Many people believe that the Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is one of the most spiritually significant destinations in all of India. It is the most renowned place of worship in the religion of Sikhism, and it is also commonly known by that name. The magnificent golden architecture of the temple, which can be found smack dab in the midst of Amritsar, as well as the daily Langar, which may be described as a community kitchen, bring in a large number of visitors and worshippers each and every day. The temple is open to people of all faiths and cultures, and each year it serves free food to more than one hundred thousand visitors who come from a wide variety of backgrounds.
The Sikhs call this vast structure either Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, depending on which name they prefer. A relatively small portion of the whole complex is comprised of the primary Temple, which is home to the shrine. The shimmering central shrine is the site of spiritual concentration, which is the tank known as the Amrit Sarovar. This tank serves as the focal point of spiritual concentration. A greater number of shrines and memorials can be discovered lining the entirety of the compound's encircling walls. Documentation of the oppression that the Sikh people were made to suffer under at the hands of the Mughals, the British, and the Indian Government in 1984 can be found in the Sikh Museum, which is located inside the clock tower that serves as the primary entrance to the complex. The Ramgarhia Bunga is a fortified structure that may be seen at the bottom right-hand corner of the tank. It is surrounded by two minarets that have been created in the architectural style of Islam. There is no question in my mind that the Golden Temple is without a doubt one of the most stunning tourist locations that can be seen anywhere in the entire world.
History of Golden Temple
The Mughal emperor Akbar gave the temple the piece of land on which it was to be constructed, and in the year 1574, construction of the temple got underway. The fourth and fifth Sikh Gurus were in charge of establishing the foundation for the structure, and it wasn't until the year 1601 that construction was finally completed on the building. It has been constantly upgraded and improved upon during its entire history, which spans the entirety of its existence. In the 19th century, one hundred kilograms of gold and ornate marble were used to inlay the dome, which had originally taken the shape of an inverted lotus flower. This was accomplished with the assistance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who was an exceptional warrior king and is held in very high regard by the Sikh community. His support was essential to the success of this event.
In 1984, the Prime Minister of India at the time gave the order for an assault on the armed Sikh militants who were sheltering within the precincts of the Golden Temple. The assault took place inside the complex of the Golden Temple. Sikhs from all over the world were incensed by the sacrilege that had been committed at their sacred spot, and their fury contributed to the subsequent violence that culminated in the deaths of approximately 500 people. They did it themselves because the Sikh community did not want the federal government to be accountable for repairing the damage done to the temple; therefore, they did it themselves. The event is still fresh in the thoughts of the locals, despite the fact that a considerable portion of the temple has been built since that time.
Festivals Are Celebrated in the Golden Temple
The celebration of Vaisakhi, which occurs during the second week of April (often on the 13th of April), is regarded as one of the most important festivals that are held at the Golden Temple. This ceremony is celebrated in remembrance of the time when the Khalsa was initially created and to honor those who were a part of its founding. Aside from the birthday of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, other festivals that are celebrated with a great deal of religious devotion include the anniversaries of the births of Guru Ram Das and Guru Teg Bahadur, as well as the day that Guru Teg Bahadur was martyred. The Harmandir Sahib is lavishly decked with lights and diyas and there is also a fireworks spectacular taking place during the celebration of Diwali. A pilgrimage to the temple is something that the vast majority of Sikhs will do at least once during their lifetime.
The Guru Granth Sahib
Every morning, the Guru Granth Sahib is brought within the temple grounds, and every night, it is taken back to the Akal Takhat, also known as the "timeless throne," which serves as the temporal seat of the Khalsa fraternity. The Guru Granth Sahib is kept there because the Akal Takhat is the temporal seat of the Khalsa fraternity. During a ritual called the Palki Sahib, guests who are of the male gender are given the opportunity to participate in the adoration of a sacred book. For the purpose of transporting the Guru Granth Sahib, a huge and massive palanquin is utilized. The male guests form a queue both in front of and behind the palanquin, taking turns bearing the burden of the weight for a short while before passing it on to the next person in wait. Everyone will have the chance to participate while also getting a rest thanks to this opportunity.
During the months of autumn and winter, the ceremony is performed at 5:00 AM and 9:40 PM, whereas during the months of spring and summer, it is performed at 4:00 AM and 10:30 PM.
The architecture of the Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is a mesmerizing example of a fascinating synthesis of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles; it also creates the illusion that it is floating at the conclusion of a very long causeway. It has an elegant lower level that is crafted from marble and is embellished with pietra dura work in the form of animal and flower motifs. The Taj Mahal is another building that features this type of intricate work.
