Golden Temple In Amritswar

Guru Nanak, one of the chief protagonists of the Bhakti Movement started Sikhism. an offshoot of Hinduism. The chief temple of this community is the Golden Temple, situated in Amritswar in Punjab. It is such a melting pot of religions that it attracts visitors of all religions round the globe. Its former name was Harmandir Sahib (the temple of God). It is also called Darbar Sahib. It is called Golden Temple due to its golden peak and doors.

GOLDEN TEMPLE IN AMRITSWAR

Historical Background

Shri Harmandir Sahib has been the target of numerous Afgan and other Muslim invaders. However due to efforts of Guru Arjun Dev and Hazrat Mian Mir, the Mushlim Saint. Emperor Akbar Granted them land to build this sanctified structure. Guru Arjun Dev was backed by Baba Budha, Bhai Gurdas, Bhai Sahlo and other Sikh personalities. The construction work started in 1584 and continued till 1604. Guru Arjun Dev put Adi Grantha inside. The present structure was repaired by Jassu Singh Ahluwalia in 1764. Maharaja Ranjit Singh ornamented the upper floor of Gurudwara with the yellow metal, gold that made it unique and gave it its English name. it was also renovated after infamous operation Blue Star.

Structure

The Gurudwara has doorways on all sides, symbolising it as universal place of worship irrespective of caste, creed, religion and sex. There is an arch, Darshani Deori (10 feet high 6 feet breadth) that leads to the main shrine, after crossing the bridge. The Pradakshina or the Bridge is a circulatory path that surrounds the main shrine. The reading of Guru Grantha Sahib continues for 24 hours. There are arches and a dome with lotus petals at its base. The petals support the Golden Pot (kalash) that’s ends in chaatri. An important aspect of this structure is the Amrit Sarovar (pool of Nectar ). There is also a free community kitchen and Langar (meal) served regardless of any distinctions, a hallmark of Sikh religion. There are three holy trees, each signifying a historical or Sikh Saint. There is also the presence of Akal Takht. The Harmandir Sahib Symbolise God’s spiritual Abode and Akal Takht God’s temporal authority. The Temple has various Symbols that are indicative of forbearance and approval, the hallmark of Sikh religion.

Way To Reach

Visitors should reach Amritswar by train which is well connected from Chandigarah, Kolkata Delhi and other important nodal points. It is also boasts of an international airport from which visitors can arrive. Regular buses, tongas, taxis take passengers to Golden Temple.

NIGHT VIEW OF GOLDEN TEMPLE

Festivals Celebrated

Baishakhi which is celebrated in the second week of April mark the most important festival in the Gurudwara. On this day Sikhs celebrate the founding of Khalsa. Besides, the birth of Guru Ram Das, Martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur, the birthday of Guru Nanak are all celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm. This Gurudwara is illuminated by Diyas during Diwali and fireworks are being discharged.

There is hi-tech visitor centre that illustrate the important events in Sikh history and ethos of Sikh religion using 3D technology.

Best Time To Visit

The place experiences extreme climate and hence the best time to visit the temple is from October- March.

  Restriction on Visitors

This place is open to all visitors irrespective of all class, creed, religion etc. However there are certain restrictions

• 1    One should leave one’s shoe and wash ones feet while entering temple.
• 2    Visitor should abstain from taking meat, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes or     taking drugs.
• 3    One should cover one’s body fully- no miniskirts.
• 4    Visitors should cover their head with head scarves.

One must listen on the ground while listening to Guru Grantha Sahib.

Sites To See Around

Durgiana Temple, Akal Takht, Harike Bird Sanctuary, Partition Museum, Jallianwala Bagh, Dukh Bhanjani Tree, Ranjit Singh Museum –are  sites around in Amritsar. There is also Wagah Border where one can notice the Retreat. Besides, Amritsar is the best place to taste the authentic Punjab Cuisine.

This Gurudwara is a unique architectural specimen. Its spiritual significance is even greater. It shows the values of tolerance, humility, co-operation, equality, inclusiveness and oneness of all religions. Every Sikh aspires to visit this shrine at least once in lifetime, especially after birth of child, marriage etc. Visitors of all religious have visited this site and have been enamoured by its sanctity and calmness.

   

1Abc Directory Add Free Web Directory