I.The Golden Temple: Introduction
The Golden Temple is one of the most spiritual temples in India and the religious and holiest temple of Sikhism. This holy temple is also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib. Harmandir Sahib, which means “Abode of God”. The temple is located in the city of Amritsar in the state of Punjab. The temple complex has various notable attractions including Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar) and Harmandir Sahib (Temple).
As the holiest temple in Sikhism, the Golden Temple holds great spiritual significance. But the temple is always open to every visitor irrespective of caste or religion. This is a place where spirituality, beauty, and history are intertwined.
The temple complex is large and has gates on all four sides to enter, indicating that the temple is open to people of all castes and religions. As soon as you enter the temple complex, there is a path made of marble in a square shape. After that comes the Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar) and in the center of the lake is the Garbhagriha (Main Temple). A causeway (sitting bridge) is built on the opposite side to reach Harmandir Sahib. It is the only bridge route, which leads to Harmandir Sahib.
This architectural marvel is more than just a place of worship, it is a spiritual haven that teaches invaluable life lessons. Prepare yourself for an experience that will leave you mesmerized. As you step into this divine place, get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural splendor that awaits you.
When visiting the Golden Temple, be sure to plan for a seamless experience. Learn about the entry process, admire the magnificent architecture, and participate in foot washing at the ‘Pawan Sarovar’. Prepare yourself for the excitement of the sight when you catch a glimpse of the Golden Temple. And don’t miss the wonderful langar experience, where everyone is welcome to partake in a communal meal.
The Golden Temple takes on a new mesmerizing aura as the sun sets. Experience the magical serenity of the evening and witness the mesmerizing Palki Sahib ceremony. Be mesmerized by the serene reflection of the temple in the lake.
This is a gem in the heart of Amritsar that appeals to every soul seeking solace and spirituality. The Golden Temple is a testament to the unwavering faith of millions of people.
This travel blog article aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to the Golden Temple, including a complete guide to the Golden Temple, its history, significance, and practical tips for your visit.
Let’s start the exciting journey to Golden Temple
II. What Is The Golden Temple?
The Golden Temple, the religious and holiest temple of Sikhism, is an open place of worship for Sikhs. This holy temple is also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib. The temple complex is very large, with the Amrit Sarovar (Nectar Pool), and the sanctum sanctorum (main temple) in the middle of the Sarovar.
The sanctum sanctorum is two-storied and covered with gold leaf, hence it is known as the Golden Temple. The Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib is enshrined inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum.
Although the temple is a religious place of Sikhism, the temple is open to people of all castes and religions. From the temple, there is a huge facility for offering food (prasad) to everyone, known as langar.
Everyone must cover their heads before entering the temple complex and take off their shoes at the foot shed outside the temple complex.
III. Golden Temple: Entry and Opening Hours
- Opening Hours: The golden temple complex is open 24 hours, you can visit anytime but the darshan time in the sanctum sanctorum is from 4 am to 10 pm. The heaviest traffic is in the morning, when it may take you up to 2 hours for darshan.
- Entry: Free
IV. Golden Temple: How To Reach
By Air: The nearest airport to the Golden Temple is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, which is only 11 km away from the temple. The airport is operational for domestic and international flights.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to the Golden Temple is Amritsar Junction, which is just 3 km from the temple. This railway station is well connected to major cities of India. Superfast trains like Shatabdi, Janshatabdi, and Garib Rath Express also have stoppages here.
To reach the temple, a bus from Sri Harmandir Sahib Trust runs from the station to the temple, which is free of charge. You can get this bus from outside the railway station and it runs at an interval of 30 minutes. Alternatively, many private rickshaws (tuk-tuk) or cabs are available outside the station, charging 30 to 40 rupees.
By Road: Amritsar is well connected by road to nearby cities. It is easy to reach the temple with your private vehicle. From other nearby cities, you can get buses, which run regularly to Amritsar.
V. The Golden Temple: History and Construction
The Golden Temple is a magnificent jewel in the mystical land of Amritsar City. This holy place has a rich history and holds great importance in the hearts of Sikhs worldwide. The origin, construction, and significance of this wonderful gem are very interesting, and everyone should know.
According to Sikh historical records, the land on which the city of Amritsar and the Harimandir Sahib Gurudwara now stands was chosen by Guru Amardas, the third guru of the Sikh tradition. Guru Amardas then asked his disciple Guru Ramdas to find land to start a new town with a man-made pool as the center point.
Guru Ramdas became the fourth Guru of the Sikh tradition after Guru Amar Das after Guru Ramdas selected the land and founded the town. A man-made pool was built in the town with the help of Baba Buddha (a key figure in early Sikhism). Initially, the town became known as “Ramdaspur”.
Two things exist for acquiring the land that Guru Ramdas chose. One, based on gazetteer records, the land was purchased from the people and owners of Tung village with a Sikh donation of 700 rupees. Second, Emperor Akbar is said to have donated land to the wife of Guru Ramdas.
