The Golden Temple – Amritsar

The Golden Temple – Amritsar, Punjab, INDIA

The Golden Temple, also know as Sri Harmandir Sahib, meaning ‘abode of God’ or Darbar Sahib, meaning ‘exalted court’ – the holiest Gurdwara and the most important pilgrimage site of Sikhism.

The Golden Temple, Amritsar, India is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality where anyone from any part of universe, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindranace. This Golden Temple also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs and Sikhism.

The Golden Temple in Amritsar has a unique Sikh architecture, built at a level lower than the surrounding land level. This Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. Four entrances of this holy shrine, signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.

History

The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar (Golden Temple) and to pay obeisance at Sri Harminder Sahib (Golden Temple) in their Ardas (homage).

Guru Arjan Sahib (the fifth nanak) conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the acrchitecture of Sri Harminder Sahib. Earlier the planning to excavate the holy tank (Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar – meaning nector Lake) was chalked out by Guru Amardas Sahib, the third Nanak, but it was executed by Guru Ramdas Sahib under the supervision of Baba Budha Ji. This land was acquired by the earlier Guru Sahibs on payment or free of cost from the Zamindars (landlords) of native villages. The plan to establish a town settlement was also made and the construction work on the Sarovar (the tank) and the town started simultaneously in 1570. The work on both projects completed in 1577 A.D.

The Golden Temple building work completed in 1601 A.D. Guru Arjan Sahib installed newly created Guru Granth Sahib in Sri Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple) and appointed Baba Budha Ji as its first Granthi i.e. the reader of Guru Granth Sahib. After this event it attained the status of ‘Ath Sath Tirath’. Now the Sikh Nation had their own Tirath – a pilgrimage centre.

Central Sikh Museum

This museum established in 1958 at Amritsar which exibits paintings of Sikh Gurus, Saints, Sikh warriors and other prominent Sikh leaders who contribued to the enhancement of Sikh religion. There is a rich collection of coins, old arms and acient manuscripts. It also houses an excellent library, paintings by great Sikh artists, rare pencil sketches, musical instruments, rarest stringed instrument and guns of Sikh Raj. The wooden comb of Guru Gobind Singh, arrows and bow, iron chakras (circles) to be worn on the turban by warrior and an iron jacket made of wires (sanjoe) are worth seeing.

Central Sikh Museum

Central Sikh Museum

This museum established in 1958 at Amritsar which exibits paintings of Sikh Gurus, Saints, Sikh warriors and other prominent Sikh leaders who contribued to the enhancement of Sikh religion. There is a rich collection of coins, old arms and acient manuscripts. It also houses an excellent library, paintings by great Sikh artists, rare pencil sketches, musical instruments, rarest stringed instrument and guns of Sikh Raj. The wooden comb of Guru Gobind Singh, arrows and bow, iron chakras (circles) to be worn on the turban by warrior and an iron jacket made of wires (sanjoe) are worth seeing.

Guru Ka Langar – World’s Largest Community Kitchen (FREE)

The tradition of serving langar initiated by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and then established by the 3rd Guru Sri Amar Dass Ji at Goindwal. Even the Mughal King Akbar came and sat among the ordinary people to share langar (Free prasad).

Dining Hall of Community Kitchen

Everyone is welcome to share the Langar, no one is turned away. All the preparation, the cooking and the washing-up is done by volunteers and or by voluntary helpers (Sewadars).

Guru Ka Langar – Community Kichen

In this Golden Temple Community Kichen, an average 100,000 devotees or tourists take langar every day, but the number becomes almost double on special occasions. On an average more than 100 quintal cereals, 10 quintal Rice, 5000 Ltr Milk, 10 Quintal Sugar, 5 Quintal Pure Ghee is used a every day. Nearly 100 LPG Gas Cylinders are used to prepare the meals and 100’s of employees and devotees render their free services to this kitchen.

Today, practically every gurudwara has a langar supported by the community in general.

Is Golden Temple all real GOLD?

Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the one who covered it in Gold in 1830, two centuries after its construction. This took 162 kg of Gold, than worth about Rs 65 lacs.

The Golden Temple

Its all made of 24 karat Gold which is much purer than the 22 karat Gold present in Indian households today.

Golden Temple interior
Golden Temple interior

In 90’s it was renovated with 500 kg of Gold. The value of this quantity of Gold would be more than Rs 150 crores. Which made it popular as The Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab, INDIA.

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