About Golden Temple

Golden Temple located in Amritsar city of Punjab, is named after God Hari, the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, throng the temple to pay obeisance. Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Nanak conceived the idea to built a central place of worship for Sikhs. The foundation of the temple was laid by a Muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mirji of Lahore in December 1588. Guru Arjan Sahib supervised the construction work and he was assisted by the eminent Sikh pesonalities such as Baba Budha ji, Bhai Gurdas ji, Bhai Sahlo ji and seceral other Sikhs. The construction work completed in the year 1601.

Golden Temple AmritsarGuru Arjan Sahib placed the newly created Guru Granth Sahib, inside the temple. Baba Budha Ji was appointed as the first Granthi or the reader of Guru Granth Sahib. The temple attained the status of 'Ath Sath Tirath' and is an important pilgrimage center of Sikhs.

Architecutre of the Temple

Guru Arjan Sahib himself designed the temple architecture. The temple architecture is a blend of the Muslims and the Hindus way of construction and is considered one of the best acrhitectural specimens in the world.

Exterior of the Temple

The temple built on a 67 ft square platform in the centre of Sarovar (tank). Like Hindu temple architecture the temple is built on the lower level and has four gateways on the East, West, North and South. An arch called as the Drashani Deori is situated at the shore end of the causeway. The door frame of the arch about 10ft high and 8ft 6 inches wide, has artistically decorated door panes. The arch opens on to the bridge which leads to the main building of the temple. The 202 feet long and 21 feet wide bridge is connected with the Pardakshma (circumambulatory path). The Pardakshma runs around the main shrine and leads to the 'Har Ki Paure' (Steps of God). The reading of Guru Granth Sahib takes place on the first floor of 'Har Ki Paure.' The entrance to the temple is via an ornate archway with intricate inlay work, inscribed with verses from the Granth Sahib.

Main Structure of the Temple

The exterior of the temple is gold-plated and it stands in the middle of a square tank. The main structure of temple is three-storied, the front portion facing the bridge is decorated with repeated cusped arches. At the top of the first floor the 4 ft high parapet rises on all the sides, and it has four 'Mamtees' on the four corners. The thrid story rises exactly on the top of the central hall of the main sanctuary. The small square room has three gates, and a regulat recitiation of Guru Granth Sahib held here. The low fluted 'Gumbaz' (dome) stands on the top of the room. The dome with lotus petal motif at the base and the top supports the Kalash and having a beautiful 'Chhatri' at the end.

Jewellery and decor items of the Temple

The temple has a good collection of Jewellery and other articles of historical and artistic imprtance. The most imprtant include Golden Door Panels(four pairs), Golden Canopy and Jewelled Head Band.

Attractions near Golden Temple

Akal TakhatThere are many must visit attractions near the temple. Among the famous attractions are

Akal Takhat Built by the Sixth Master Guru Hargobind in 1609, it faces the Golden Temple.

It has been the importnant centre of the Sikhs since its construction. All the commandment related to the Sikh communtiy has been issued from here. Akal Takhat houses the weapons used by Guru Hargobind, Guru Gobind Singh and many other Sikh heroes.

Baba Atal The nine-storeyed tower was built in memory of Atal Rai, a son of Guru Hargobind, who died at the age of nice. The 108 ft high tower built between 1778 and 1784 is a major attraction.

Guru Ka Langar It is a community kithchen, in which cooked foor is served to all visitors of the temple. The visitors are feed here irrespective of religion, caste, creed and nationality. Around 40,000 visitors share the meals daily in the kitchen.

Sri Guru Ram Das Niwas The Niwas is the free accommodation place for the pilgrims. Built by the Gurdwara Committee the Niwas has 228 rooms and 18 spacious halls. The Niwas offere the facilities like free beddings, cots, lights and fans etc.

Guru Nanak Niwas Guru Nanak Niwas offer the accommodation facility. It has 66 rooms icluding 22 rooms with attached baths and 44 withouth baths.

Central Sikh Museum Amritsar India Golden Temple Cooking Pot In Kitchen for LangarThe museum is a major atttraction as it houses several items realted to Sikhs. It has a collection of paintings of Sikh Gurus, Saints, Sikh warriors and other prominent Sikh leaders who have contributed a lot to the enhancement of Sikhism.

How To Reach

Air:The Rajasansi Airport of Amritsar is linked to Delhi, Srinagar, Chandigarh and other cities.

Rail: Amritsar Railway Station has the regular trains for all major cities in the country.

Road: Amritsar is connected by good roads with other cities of Punjab as well as the country. Regular buses ply for Amritsar from cities and towns within the state as well as outside the state.

Local Transport: For local transport rented cars, taxis, local buses, unmetered auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available.

Accommodation

Amritsar is dotted with several economic and luxury hotels. The hotels offer pleasant stay to tourists. The Golden Temple itself provide free accommodation facility in the Guru Ram Das and Guru Nanak hostels. In addition there are other accommodation facilities like small guesthouses and a youth hostel offered by the Punjab Tourism Department.