The Golden Temple is one of the most renowned temples situated in Amritsar, Punjab. The temple is situated near the border of West Pakistan and is a place of beauty and serenity. It is regarded as the most sacred Gurdwara or worship place, for all Sikhs in the world. The temple stands as a symbol of religion, culture, faith and tradition with its amazing architectural splendor. The actual name of the temple is Harmandir Sahib, meaning “Temple of God” and is also named with due respect as Darbar European (meaning “court of the Lord”).
A Brief History:
There was a big history behind the construction of the Golden Temple. 2000 years after Lord Buddha, another philosopher-saint named Guru Nanak, who is known as the founder of Sikh religion, came to measure and meditates by the peaceful lake. After the death of Guru Nanak, his followers frequently visited the site and over the centuries it became the first sacred shrine of the Sikhs.
According to ancient Indian history in the year 1574 Mughal emperor Akbar gifted the location to Bibi Bhani, daughter of Third Guru Amar Das, as a marriage gift. Bibi Bhani married Jetha, who later becomes the Fourth Guru Raam Das. The lake was enlarged and construction of temple site started during the leadership of the fourth Sikh Guru (Ram Dass, 1574-1581), and through the leadership of the fifth Guru (Arjan Dev, 1581-1606), the Harmandir Sahib, or Temple of God was engineered. From the first 1600s to the middle 1700s the sixth to tenth Sikh Gurus were perpetually concerned in defensing each their faith and their temple against Muslim armies. On varied occasions the temple was destroyed by the Muslims, and every time was restored superbly by the Sikhs. From 1767 onward, the Sikhs became strong enough with good militarily powers to repulse invaders. As a consequence, peace came back to the Hari Mandir.
Things of attraction at Golden Temple:
Open to Visitors:
The Golden Temple is open to all visitors despite its great holy status, just like all Sikh temples. The only restriction imposed is that visitors must not eat meat, drink alcohol or smoke inside the complex. The devotees to this temple are not pressured to buy anything unlike many other temples in India.
Hari Mandir:
The most sacred part of the Golden Temple complex is the Hari Mandir (Divine Temple). The beautiful golden structure at the center of the large water body is a thing to watch out for. The building is gold-plated and has copper cupolas and white marble walls. Precious stones are arranged in decorative floral patterns of Islamic-style. The Hari Mandir is also decorated with verses from the Granth Sahib (the holy book of the Sikhs) on its inside as well as outside.
Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar):
The water body surrounding the Hari Mandir is a holy pool known as the Amrit Sarovar or Pool of Nectar. The Hari Mandir is reached by circumscribing the sacred pool in a clockwise direction.
Many beautiful fishes are also seen in the Amrit Sarovar.
Guru’s Bridge:
The Guru’s Brigde connects the pathway with the Hari Mandir. It is a marble causeway which symbolizes the journey of the soul after death. The Darshani Deorhi that is the gateway to the bridge has magnificent silver doors.
Dining Hall:
The Guru-ka-Langar, a dining hall is another major attraction of the Golden Temple complex. Almost 35,000 people a day are fed for free by the temple volunteers. Everybody is invited to join this communal breaking of bread. All devotees sit on the floor, irrespective of caste, wealth, status or creed. It powerfully symbolizes the equality of people.
Central Sikh Museum:
The central Sikh Museum is located inside the complex. At the main entrance of the museum there are galleries displaying images and memories of Sikh gurus, saints and warriors. It also contain some graphic portraits of the torture and execution of the gurus.
Things to remember while entering the Golden Temple:
- At each entrance to the Golden Temple, there is facility for keeping shoes and luggage of the devotees, free of cost. You should get a token once depositing your shoes or belongings.
- Your mobile phone should be switched off before entering into the Temple premises.
- Wash your feet and hands, and cover your head properly before getting into the holy complex.
- Tobacco, Cigarette, Biri or different intoxicants are strictly prohibited inside the premises.
- Anyone can take a dip in the holy Sarovar. However use of soap or shampoo is not allowed.
