‘The Golden Temple’- Symbol of Sikh Spirituality
Golden Temple
The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, is a significant religious site for Sikhs and one of the most revered places of worship in the world. The Golden Temple is the holiest Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) and serves as the spiritual and cultural center for the Sikh community worldwide.
The architecture of the Golden Temple is a blend of Islamic and Hindu styles, symbolizing the inclusiveness and universality preached by Sikhism. The temple is surrounded by a large Sarovar (holy tank), which is central to Sikh rituals. The temple gets its name from its stunning golden dome, which is covered with pure gold leaf. The dome represents the presence of God and the divinity that surrounds the temple.
The central religious scripture of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib, is housed inside the Temple. It is considered the eternal Guru by Sikhs and is treated with utmost reverence. The Golden Temple is renowned for its Langar, a community kitchen that serves free meals to all visitors regardless of their religion, caste, or creed. This tradition embodies the Sikh principles of equality, service, and community.
The temple complex includes various structures and landmarks such as the Akal Takht (the throne of the timeless one), the Central Sikh Museum, and the Guru Ka Langar. The Temple has witnessed significant historical events, including conflicts and acts of reverence. It has been rebuilt several times after being destroyed or damaged by invaders. Every year, millions of Sikh pilgrims and visitors from around the world visit the Golden Temple to pay their respects, seek spiritual solace, and participate in community service activities.
Golden Temple History
The history of the Golden Temple, known as Sri Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, is deeply intertwined with the history of Sikhism and the Sikh community. The foundation stone of the Temple was laid by a Muslim saint, Hazrat Mian Mir, at the invitation of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru. Construction began in 1588, and the temple was completed in 1604. Guru Arjan Dev himself designed the architecture of the temple, which was intended to be a place of worship for all people, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.
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The man-made pool on the temple site was completed by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, in 1577. In 1604, Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, placed a copy of the Adi Granth in the Temple and was a prominent figure in its development. The Sikhs repeatedly rebuilt the Gurdwara after it was destroyed several times by the Mughal and invading Afghan armies. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, after founding the Sikh Empire, rebuilt it in marble and copper in 1809 and overlaid the sanctum with gold leaf in 1830. This has led to the name the Golden Temple.
In 1604, Guru Arjan Dev installed the Adi Granth, the sacred scripture of Sikhism, inside the Temple. This was a significant event in Sikh history, emphasizing the central importance of the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru for Sikhs. Today, the Golden Temple remains the most sacred and revered place for Sikhs worldwide. It is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Sikh principles such as equality, humility, and community service. The temple’s Langar, a free community kitchen serving meals to all visitors, exemplifies these values.
The Golden Temple is an open house of worship for all people, from all walks of life and faiths. It has a square plan with four entrances and a circumambulation path around the pool. The four entrances to the gurudwara symbolize the Sikh belief in equality and the Sikh view that all people are welcome into their holy place. The complex is a collection of buildings around the sanctum and the pool. One of these is Akal Takht, the chief center of religious authority of Sikhism. Additional buildings include a clock tower, the offices of the Gurdwara Committee, a Museum, and a langar – a free Sikh community-run kitchen that offers a vegetarian meal to all visitors without discrimination.
Golden Temple Train
The “Golden Temple Mail” or “Golden Temple Express” is a well-known train service in India. It is a significant train route that connects the city of Mumbai in Maharashtra to Amritsar in Punjab, home to the iconic Golden Temple.
Route- The Mail operates between Mumbai Central railway station in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and Amritsar Junction railway station in Amritsar, Punjab. The train covers a long distance, traversing multiple states and regions of India. The train operates on a regular schedule, running several times a week, providing a crucial link between the two cities.
The train is equipped with various facilities to ensure a comfortable journey for passengers. These include different classes of accommodation such as Sleeper Class, AC 3 Tier, AC 2 Tier, and sometimes even First Class. The journey duration between Mumbai and Amritsar is relatively long, typically spanning around 30 hours or more, depending on the specific route and stops along the way.
Hotels near Golden Temple
There are several hotels near the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, India, offering a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some options.
Hyatt Regency Amritsar- Located about 2.5 kilometers from the Golden Temple, Hyatt Regency offers luxury accommodations, modern amenities, and excellent service.
Radisson Blu Hotel Amritsar- Situated around 3 kilometers from the Golden Temple, Radisson Blu Hotel provides comfortable rooms, dining options, and facilities such as a swimming pool and fitness center.
Ramada Amritsar- Approximately 2.5 kilometers from the Temple, Ramada Amritsar offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool, and dining options.
Hotel HK Clarks Inn- Located within a short distance from the Golden Temple, Hotel HK Clarks Inn offers comfortable rooms, dining options, and meeting facilities.
Hotel CJ International- Situated within walking distance from the Temple, Hotel CJ International offers budget accommodation with clean rooms and basic amenities.
Hotel Holy City- Another budget-friendly option near the Golden Temple, Hotel Holy City provides simple rooms and convenient access to the temple and other attractions.
Hotel City Heart- Located near the Temple, Hotel City Heart offers comfortable rooms, dining options, and proximity to major tourist attractions in Amritsar.
How To Reach Golden Temple
The nearest airport to the Golden Temple is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, located in Amritsar itself. It is well connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and others. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other local transportation options to reach the Temple, which is approximately 13 kilometers away.
Amritsar Junction is the main railway station serving Amritsar and is well-connected to various cities across India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. The station is located about 2.5 kilometers from the Temple.
Bus- Amritsar is well-connected by road to major cities and towns in Punjab and neighboring states. The Amritsar Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) is the main bus terminal serving the city, with regular bus services operated by state-owned and private operators. From the ISBT, you can take a local bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to reach the Golden Temple.
Private Vehicle- If you’re traveling by your vehicle, Amritsar is accessible via well-maintained national and state highways. The city is connected to major cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jalandhar by road.