Above this is the glittering second level, which is enclosed in ornately carved gold panels and is located above this. This level is topped by a dome that weighs 750 kilograms and is gilded in gold. The priests and musicians who are stationed in the gleaming inner sanctuary chant the Guru Granth Sahib continuously. This adds an additional degree of intensity to the already intense religious mood.
Once they have paid their respects, pilgrims typically ascend to the second floor, where there is a gallery that is adorned with ornate paintings.
The walk leads to the Hari Mandir, which is the name given to the central temple. Connecting the pathway to the Hari Mandir is the marble causeway that is known as Guru's Bridge. This path is intended to stand in for the travels that the soul will make in the afterlife. It is said that this tank, which is enclosed by marble stairways on all sides, offers therapeutic properties that can treat a variety of illnesses.
Guru-Ka-Langar - World's Largest Free Kitchen
If you go to see this enigmatic creation, you shouldn't leave without giving some of the delectable Prasad and trying some of it for yourself. You shouldn't leave without giving some of the delicious Prasad. In addition, the temple is home to the largest kitchen in the whole world, which provides people of all various faiths and religions with complimentary meals known as langar. These meals are served in the temple's dining hall.
The Guru-Ka-Langar is a vast feasting hall that can be found at the southeast end of the temple complex. After devotees have finished their prayers at the Golden Temple, they make their way there. They consume all of their meals before moving on with the rest of their day here. Pilgrims frequently provide monetary donations and volunteer their assistance in washing the pile of dishes that develops after each meal, despite the fact that the food is provided free of charge. It is a concrete example of the humbling Sikh idea of hospitality, which welcomes everyone from destitute beggars to wealthy millionaires with the intention of bringing about a sense of modesty in its guests. All of the food that is offered here is vegetarian because we want everyone to be able to eat together here on an equal footing regardless of their dietary preferences. This particular facility is sometimes referred to as the World's Largest Free Kitchen and with good reason.
Tips For Visiting Golden Temple
Please remove your shoes and socks and place them in the sandal stand that is provided at the entrance to the temple compound before entering. You are welcome to utilize the shallow foot baths that are located nearby and are available to you.
Dress in a manner befitting of your position. When entering a gurudwara, visitors are expected to cover their entire bodies, including their heads, as a sign of respect for the spiritual leader. In addition to this, you are supposed to cover your head. You are welcome to borrow a scarf from one of the hawkers who is lending them out for free, or you may buy one from one of the hawkers who is selling souvenir scarves for 10 Indian Rupees. You should, on the other hand, make it a habit to carry a scarf with you at all times.
Consuming either alcohol or tobacco is in violation of the firm's zero-tolerance policy.
If you wish to sit next to the tank, make sure your legs are crossed and stay away from the water by not putting your feet in it.
Photography is permitted in the area surrounding the walkway that goes around the tank; however, shooting images inside the Golden Temple itself is not permitted.
While you are in the Darbar Sahib listening to Gurbani, you are expected to sit on the floor out of respect for the spiritual tradition.
Structures inside the Golden Temple
Akal Takht and Teja Singh Samundri Hall: The Akal Takht, also known as "The Throne of the Timeless (God)," is located directly in front of the central sanctuary. Its name literally translates to "The Throne of the Timeless (God)". The venue has a reputation for hosting ceremonial, spiritual, and even secular events after it was established by Guru Hargobind, who succeeded his father Guru Arjan as the spiritual leader of the Sikh community. Guru Hargobind succeeded Guru Arjan as the spiritual leader of the Sikh community. In spite of the fact that the Akal Takht, which can be found within the complex of the Golden Temple, is the major seat and supreme authority of Sikhism, there are a total of four more Takhts that can be found in the cities of Anandpur, Patna, Nanded, and Talwandi Sabo. These Takhts are located in Anandpur, Patna, and Talwandi Sabo, respectively. Each of these Takhts can be found in their respective cities of Anandpur, Patna, and Talwandi Sabo. In the sacred tradition of Sikhism, each of these towns and places plays an important role in the journey of pilgrimage.