Guru Ramdas also invited traders and artisans from other parts of India to settle with him in the new city. The expansion of the town of Ramdaspur was done through donations and voluntary work during the time of Arjan, the fifth Guru of the Sikh tradition. After this, the name of the city was changed to Amritsar.
Guru Arjan started the construction of the Gurdwara in 1581. The Sarovar was kept empty and dry during construction. It took 8 years to complete the Gurdwara. The Gurdwara was completed in 1589. The Sarovar was filled with water after the inauguration. On 16 August 1604, Guru Arjan installed the Granth of Sikhism in the new Gurdwara.
Amritsar later became established as a central pilgrimage site and Sikh pilgrimage center for the Sikh community, reflecting India’s belief that it is the “Pilgrimage of 68 Pilgrimages”.
Due to the growing influence of the Golden Temple, the temple was destroyed several times by the Mughal and Afghan armies but was rebuilt each time by the Sikhs. It was renovated with marble and copper in 1809 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, and later, a donation of gold by Ranjit Singh in 1830 led to the sanctum covering with gold leaf. After that, the temple was named Golden Temple.
Became the center of the Singh Sabha movement between 1883 and 1920 and the Punjabi Suba movement between 1947 and 1966. In the early 1980s, the Gurdwara became the center of conflict between the Government of India and Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale. In 1984, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi launched Operation Blue Star, deploying the Indian Army to confront Jarnail Singh Bhindrewal inside the Golden Temple complex. The temple suffered a lot of damage in this conflict. After that, the temple was again renovated.
VI. Golden Temple Photos
VII. The Golden Temple: Architecture and Design
The architecture of the Golden Temple reflects the various architectural practices prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. Various iterations of the temple have been rebuilt several times. The architecture of the temple is a Hindu-Rajput and Indo-Islamic blend.
Here are some pointers to help you get a clear understanding of what the inside of the Golden Temple looks like and what its architecture is all about.
Sanctum (Harimandir Sahib): Sanctum sanctorum is located in the center of Amritsarovar. The sanctum sanctorum is two-storied and covered with gold leaf. The floor of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with white marble. The shape of the sanctum is almost like a square. On the lower floor of the sanctum sanctorum sits the Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib (the central holy book of Sikhism).
The doors of the sanctum sanctorum are covered with gold leaf and have designs of nature like birds and flowers. The surrounding walls of the sanctum sanctorum are covered with marble panels with arabesques and the arches contain verses from the Sikh scriptures in golden letters. Throughout the day, verses from religious scriptures are recited in the temple, which you can hear through speakers throughout the complex.
Holy Lake (Amritsarovar): The lake is an integral part of the Golden Temple, man-made. The Sarovar is 5.1 meters deep and 3.7 meters wide, surrounded by a circular marble passage. In the center of the Sarovar is the sanctum sanctorum which is connected to the platform by a causeway. The Sarovar is sacred, so everyone takes a bath or washes their hands and feet in the Sarovar before seeing the Guru Granth Sahib. There is a half-hexagonal shelter and steps for diving into the Sarovar.
Causeway: There is a bridge over the Sarovar, which connects the sanctum sanctorum with a circular marble passage. The entrance to the causeway is called Darshana Dwarti.
Parikrama Marg: The circumference around the lake is called the Parikrama Marg, a path dotted with marble passages. Circle all the people who are doing the circumambulation in a clockwise direction. Many people sit here to listen to the prayers and observe the beauty of the temple.
Akal Takht: Opposite the sanctum sanctorum and the causeway is the Akal Takht building. which is the highest temporal seat of power in Sikhism. It acts as a center for deliberation, debate, and decision-making on matters about the Sikh community.
Ber trees: There are three ber trees located within the Golden Temple complex. One of them is to the right of the main entrance and is called Ber Baba Buddha. It is believed that Baba Buddha sat under this tree and oversaw the construction of the pool and the first temple. The second tree is called Laachi Ber, for which it is believed that Guru Arjan used to rest here during the construction of the temple. The third is called Dukh Bhanjani Ber, located on the other side of the sanctum sanctorum, across the Sarovar.
Langar (community kitchen): Langar is the community kitchen in the Gurdwara, which is the largest kitchen in the world. In which free vegetarian food (prasad) is distributed to lakhs of people every day. The langar is situated on the eastern side of the courtyard near the Dukh Bhanjani Ber outside the entrance. After everyone sits down in rows on the floor, the food is served by a volunteer. Langar runs entirely on donations. You can also donate according to your ability. You can also take advantage of volunteering. Many locals and pilgrims participate in the service, serving food, cleaning the dishes, or helping with cooking. You can join it too.
Central Sikh Museum: The Golden Temple has a very old history. At the northern entrance to the temple complex is the Sikh History Museum on the first floor of the Sikh tradition, which reflects the history of the Golden Temple and Sikhism. Historical items like swords, karters, combs, and wheels are kept in the museum. Also featured are various portraits of famous Sikh gurus, leaders, warriors, and saints, many of which describe the atrocities committed against Sikhs throughout their history.
