Location
- Amritsar
Best Time to Visit - October to December
The revered Golden Temple is located in Amritsar in the state of Punjab. It
is one of the major pilgrimage spots for Sikhs and is also referred as
Harminder Sahib. The Golden Temple is the holy place of both beauty and
peacefulness. The temple from all the sides is bordered by a mesmerising
lake that adds to the overall beauty of the temple. Since ages the temple
premise has been one of the meditation spots for many sages and mendicants.
It is also mentioned that Lord Buddha spent years contemplating at this
place. The foundation of Harminder Sahib is an noteworthy achievement of the
Sikh Gurus.
Temple in Detail
Some four centuries ago, the Sikh Gurus initiated the construction of the
Golden Temple. This initial process was done by Guru Ram Das and Guru Amar
Das. The final construction job was commenced by Guru Arjan Dev. The Golden
Temple has four entrances called deoris, which opens in all the four
directions symbolizing the temple to be open for all caste, creed and
religion. The origin of the place where the Golden Temple stands is still a
matter of mystry. Some traditions trace its origin from the pre-historic
period as a place of considerable religious importance in the form of an
Amrit Kund ( spring Nectar). This thought is derived from ancient Hindu
Puranas. The dome of the temple is a wonderful form of architecture.
The temple is surrounded by a lake known as Sarovar which consists of Amrit
or holy water. The person who has consumed alcohol, smoked cigarettes and
other drugs are strictly forbidden in the temple complex.
Grand Architecture
The architecture of the Golden Temple is a fine blend of both Hindu and
Muslim architectural styles.
The 52 metre, square based,Hari Mandir stands on a 20 metre square
platform. The lower part of the platform is made of white marble and the
upper parts of it are covered with gilded copper. In the interior on the
ground floor is placed the Guru Granth Sahib, under a beautiful canopy
studded in jewels. On the first floor there is a small pavilion called as
the Shish Mahal or the Mirror Room. The interior of the Shish Mahal is
ornamented with small mirrors of various shapes and sizes , skillfully
inlaid in the ceilings. The typical art and architectural features of the
Golden Temple can be summed up as Multiplicity of chhatris, the use of
fluted domes covered with gilded copper, balconised windows and various
forms of mural art.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a great king whom served the Sikh community to a
great extent. He got repaired the principal building in 1802 AD. He with the
help of certain trained architects ornamented the Golden Temple like a bride
with jewels. The heavenly beauty of the Golden Temple to a great extent can
be credited to Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
