Golden Temple in India

Golden Temple is the most sacred Sikh Pilgrimage destination in the world. Officially named Harmandir Sahib, Golden Temple is situated in the holy city of Amritsar and in center of a pool called Amrit Sarovar. It is on the name of this lake that the name of the city is derived. Visited by thousands of pilgrims everyday, Golden Temple is the oldest Gurudwara in India. What makes it holy is the fact that the gurudwara holds the holiest book of Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib inside it. Coated with gold from middle to top, the beauty of this temple is unmatched.

During the festival of Baisakhi, the number of visitors increases manifolds. Baisakhi come in the month of April which is celebrated with huge fervor here in Golden Temple. However it is During Diwali that entire Golden Temple is illuminated and is absolutely breathtaking to watch.

Architecture of Golden Temple

Golden Temple stands out when it is compared to any other gurudwara. Surrounded by Amrit Sarovar which literally means Pool of Nectar, Harminder Sahib is built at a lower level than the surrounding area. The first difference that any regular pilgrim to other gurudwaras is the number of entry. There are four entrances, one on each side as compared to other gurudwaras. Built on a 67 feet square platform, the main temple is connected to the surrounding buildings by a causeway. The top 3/4th part of the building is coated with gold.

The entry to the sanctum sanctorum is through a big archway called Darshani Deorhi. The archway has some magnificent carvings on it and stands an impressive 62 m in height and 6 m in width.

Rules of Golden Temple

The best thing about Golden Temple is that there is no restriction as to who can visit the gurudwara. All humans without the discrimination of sex, caste, creed, race or color are allowed to visit the Golden Temple. Although there are certain rules that should be followed while visiting the gurudwara. Every person is required to cover his head with a cloth to show respect to the religion. The head scarves are provided outside the gurudwara itself. You have to leave your shoes or any footwear outside the premises. It is strictly prohibited to smoke, drink alcohol, eat meat or to use any drugs inside Golden Temple.

History of Golden Temple

It was the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Sahib who thought of having a separate place for worship for Sikh community. The year 1588 marked the start of construction of Golden Temple. The foundation stone was laid by a famous Muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir Ji of Lahore who came on the request of Guru Arjan Sahib. Guru Arjan Sahib himself planned the design and architecture of the whole place including the Sanctum Sanctorum and the nearby area. Golden Temple has been the target of many attacks that always left a huge trail of destruction. From the very beginning when Mughal ruler attacked it to very recent when operation Blue star was carried out, Golden Temple has suffered but has been restored to its former glory everytime.

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