VIII. Golden Temple: celebrations and Festivals
I. Golden Temple: Daily ceremonies
Daily rituals are performed at the Golden Temple, based on Sikh tradition. In which he respects Sri Guru Granth Sahib and behaves like a living person. This ritual is performed in two ways.
- Closing Ceremony: This ceremony is performed at night, closing the Guru Granth Sahib after a series of devotional kirtans and three-part areas. He is then carried headfirst and placed in a flower-decorated, pillow-bed palanquin. The palanquin is lifted by devotees and carried to his bedroom on the first floor in the Akal Takht with chants. After reaching there Guru Granth Sahib is placed in his bed for rest.
- Opening Ceremony: This ceremony is performed around 3 am. In which the Guru Granth Sahib is taken out of his bedroom and placed in a palanquin decorated with flowers. The palanquin is then carried by the devotees towards the sanctum sanctorum and chants and bugles are played while going. After reaching the sanctum sanctorum and chanting a series of Asa Kirtan and Ardas, a random page is opened and read aloud.
These rituals are amazing, if you are planning to visit the golden temple, you should join this ritual if possible.
II. Golden Temple: festivals
The vibrant cultural traditions of Sikhism come alive at the Golden Temple. The temple is a center of festivals, celebrating major Sikh festivals such as Gurupurab (the birth anniversary of the Sikh Gurus) and Baisakhi. Also during Diwali the temple is decorated with bright lights and divas and Diwali is celebrated beautifully by bursting firecrackers.
IX. Practical tips to keep in mind while visiting the Golden Temple
- Dress Code: The Golden Temple is a sacred place of worship, so all visitors must dress appropriately. In which you should wear full clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
- Shoes: You are required to remove your shoes and gloves before entering the Golden Temple complex. Deposit your shoes in the shoe house at the entrance of the complex. This feature is free of charge. You will be given a token with which you can redeem your shoes.
- Head Covering: Head covering is required for everyone entering the Golden Temple complex. You can cover your head with your scarf or handkerchief. Otherwise, you can buy from a stall outside the temple, or get a scarf or handkerchief from a basket kept outside the complex, this facility is free. Scarves taken from the basket must be returned to the basket after your need.
- Luggage: Keep your luggage in the storage room at the entrance of the complex. This service is free. Go inside the temple with the necessary equipment.
X. General Guide To Visiting The Golden Temple
Some general rules should be followed while visiting the Golden Temple.
- Smoking and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited around the Temple complex and on the complex grounds.
- No meat should be consumed or brought inside the temple complex. The langar (meal) is strictly vegetarian and all the restaurants around the temple are vegetarian.
- Mobile phones are allowed inside the temple premises. You can take photos and videos in the complex, but taking photos inside the sanctum is strictly prohibited. Mobile phones must be turned off before entering the sanctum sanctorum.
- Anyone is allowed to bathe in Amritsarovar, but you are not allowed to use soap and shampoo. A separate room is provided for changing wet clothes.
- Golden Temple entry is free. The temple runs entirely on donations, you can donate cash to pay your respects.
- To circumambulate the Golden Temple, you should walk in a clockwise direction.
XI. Another attractive place around the Golden Temple in Amritsar
Jalliawala Bagh: This park is a witness to the biggest tragedy in Indian history. After the Baisakhi festival in 1919, people went to Jalliawala Bagh to listen to speakers protesting against the British government’s rules. Then, as ordered by General Reginald Edward Harry Dyer, British soldiers surrounded Jalliawala Bagh and opened fire on the crowd. In this massacre, 379 people were killed and thousands of people were injured. This historical place reminds you of the tragic genocide, where you will see bullet marks and plaques commemorating Ladvaya of the freedom struggle.
Wagah Border: For a unique experience, visit the Wagah Border, which is the border between India and Pakistan. Where a captivating ceremony is held every day, known as the “Beating Retreat”. Border guards from both countries engage in a coordinated display of patriotism, including rousing chants and flag-lowering rituals. The atmosphere is full of patriotic fervor, which is a sight to behold.
XII. Conclusion
As we conclude our journey through the sacred precincts of the Golden Temple, we remain in awe of its spiritual aura and cultural richness. The Golden Temple stands as a beacon of hope, love, and unity, transcending boundaries and embracing humanity. It is not just a place of worship but a sanctuary of peace, where one can find solace and connect with the divine. Plan your visit to the Golden Temple, immerse yourself in its serenity, and keep the essence of this spiritual journey in your heart forever.
Embark on this extraordinary pilgrimage to the Golden Temple and let it’s golden splendor and sacred vibrations envelop your soul. Experience the unity of humanity, the beauty of Sikhism, and the profound spirituality within the walls of this awe-inspiring monument. The Golden Temple is waiting, ready to embrace you with open arms and give you a lifetime of cherished memories and spiritual enlightenment.