subject: Golden Temple Amritsar Punjab India [print this page] Golden Temple Amritsar Punjab India Golden Temple Amritsar Punjab India
Golden Temple is the famous holy place of Sikhs residing all over the world. Also known bythe name of Harmandir Sahib, Golden Temple is located in the holy city of Amritsar in Punjab. Punjab is one of the states located in Northern India. The main message of Golden Temple, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib, is to spread the spirit of acceptance and tolerance of Sikh philosophy. Visitors from all over the world throng Golden Temple to pay obeisance and take the blessings.
Golden Temple in Amritsar is treated as the Mecca of Sikhs and it is believed that a Sikh should visit this holy place once in a lifetime. Taking a holy dip in the Saras Kund or Amrit Kund, in front of the Golden Temple, is treated as a self purification ritual.
Architectural Brilliance
It was the idea of Guru Arjan Sahib, fifth Guru of Sikhs, to establish a central place of worship for Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture of Golden Temple. Its foundation was laid by Hazrat Mir Ji, a Muslim saint from Lahore in December 1588 AD. While constructing the temple, four gates were made to ensure that everyone can enter the holy place without distinction of caste, creed, religion and sex.
It has been built in the centre of Sarovar (holy tank) on a 67 feet square platform and is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width. It is a three storied structure and has been decorated nicely. Ceiling of the temple has been built with intricate inlay work and the floor has been laid with marble tiling. The dome of the temple is made of Golden plating with various miniature domes. Gates of the temple are made of Sheesham wood and ivory inlay work is exhibited in Darshan Deori gates. It was completed in September 1604 and represents the architectural fusion of Hindus and Muslims.
Harmandir Sahib was invaded many a times by Afghan and other invaders and every time sacrifices of lives had to be given by Sikhs to liberate it from the invaders. Maharaja Ranjit Singh also played a great role in the architectural brilliance of the temple after he made Amritsar his spiritual capital.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Summers, in the months from May to June, are too hot and winters are cold. Monsoons visit Amritsar in the months of July and August. The best time to visit Golden Temple in Amritsar is from September to April.
Attractions near to Golden Temple
There are a number of holy places and places of attraction nearby Golden Temple, which are thronged by a large number of devotees and tourists every year like Jallianwla Bagh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Wagah Border, Hall Bazar, Hanuman Mandir, Durgiana Temple, Rambagh Temple, Kaiser Bagh, Guru Ke Mahal, Gurudara Saragrahi Sahib, Gurudwara Mata Kaulan and Santokhsar Sahib.
How to Reach
By Air: Rajasansi Airport in Amritsar is an international airport and is connected by domestic and international flights regularly.
By Rail: Amritsar railway station is connected by various trains from different parts of the country.
By Road: Holy city of Amritsar is connected by a network of roads and connected to major cities by luxury and ordinary buses of state transport and private operators.
