Where is Golden Temple?
The Golden Temple or the Darbar Sahab is located at Amritsar in the north
Indian state of Panjab. It symbolises the magnificence and the strength of
the Sikhs. Widely popular as the Golden Temple, Harmandir Sahib Temple is
the most sacred Gurudwara of the Sikhs.
How will you gain access?
The Rajasansi Airport at Amritsar operates regular flights connecting the
city to all the major destinations of the country. The city of Amritsar is
also well-linked by rail-route with all the major cities of India. By train,
it's a 8-10 hour journey from Delhi (453 km) to Amritsar. There are regular
bus services available between the cities as well.
What does it signify?
The Golden Temple or the Hari Mandir Sahib is a living example of the
historical and spiritual traditions of the Sikhs. It is the chief pilgrimage
destination for the Sikhs from all over the world. It was Guru Arjan Sahib
himself who conceived the idea of creating a chief centre of pilgrimage for
the Sikhs and it was he who designed the architecture of this ever-glorious
temple. The temple is famous as the Golden Temple for its scenic
surroundings and the gold plating that is done upon it.
Guru Arjan Sahib got a Muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mirji for laying the
foundation of the temple in December 1588. The Guru himself supervised the
construction work. He was assisted by such eminent Sikh personalities as
Baba Budhaji, Bhai Gurdasji, Bhai Sahloji and a number of other godly and
pious Sikhs.
What beckons devotees?
» Akal Takhat
Facing the Golden Temple, Akal Takhat was built by the 6th Sikh Guru
Hargobind Singh in 1609. The place is held in high esteem by the Sikh
community all over. It is the very place from where all the commandments
affecting the community are issued. Muslim raiders brought it down several
times. The ground floor of the present building was built in the year 1874.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh added three storeys to the structure. During operation
Blue Star in 1984, Akal Takhat suffered sever damages again by the Indian
Army.
» Baba Atal
Baba Atal was built in remembrance of Guru Hargobind's son Atal Rai. The
tower was erected between 1778 and 1784. The structure is considered to be
one of its kind, reaching up to a height of 108 feet.
» Guru Ka Langar
The Golden Temple is provided with a community kitchen offering Guru Ka
Langar to the devotees and visitors of the temple. The Langar (Food) is
offered round the clock to the devotees irrespective of caste and creed.
Several thousands of devotees are served with meals everyday.
» Sri Guru Ramdas Niwas
Sri Guru Ramdas Niwas offers free accommodation to the pilgrims. It is
maintained by the Temple authorities. There are 228 rooms and 18 huge hall.
The Niwas also supplies with free bedding, lights, fans etc. However, the
lodgers are not allowed to stay here for more than three days at a time.
What is the best time?
Summers are hot and winters are chilly at Amritsar. The annual
rainfall of the city records 59.2 cm. The best time to pay a visit to the
temple is between October and December.
