Golden Temple, Amritsar: Things To Do, Best Time To Visit, How To Reach

Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab

The Golden Temple, officially known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is one of the most sacred destinations in India and the holiest in Sikhism. Visitors and worshippers visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar daily because of its spectacular golden architecture and the weekly Langar (community kitchen). Over 100,000 individuals from all areas of life get free meals at the temple, which is accessible to worshippers of all religions.

The Sikh Museum is placed in the central entry clock tower and depicts the Sikhs’ subjugation by the Mughals, the British, or the Indian Government in 1984.

An Islamic-style minaret surrounds the Ramgarhia Bunga, a stronghold on the tank’s southeast side. The Golden Temple is unquestionably one of the world’s most beautiful landmarks.

Things You Need To Know Before You Visit Golden Temple, Amritsar:

  • To enter the Golden Temple, men and women must cover their heads with a scarf (don’t worry if you forgot to bring one; they are cheaply offered outside).
  • There is a cloakroom for shoes at the Golden Shrine. Therefore all visitors must take off their shoes before entering the temple.
  • No gum, sunglasses, or cameras are allowed inside the Golden Temple. The sacred Sarovar (nectar pool) is open to everybody; however, bathing with soap and shampoo is prohibited.
  • In Parikarma, it is forbidden to read, sell, or play cards.
  • Unless expressly authorised by the SGPC, no religious service or lecture may be held within the Parikarma.
  • Devotees should not pay sewadars on duty.

History Of Golden Temple, Amritsar:

Golden Temple, Amritsar

Sri Harmandir Sahib, also called Sri Darbar Sahib or the Golden Temple, is named after Hari (God), the temple of God, because of its scenic splendour and golden coating. In their daily prayers, Sikhs over the globe want to visit Sri Amritsar and pay homage to Sri Harmandir Sahib.

The Fifth Nanak, Guru Arjan Sahib, came up with the concept of a central Sikh place of worship and created the architecture for Sri Harmandir Sahib. Guru Amardas Sahib, the Third Nanak, devised the idea to construct the holy tank (Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar). Still, it was carried out by Guru Ramdas Sahib under the guidance of Baba Budha Ji.

Inside Of Golden Temple, Amritsar:

The Sacred Site Is Where Lord Buddha Spent Time In Contemplation

According to historical records, Lord Buddha remained so at Golden Temple for just an extended period. At the time, there was a lake in the middle of dense woodland. A perfect place for sadhus & saints to meditate, according to Buddha.

Open To All Faiths, Races, And National Origins

Mian Mir, a well-known Sufi saint, laid the foundation stone for the Golden Temple. The goal of this publicity stunt was to show that the gurudwara is a welcoming place for people of all religions. The fact that the temple has four doors demonstrates that it is accessible to all worshippers, regardless of their background or religious beliefs.

Architecture Of Golden Temple, Amritsar:

The Amritsar Lake

The city of Amritsar was named for the Golden Temple, which sits in the middle of a lake called Amritsar Lake. It is said that the water in the lake is sacred. There is a river named Ravi that flows into the lake.

Other Objects and Decorative Elements

As a starting point, Darshan Deorhi is an arch constructed. 6.2 metres high and 6 metres wide, the deorhi towers above the surrounding landscape.

Hukam Singh Chimni & Raja Ranjit Singh had the temple gold-plated. In addition to the granite, they used marble to adorn it. In 1830, the temple’s gold plating was finished.

The temple is situated on a 20m2 platform. In the temple’s holy pool, the measurements are 150m2. White marble adorns the temple’s bottom portion, while gilded copper covers the temple’s top part. There is a canopy above the bottom level where Guru Granth Sahib gets placed.

Timing Of Golden Temple, Amritsar:

The Golden Temple keeps regular weekly hours from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. An airport is 13 kilometres from Golden Temple, while a train station is 2 kilometres from the temple serves travellers.

Location Of Golden Temple, Amritsar:

Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143006

How To Reach Golden Temple, Amritsar:

Nearly 2 kilometres separates Amritsar railway station from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, which can be reached by car/cab/taxi/cab in 8 minutes. The Delhi-Golden Temple railway line is convenient for travel between the two cities.

Things To Do In Golden Temple, Amritsar:

Wagah Border – Beating Retreat

Guard Ceremonies Wagah, India/Pakistan border

Near the Golden Temple, it is a famous destination for tourists. Only the Golden Temple attracts more tourists to Amritsar, and it is the city’s second most popular tourist attraction. The sole Indian street crossing between India and Pakistan is the Wagah border. Both the pounding retreat and the changing of the guard draw visitors from all across India.

People from both nations gather on both borders to see the demonstration of bravery and patriotism. During the Wagah Border Ceremony, the two countries’ flags are lowered, and their walls are officially closed for the night.

Akal Takht

Akal Takht, Golden Temple, Amritsar

Guru Hargobind Sahib constructed a Sikh temple on the grounds of the Golden Temple to serve as a court of law and to settle temporal disputes. It is regarded as Khalsa’s pinnacle of worldly might. Akal Takht means “throne of the ageless one,” representing the Sikhs’ governmental authority.

Goindwal Sahib – Find Belief

Gurudwara Goindwal Sahib

Take a stroll around the lake with the crowd. The Golden Temple may be seen from all sides. The four doorways of the Golden Temple signify the temple’s friendliness to all persons and faiths. Three holy trees are inside the compound, each representing a historical event or a Sikh saint.

Belief May Be Found In Goindwal Sahib

Goindwal Sahib, in Punjab’s Tarn Taran district, is revered by Sikhs as the nexus of the Sikh faith and regarded as a holy site. Guru Ram Das & Guru Amar Das are said to have met here, according to legend. The Gurdwara has a step well that, according to popular belief, may free individuals from the cycle of reincarnation.

You must go down the well’s steps 84 times to bathe in this stepping well, then recite Japji Sahib while doing so. Since it is one of the most fantastic tourist attractions near the Golden Temple in Amritsar, ensure you include it.

Conclusion

Even if you do not mind skimping on comfort, there are accommodations surrounding the temple where you may stay in style. However, staying in the temple is an option if you choose not to do so. People from outside of Amritsar now have plenty of space at the shrine.

One will not encounter any difficulties in these accommodations, which are not like hotel rooms. All you have to do is get permission to proceed from the temple’s officials.

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