Golden Temple

Through this blog, you know all about the information about Golden Temple including its details, history, and many interesting facts.

The Golden Temple is the most eminent monument in Amritsar, known much for its architectural beauty. This temple is also known as the Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, this gurudwara stands as the holiest pilgrimage site of Sikhism and a major tourist attraction in India. This temple is located in Punjab and is 460 km from Delhi. This temple is the preeminent spiritual site of Sikhism.

Information on Golden Temple

• Name:-   Golden Temple also known as the Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib temple
• Location:–   Amritsar in Punjab
• Date of Establishment:-  In the year 1588 (origins)
• Entry fees:–   Free
• Still/ Video Camera:-    Free
• Unique and Special Note:-    You need to dress properly to enter the temple. Before entering the complex, you should remove your shoes and cover your head using a scarf as a sign of respect in the temple.

History of Golden Temple

The creation of the Golden Temple marks an important chapter in the history of Sikhism in India. The foundation for the Gurudwara was laid in 1581 and the creation was completed in 1588. In the year 1604, a copy of the Adi Granth that was the principal scripture of Sikhism was placed inside the gurudwara by the Guru Arjun who was the fifth Guru of the Sikhs. At that time, that site was called the Ath Sath Tirath. Over the years, the structure was destroyed many times by the rulers of the Mughal Empire and the Muslim armies marching in from Afghanistan. Each and every time it was rebuilt by the Sikhs.

The current structure of the gurudwara dates back to the 18th century and its construction is started in the year 1764 under the supervision of Sultan-e-Quam Sardar Jassa Singh and was completed in the year 1776. Around half a century later, Maharaja Ranjit Singh renovated the Gurudwara Temple and decorated it with gold foil in the year 1830, which led the Harmandir Sahib to be called the Golden Temple.

In the year 1984, the temple became a point of conflict between some armed Sikh militants hiding within the premises of the holy structure and the Indian Government. Indira Gandhi, the then-prime minister of India, ordered the Indian army to march into the temple and carry out operation blue star. This military operation inside the temple left behind more than 1000 people dead, which includes militants, civilians, and soldiers. It also caused much damage to the temple. Now Again, the Sikhs Community came together and renovated the Golden Temple.

The architecture of the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple is located in the midst of the beautiful water body called Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar in Punjab. This temple displays influences of different architectural styles, including the Indo- Islamic Mughal Architecture and Hindu Rajput architecture. This temple is a two-storied building or structure. While the lower level of the temple is built out of marble and the upper level is covered in gold panels. Approx a 750 kg gold glided dome site at the top of this temple. Even the doors of the temple are covered with gold foil.

The interiors of the temple are adorned with splendid floral motifs and frescos. There are four entrances to the temple but only one to enter the gurudwara temple.

The temple is comprised of many structures which are located around the main sanctum and the water body. Out of these, the most important is Akal Takht, or one of the five seats of power in the Sikhism community. You can also see many interesting things like a clock tower, a museum, offices, and a community kitchen which is locally called a langar.