| Golden Temple Amritsar |
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| The Golden Temple or Temple of God or Darbar Sahib is one of the oldest Sikh gurdwaras and temple is culturally the most significant place of worship of the Sikhs. The name Harmandir Sahib literally means House of God. The temple is established by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs. The temple is located in the city of Amritsar known as "Guru Di Nagri" meaning city of the Guru. |
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| As the eternal Guru of Sikhism, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is present inside the golden temple, Harmandir Sahib is considered holy and beautiful by Sikhs. The main intend is that men and women from all walks of life and all religions to come and worship God equally in the single place ultimately the Golden Temple. In the Sikh religion The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the holiest literature. On 7th October 1708 the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Sri Guru Gobind Singh made this literature the eternal Sikh Guru and the leader of Sikhism. The presence of Guru Granth Sahib in part of the world is equally holy and precious to Sikhs. Harmandir Sahib was built with four doors to show that every religion or faith is allowed to go in to meditate or just listen to the prayers for peace. |
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| A tank in 1577 excavated by Guru Ram Das the fourth Guru of Sikhism, Amritsar is the name given to the city that grew around the tank. The supreme centre of Sikhism Harmandir Sahib (Temple of God) was constructed in the middle of this tank in the due time. Compositions, Sikh values, philosophies and teachings of the Sikh Gurus and other saints of Guru Nanak's time, e.g. Ravidas a Hindu Guru, Baba Farid a Sufi Sant (Saint) and Kabir, all of whom the Sikhs refer to as the Bhagats are present in the Adi Granth placed in sanctum. The fifth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev started the compilation of the Adi Granth. |
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| In a thin forest the site of the temple was surrounded by a small lake. Guru Amar Das the third Sikh Guru was once visited by the grand Mughals, Emperor Akbar in town of Goindval. Impressed by the way of life in the town Emperor Akbar gave the land and the revenues of several villages in the vicinity to the Guru's daughter Bhani as a gift on her marriage to Bhai Jetha, who later became the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das. Guru Ram Das built a small township around lake. |
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| The full-fledged Temple was built during the leadership of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev (1581-1606). A close friend of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the great Muslim Sufi saint of Lahore, Hazrat Mian Mir, was asked to lay the corner stone in December 1588. In 1604 the temple was completed. The Adi Granth was installed in temple by Guru Arjan Dev and on August 1604 Baba Buddha Ji was appointed as the first Granthi (Reader) of the temple. |
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| A large Sarovar, known as the AmritSar surrounds the temple is the site to be watched. Signifying the importance of acceptance and openness; ostensibly there are entrances to the temple on all four sides. Many shrines to past Sikh Gurus, Saints and martyrs are housed in the temple. The three holy trees each associated with a historical event or Sikh saint are present in the temple premises. Commemorating past Sikh historical events, saints, martyrs and includes commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died fighting in the two World Wars are many memorial plaques present in the temple. Certain principles are adapted in the golden temple while entering the temple. Drinking alcohol, eat meat or smoke cigarettes or use other non prescription drugs while in the shrine is strictly prohibited. Visitors are expected to dress appropriately and everyone must cover their heads as a sign of respect, remove their shoes and socks and enter the temple barefooted. Visitors must wash their feet in the small pool of water as they enter the Harmandir Sahib premises. |
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| Vaisakhi is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the second week of April. The martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur, birthday of Guru Nanak etc, are also celebrated with religious piety. Similarly Diwali is one of the festivals which sees the Harmandir Sahib beautifully illuminated with Divas/Diyas (lamps),lights and fireworks are discharged. |
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| To Reach the Amritsar |
| The temple is reachable by air, by road and by train. Operated by the Indian Railways Amritsar has a major train junction. New Delhi is about 300 miles from Amritsar. |
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