is a fine specimen of the Sikh worldviews and religious tolerance. There are 4 entrances to the golden temple which signifies Sikhism’s openness to other religion, creeds and people.
Interesting facts about the Golden Temple
The months from October to March are considered as the best time to visit Amritsar. The weather during this period is very pleasant and is ideal for sightseeing.
How to Reach
Amritsar is well-connected with all modes of transportation. Amritsar can be easily reached by train, road or airways and the tourists should not face any problem in accessing this amazing city.
Airways: Tourists can get regular flights throughout the day to Amritsar from the Raja Sansi International Airport located in the city of Amritsar. This international airport also connects with some other cities of India as well as of the world.
Railways: Amritsar has its own railway station that is well-connected with all other important railheads of Punjab along with other towns and cities of India. A number of trains run on a regular basis from this railway station.
Roadways: A number of private as well as state buses run in and around the state. Amritsar is linked with Delhi through the G.T Road. Tourists can also opt for deluxe and deluxe buses that run on regular basis connecting Amritsar with several other important places in India.
Sri Harmandir Sahib also called Darbar Sahib and popularly referred to as the Golden Temple is the holiest site of Sikhs and the most iconic symbol of heritage and traditions of Sikhism.
Golden Temple is also voted as one of the seven wonders of India.
We have also included this temple in our list of top 10 temples in India.
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| Golden Temple in Amritsar is the holiest Sikh site in the world |
Construction of the Golden Temple was completed under the tutelage of the fifth Sikh guru Arjan who himself laid the foundation stone in 1558.
According to the legends, the Gurudwara came up around the lake Amrit Sarovar excavated by fourth guru Ram Das. Under the leadership of Guru Arjan, the Gurudwara construction was completed in 1604 and Guru Granth Sahib was installed at the Golden Temple.
The story goes that impressed by the local lifestyle and as an act reverence to the third Sikh guru Amar Das, Mughal Emperor Akbar gifted a small piece of land to his daughter on occasion of her marriage to Bhai Jetha who later became the fourth guru Ram Das.
In yet another legend, it is believed that Guru Amar Das found the cure to the skin disease of the second Sikh guru Angad on the banks of this pool. It is also one of the reasons why the water of Amrit Sarovar is considered to contain medicinal property.
Significance of Golden Temple Architecture and Design
Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple is a fine specimen of the Sikh worldviews and religious tolerance. There are 4 entrances to the golden temple which signifies Sikhism’s openness to other religion, creeds and people.
Interesting facts about the Golden Temple
- Darbar Harmandir Sahib is constructed of white marble which is overlaid with gold hence the popular name Golden Temple
- It is open to all irrespective of caste, creed, religion or sex
- Golden Temple is surrounded by a large lake known as Amrit Sarovar or the pond of immortal nectar.
- The township of Amritsar is named after this lake and grew around the pool surrounding Harmandir Sahib
- Devotees perform ablutions in the pool water which is believed to have medicinal properties
- The original Golden Temple was destroyed by the invading Afghan forces of Ahmad Shah Abdali and the present one was rebuilt by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia in 1764
- The floor of Golden Temple were gold plated during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh who secured the Punjab from external aggression
- There are 3 holy ber trees inside the Gurudwara Complex signifying important event in Sikhism
- The most important celebration inside Golden Temple is held on second week of April on occasion of Vaisakhi which is also the founding date of Sikh Khalsa
- Langar or the free meal is arranged for thousands of devotees who visit Golden Temple everyday
- Cooking of food and washing of utensils inside the temple is done by volunteers who visit this holy place
The months from October to March are considered as the best time to visit Amritsar. The weather during this period is very pleasant and is ideal for sightseeing.
How to Reach
Amritsar is well-connected with all modes of transportation. Amritsar can be easily reached by train, road or airways and the tourists should not face any problem in accessing this amazing city.
Airways: Tourists can get regular flights throughout the day to Amritsar from the Raja Sansi International Airport located in the city of Amritsar. This international airport also connects with some other cities of India as well as of the world.
Railways: Amritsar has its own railway station that is well-connected with all other important railheads of Punjab along with other towns and cities of India. A number of trains run on a regular basis from this railway station.
Roadways: A number of private as well as state buses run in and around the state. Amritsar is linked with Delhi through the G.T Road. Tourists can also opt for deluxe and deluxe buses that run on regular basis connecting Amritsar with several other important places in India.
