Golden Temple or Harimandir Sahib in Amritsar, Punjab is the most sacred temple for Sikhs. Also known as the Shri Darbar Sahib it is situated in the centre of the old part of Amritsar. The Golden Temple sits on a rectangular platform, surrounded by a pool of water called the Amrit Sarovar after which the city is named. It is considered as one of the holiest places in India and attracts pilgrims from all over the world who come here to pay their respects.
Golden Temple History
During the 14th century CE, this site had a small lake surrounded by forests. Travellers and ascetics often stopped by to meditate and rest. According to some sources Gautama Buddha too stayed here for some time. Later Guru Nanak Dev also used to meditate in this peaceful place. However the famous Golden Temple was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and was completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. The land for the city was acquired by Guru Amar Das Ji. There are different stories about it. According to one legend Emperor Akbar, while visiting Guru Amar Das, in the neighbouring town of Goindwal, was so impressed by the way of life in the town that he gifted the site to Bibi Bhani, daughter of the Guru Amar Das, as a wedding gift when she married Bhai Jetha who later becomes Fourth Guru Ram Das. Guru Ram Das enlarged the lake and built a small township around it. Construction of the Golden Temple began in 1574 by Guru Ram Das Ji. The temple was completed in 1601 by Guru Arjan Dev and in 1604 Guru Granth Sahib Ji was installed in Sri Harmandir Sahib. But restoration and embellishment continued over the years. The temple had to be substantially rebuilt after the raiders caused severe damage to the temple complex. Majority of these attacks happened during mid-18th century which resulted in a restoration of the temple in 1764.
In the year 1830 century, 100 kg of gold were applied to the inverted lotus-shaped dome and decorative marble was added under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
About Golden Temple
The entrance to the temple is through an ornate archway with intricate inlay work and inscribed with verses from the Granth Sahib. The temple complex is surrounded by a fortified wall. The main north entrance under a Victorian clock tower is known as the Darshani Deori. The entrance is up a flight of steps and down again to the temple and holy tank. The Golden Temple sits on a 67ft. square platform in the centre of the Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar) and can be reached by a causeway known as Guru´s Bridge. The bridge is connected with the 13 feet wide white marble circumambulatory path. It runs round the main shrine and it leads to the ‘Har ki Paure’ (steps of God). The temple building is three storeys high and is crowned with a dome shaped like an inverted lotus. The lower storey is in white marble, while the two upper storeys have gold plating. The architecture of the golden temple is a blend of the Hindu and Muslim styles. The temple has four entrances instead of the usual single entry which are a symbolic welcome to all the people regardless of caste, class, colour or creed. The walls within are decorated with carved wooden panels and elaborate inlay work in silver and gold.
The Akal Takht, next to the Golden Temple, is the seat of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, the religious governing body of the Sikhs. The construction of the Akal Takht was begun by Guru Arjan Dev and completed in 1609 by Guru Hargobind. It is here that Akal Takht Sahib (Throne of the Almighty) was revealed by Guru Hargobind Sahib in 1609.
The Adi Granth rests on a throne in the centre of the sanctum. It is housed in the Akal Takht and is taken out in procession every morning to be placed at the Harmandir where priests continuously recite verses from the holy book. The Guru Granth Sahib then remains on its throne in the sanctum until the early evening, when the Granth Sahib is carried in procession along the bridge to Akal Takht where the Siri Guru Granth Sahib will rest for the night. This ceremony is called the Palki Sahib. This ceremony is done every night. The timing of this ceremony is usually around 11 pm in summer and at 9:30 pm in winter season. Every day large number of worshipers gathers here to take part in this ceremony.
Golden Temple is open to people of all the religion and nationality. The only restrictions here are that visitors must not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke in the shrine. Visitors come here to worship, listen to hymns, and hear the holy scripture of the Guru Granth Sahib. Scriptures from the Holy Book are sung beneath a canopy studded with jewels.
Another major highlight of the Golden Temple complex is the Guru-ka-Langar, a dining hall where around 35,000 people a day are fed for free by temple volunteers. The Langar or free kitchen was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Here people from all walks of life sit on the floor, in rows and have the free sanctified meal regardless of their caste, status, wealth or creed which powerfully symbolizes the central Sikh doctrine of the equality of all people.
There is a Central Sikh Museum at the main entrance which displays paintings of Sikh gurus, saints, Sikh warriors and other prominent Sikh leaders. The museum also has rich collection of coins, old arms and ancient manuscripts.
Golden Temple Celebrations
One of the major festivals which celebrated every year is Baisakhi which falls usually on the 13th of April. Other important Sikh religious celebrations like martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib and birthday of Guru Nanak Sahib are celebrated here. Diwali is also celebrated with great grandeur here with lighting of lamps and display of fireworks.