Harmandir Sahib: The Golden Temple of Amritsar

Golden Temple is one of the most remarkable monumental structures of India situated in Amritsar, Punjab. It is also known as Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib or Temple of God and is included int eh holy Golden Triangle Tour. It is one of the oldest Sikh Gurudwaras and culturally the most important and scared place of worship of the Sikhs. Located in the holy city of Amritsar, this temple was established by the legendary Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth gurus of Sikhs. The temple is built in the middle of a beautiful tank. The temple is considered holy by Sikhs because the temple has the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal guru of Sikhism.

The Guru Granth Sahib Ji is a holy literature of in the Sikh religion. It is considered that anywhere in the world where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is present is equally holy and precious for Sikhs. This temple was built as a place of worship for men as well as women belonging to different religions to come and worship God on an equal level. The temple was built with four doors that show every religion or faith is allowed to go to meditate or just listen to the prayers for peace.

The Golden Temple or Darbar Sahib is architecturally beautiful and it is the finest example of Sikh Architecture. It is captivatingly beautiful. Surrounded by a huge sarovar (manmade lake), the temple draws a large number of devotees from all faiths from all around the world. The sarovar is known as the Amritsar Lake (the Lake of Holy Water or Immortal Nectar). The temple complexhas entrances from all four sides. There is a Sikh Central Museum near the main entrance of the complex. The main entrance of the Darbar Sahib is called the Ghanta Ghar Deori (Clock Tower Gate). Visitors to this beautiful temple complex must remove their shoes and Shocks and enter in complex barefoot. Visitors also must wash their feet and hands in the small pool of water before entering the Darbar Sahib premises.

• Langar: Like other Sikh Temples, you can savor its langar - the free kitchen. Taking sumptuous food sitting among numerous other devotees is unique experience you can have on your golden temple visit in Amritsar, Punjab.

• Gurbani: Enjoy the symphony of Gurbani- the spiritual recitation. Attend the Gurbani and reading of Guru Granth Sahib (the Holy Book of Sikh). Experience the spiritual chanting on your visit to famous and pious golden temple.

• Amrit Kund: Take the holy dip in the sarovar (lake) before entering the holy shrine of Darbar Sahib. The lake is also called Amrit Kund (Spring of Nectar).

Architecture

Watch the architectural excellence of the temple complex - the finest example of Sikh Architecture.

During golden temple visit of Amritsar, visitors also have opportunity to see several other religious shrines and attractions like Dhan Dhan Khalsa, Gurdwara Manji Sahib, Gurdwara Atari Sahib, Gurdwara Guru Da Bagh, Gurdwara San Sahib, Sitla Mandir, Purushottam Das Mandir, Kali Mata Mandir, Ramtirth-Back Side Guru Nanak Dev University, Jallian Wala Bagh, Company Garden, Lawrence Road, Hall Bazaar, Wagah border, etc.

Getting There

The City of Amritsar lies on the main GT Road from Delhi to Amritsar. The road also connects Lahore in Pakistan. The city is well connected by major cities of India like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc by excellent network of railways. The city is also well connected by flights from Indian cities and some of international cities. Raja Sansi International Airport is the airport of Amritsar.