The Golden Temple, Amritsar

The followers of Sikh religion make a beeline to Amritsar, India all through the year, to a place which is considered the most sacrosanct abode of worship in their community. This place is Harmandir Sahib or the Golden Temple and one of the most ordained temples of the world.

History of the golden temple

It is said that the fourth guru or spiritual guide of Sikhism, Guru Ram Das excavated a tank in 1577 which was called as Amritsar (Pool of nectar of immortality). Eventually people inhabited the surrounding area and a town started taking shape.

The fifth guru, Guru Arjan Dev planned to build a temple in the area as he felt a need for a central place of worship for the followers of Sikh religion. It is then that the foundation of the temple was laid by the Sufi Saint Mia Mir in December 1588 and by 1604 Harmandir Sahib was built in the middle of the lake.

At a time in India when Hinduism and Islam were the major religions followed by most people, the building of this temple played a significant role in strengthening the roots of Sikh religion and unifying the community.

It was Guru Arjan Dev’s plan to keep the temple doors open for all sections of the society devoid of any religious differences. That is why he ordered the temple to have four entry points instead of one. Also unlike a Hindu temple where the lord is placed in the highest pedestal, here the temple was built in a lower level and inside was kept Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holiest literature of the community and considered the 11^th and eternal guru of the Sikhs.

Later on, the temple suffered attacks by men of Ahmed Shah Abdali and was substantially rebuilt in 1760s. But it was the great donations of wealth and material made by the revered king of Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh that gave the Golden temple its rich architecture and opulence. The golden plates which cover the exterior of the temple’s upper floor and domes, as well as its exquisite marblework was done under his patronage.

Architecture

The golden temple is an exquisite example of synergistic blending of the Hindu and Muslim architectural style. It is built on a square platform in the centre of the pool, with heavily ordained doors each in the East, West, South and North directions. There is a causeway from the main entrance that leads to the temple. The other end of this bridge is connected to the pradakshina path or the circumambulatory path that allows devotees to move all around the temple.

The main structure is a three storied building on top of which is a low fluted dome having lotus petal motif at the base.

What to see

For a first time visitor, the Golden temple can easily become a quick lesson in the history of Sikh religion along with the spiritual experience. The premises has many shrines in memory of past Sikh gurus, heroes and martyrs and also a museum teaching the values of the religion and giving a glimpse of its past.

Walls in the premises are adorned with memorial plaques that commemorate past Sikh historical events, saints, martyrs and include commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died fighting in the two World Wars.

There is no discrimination aganst any caste in these sacred grounds but it is ensured that a visitor does not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke cigarettes or use other non prescription drugs while in the shrine.

What is a practice in any gurudwara or temple of the Sikhs in the world and quite a sight in the Golden Temple is the langar or the community meal that is organized everyday here. It is one of the most organized community services that even a first time visitor can be a part of. The meal is prepared by the devotees as well as served by them. And any person can come and have this meal in the divine grounds.

Best time to visit

Amritsar is in the state of Punjab, known for its lush green fields and jubilant people. Winter months are best to visit from October to March, although any time of the year, Golden Temple has its door open for all.

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