Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab
The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine of Sikhism. It is renowned for its gold-plated structure, serene Sarovar (holy tank), and spiritual significance. The temple symbolizes equality, peace, and devotion, attracting millions of visitors worldwide, regardless of religion.
Golden Temple Features
- Gold-plated structure: The temple is adorned with 750 kg of pure gold, giving it a radiant appearance.
- The Sarovar (Holy Pool): Surrounding the temple, the Sarovar is believed to have spiritually healing properties.
- Four entrances: Representing openness to all religions and backgrounds.
- Langar (Community Kitchen): The world’s largest free kitchen, serving over 50,000 people daily.
- Akal Takht: The highest seat of Sikh authority, symbolizing justice and governance in Sikhism.
- Kirtan (Sikh hymns): Played throughout the day, enhancing the spiritual ambiance.
Golden Temple Location
The Golden Temple is located in Amritsar, Punjab, and is easily accessible:
- Nearest Airport: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (13 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Amritsar Junction (2 km)
- Road Connectivity: Well-connected to major cities like Delhi (450 km) and Chandigarh (230 km) via buses and taxis.
Golden Temple History
Founded in 1581 by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, the Golden Temple was built as a central place of worship for Sikhs. In 1604, Guru Arjan Dev Ji installed the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of Sikhism) inside the temple. It has undergone several renovations, including gold plating in the early 19th century under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Golden Temple Nearby Attraction
- Jallianwala Bagh (500 m): A historical site commemorating the 1919 massacre.
- Partition Museum (1 km): Showcasing stories of India’s Partition in 1947.
- Durgiana Temple (1.5 km): A Hindu temple resembling the Golden Temple’s architecture.
- Wagah Border (30 km): Famous for the India-Pakistan flag-lowering ceremony.
- Gobindgarh Fort (2.5 km): A historic military fort with museums and cultural performances.