- If you want, you can wash yourself with soap at the washrooms provided within the periphery.
- Don’t swim in the Sarovar. It’s strictly prohibited.
- You can deposit your wet garments in a Wet-Clothes-Room.
- Photography is allowed solely in the outer Parikarma(Premises).
- It’s not allowed to scan or sell newspapers or play cards within the Parikarma.
- Offerings in form of cash and kind are accepted in the temple but devotees shouldn’t offer any money to Sewadars on duty.
- Don’t take bath at Har Ki Paori.
- If you want to offer a donation for the building or community kitchen, then please get a receipt.
- If any infant urinate inside the premises, please clean it instantly or inform the on-duty sewadars about it.
Occasions that you won’t like to miss :
One of the foremost necessary festivals is Vaisakhi that is widely celebrated in the second week of April (usually the 13th). Sikhs celebrate the instauration of the faith on at the moment and it is celebrated with fervor within the Harmandir. Other necessary Sikh spiritual days like the birth of Guru Raamdas, Malaysia Militant Group,martyrdom day of Guru lamb Bahadur, the birthday of the Sikh founder Guru Nanak, etc., also are celebrated with spiritual piousness. Equally another important festival is Bandi Chhor Divas that sees the Harmandir superbly lit with Divas (lamps), lights and fireworks.
Map inside the Golden Temple:
See this map to know more:
Accommodation facilities nearby the temple:
Near Golden Temple you can find some really good hotels at a nominal rate.
If you want luxury hotels the lists is here:
- Hyatt Amritsar.
- Golden Tulip Amritsar.
- Ramada Amritsar.
- Radisson Blu Hotel
- Hotel Hong kong Inn.
If you want some moderate rate hotels the list is here:
- Hotel Veenus International.
- Hotel Shiraz Regency.
- Hotel Sukhman International.
- Hotel Grace.
- Hotel HKJ Residency.
Book your hotels from this link given below:
Accommodation is also provided in the Golden Temple complex. Booking is offered on first come first basis subject to availability of accommodation on the preferred dates. Seven Niwas Asthans are there which provide lodging services to pilgrims. These are taken care and maintained by the temple authorities.
Click on the link provided below to know more about the accommodation facilities:
Contact Details & some important information:
The temple is open from:
7:30 am – 7:30 pm in summer
8 am – 7 pm in winter
Contact details:
Contact: info@golgentempleamritsar.org
Temple manager: 0183/255 – 3953, -3957, or -3958
Information Office: 0183/255 – 3954
Location from nearby important places:
From Sri Guru International Airport:
The temple is about 13 km from Sri Guru Ram Das International Airport and an 18-20 minutes’ drive from the city centre. Road Distance from Amritsar airport to Golden Temple is about 13 Kms. Your total travel time can roughly take 18 mins; which can vary relying upon the road and traffic conditions. You can book a taxi or rented car for your journey.
From Amritsar Railway Station:
Amritsar has a widespread railway network, connecting it to all major places in India like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, etc. The railway station in Amritsar is centrally located and it is about 15 minutes’ drive from the Golden Temple. You can book private cars or taxi for your journey to the temple.
From Amritsar Bus Stand:
Amritsar is very well connected to different places because of its broad network of roads. You can reach Amritsar from most of the northern states in just a day’s time. Regular buses are available from the bus stand to reach the temple. You can also book a taxi or private car to reach there.
http://www.hindutav.com/the-golden-temple-amritsar/
Nice Blog Posting...
ReplyDeleteHotel Nearest Golden Temple
Thank You for this you must visit makhanfish(www.makhanfish.com) for amritsari iconic fish
ReplyDeleteGolden Triangle Tour with Amritsar is one of the most preferred tour packages in India. This tour package covers four famous cities - Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and amritsar.
ReplyDeleteIt is a developing traveler put which offers numerous outside exercises and fun like calculating, following , outing spot , outdoors and so forth.
ReplyDeleteTour Packages
Adventures activitis
Amritsar hotels is one of the most preferred tour packages in India.
ReplyDelete