Clock Tower: The "lost palace" is currently occupied by the Clock Tower that the British built, despite the fact that the clock tower was not a part of the original plan of the temple when it was finished. Despite this, the British built the clock tower on top of the "lost palace." In spite of this, the British were the ones who built the clock tower. When the British were fighting the Sikhs in the Second Anglo-Sikh War, they tore down a portion of the building and replaced it with a clock tower in its place. This transpired after the British had established their dominance over the region. Sikhs who lived in the area at the time were ultimately responsible for bringing down the Clock Tower, which had been designed by John Gordon and constructed in 1874. Both of these projects had been designed by John Gordon, who had been the architect. People continue to refer to it as ghanta ghar deori despite the fact that there is currently a new entrance to the temple that features a clock to the north of it and a museum on the first level of the building. Despite the fact that there is now a different entrance to the temple, this continues to be the case.
Ber Trees: There was a period of time when the grounds around the complex of the Golden Temple were accessible to the public, and there were a considerable number of trees located around the pool during that time. The grounds of the temple today include, in addition to the three Ber trees, which are also known as jujube trees, a courtyard that is two levels high, has four entrances, and is totally enclosed. The first of these can be located to the right of the ghanta ghar deori, and it is referred to as the Ber Baba Buddha. The name of the tree is said to come from Baba Buddha, who is said to have sat under the tree and watched the construction of the original temple and the pool while it was there. During this time, the tree was also reportedly present. The tree was given its namesake by Baba Buddha. It is reported that Guru Arjan took a break from building the temple to relax beneath the second tree, which is now known as the Laachi Ber. This tree is located in the courtyard of the temple. This transpired at the time when the temple was being constructed. On the opposite side of the sanctum, on the side of the pool that is opposite the sanctum, there is a possibility that the Dukh Bhanjani Bher tree can be found. This tree is known by its Sanskrit name, the Dukh Bhanjani Bher. In Sikh history, the tree is renowned as the "suffering remover" since legend has it that a Sikh was healed of his leprosy after taking a dip in the waters of the temple pool. This is due to the fact that the legend states that the temple pool contained curative properties. Under the protection of this tree, tucked away in a quiet corner, one can find a gurudwara that is not overly enormous.
Sikh History Museums: On the ground floor of the primary building that contains the ghanta ghar deori is a museum that is devoted to Sikhism. In a number of the pieces of artwork that are currently on show in this museum, both the Sikh Gurus and the martyrs are depicted in some capacity. The collection of the museum has a range of artifacts, including swords, kartars, combs, and chakkars, that beautifully reflect the illustrious history of the Sikh people. These artifacts can be found in the museum's collection.
Daily Ceremonies
The ceremonies that are carried out at the Golden Temple in accordance with Sikh tradition are carried out in a manner in which the scripture is treated as if it were a living person, essentially equated with, and respected in the same manner as a Guru. This is done in order to maintain the integrity of the Sikh religion.
Prakash is the name of the opening ceremony, and it literally translates to "light" in English. The Guru Granth Sahib is taken from its room at the crack of dawn each day, carried on the head for a short distance, and then placed on a flower-decorated palanquin. This palanquin is then used to convey the book throughout the temple. After it has been brought into the main sanctum, there is a ritual in which the Var Asa kirtans and ardas are chanted, and then a random page from the holy book is opened. This page is referred to as the mukhwah of the day, and it is read aloud during the course of the day. It is also written down for pilgrims to read while they are fasting during the day.
The closing ceremony, which is known as sukhsan and is also known as the "comfort position" or the "rest position," begins at night, and the Guru Granth Sahib is closed after a sequence of devotional kirtans and ardas that comprise three sections are performed. It is first held on the head while the devotees sing, and then it is placed in the palanquin, which is decked out with flowers and has a pillow bed inside of it. After being brought there, it is laid down on a bed in the Akal Takht before being tucked in.
How to reach Golden Temple
To get to the Golden Temple, you can take one of the local modes of transport, such as an auto-rickshaw or a cycle rickshaw, which are the fastest, most cost-effective, and most convenient forms of public transportation. Additionally, it is home to a number of car rental companies, from which one may rent a vehicle and travel to the temple. If you are interested, please click here for more information. The Golden Temple Trust also operates free bus services, which pick up passengers at the Amritsar Railway Station and drop them off there as well.
Air: Amritsar's Raja Sansi International Airport is situated 11 kilometers to the west of the city's central business district. The official title of this facility is the Amritsar Airport. Because of the cab service, traveling to the Golden Temple from that location is quick and straightforward.
Rail: Rail service between the two cities, Amritsar and Delhi, is of the highest possible quality. Taxis and a variety of rickshaws, including cycle rickshaws and electric rickshaws, are two modes of transportation that passengers can use to go to the Golden Temple.
Road: Given that both Delhi and Amritsar are linked by a high-quality network of highways, taking a road trip is one of the most viable options for traveling between the two cities.
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