Golden Temple: History and Architectural Evolution

The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the most significant spiritual shrine for the Sikh community. Located in Amritsar, a city in the Punjab state of India, it boasts a gleaming golden architecture that captivates people worldwide. Surrounding the temple is a sacred pool, Amrit Sarovar, which embodies the core values of the Sikh community, such as humility and unity.

In a year, millions of people come to the Golden Temple for enlightenment. A person visiting the Amritsar temple also visits many other attractive locations like Wagha Border and Jhaliawala Bagh.

Overview Table of the Golden Temple Amritsar

Aspect	Details
Name	Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)
Location	Amritsar, Punjab, India
Religion	Sikhism
Ticket Price	Free
Timings	Open 24 hours, every day
Main Attraction	Housing the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture
Significance	Pre-eminent spiritual site of Sikhism
Architecture	Radiant white marble structure

Who built the Golden Temple?

Over the centuries, the Golden Temple has witnessed periods of both creation and reconstruction:

• 1604: A pivotal year marked the installation of a revered Sikh scripture within the Gurdwara, further solidifying its significance as a spiritual centre.
• 1700s: Unfortunately, the original stone temple faced destruction by Afghan invaders. However, the spirit of the Sikh community persevered, and the temple was rebuilt in the form we see today.
• 19th Century: Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a revered Sikh ruler, embellished the Gurdwara’s sanctum with marble walls and a spectacular golden dome, adding to its grandeur. This act cemented the name “Golden Temple.”

These historical events stand as a testament to the resilience of the Sikh faith and the enduring importance of the Golden Temple as a symbol of peace, unity, and spirituality.

History of Golden Temple

Established in 1574 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, the temple aimed to promote unity among people of all faiths. In 1604, Guru Arjan Singh, the fifth Sikh Guru, erected the first Harmandir Sahib. The foundation stone was said to have been laid by a Muslim Sufi by the name of Mian Mir, reflecting the inclusive ideology of the temple. In addition, Guru Arjan built the four entry gates, which stand for inclusiveness.

Foreigners, particularly Afghan invaders, frequently tried to destroy this symbol of Indian unity. However, Punjab’s resilient rulers successfully preserved and restored it. Maharaja Ranjit Singh substantially remodelled the temple between 1801 and 1839, using marble and copper. The exterior was then covered in gold leaf, earning it the nickname “Golden Temple.

Even during the turmoil of India’s independence in 1984, when the Indian Army clashed with enemy forces, the Harmandir Sahib suffered damage. Yet, both it and the Akal Takht were swiftly restored.

The Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee oversees the temple’s management, headquartered north of the pool, ensuring its upkeep and operation.

How big is the Golden Temple?

The Golden Temple itself isn’t massive, but it sits in the centre of a large pool and complex.

• Main Temple Building: The sanctum itself is a square measuring roughly 40.5 feet (12.25 meters) on each side. It has two stories and a gilded dome.
• Platform: The temple sits on a marble platform that’s about 19.7 meters (64.6 feet) square.
• Amritsar Pool: The surrounding pool, called the Amritsar or Amritsarovar, is much larger. It’s almost square, measuring 154.5 meters by 148.5 meters (507 feet by 487 feet), and about 5.1 meters (17 feet) deep.

Construction of the Golden Temple

Guru Ram Das procured the land for the site, with two accounts surrounding its acquisition. One narrative, documented in a Gazetteer record, suggests that Sikh donations totalling 700 rupees facilitated the purchase from the residents and proprietors of the village of Tung. Alternatively, another version suggests Emperor Akbar bestowed the land upon Guru Ram Das’s wife.

In 1581, Guru Arjan initiated the construction of the Gurdwara. Throughout the eight-year construction period, the pool remained devoid of water, symbolizing humility and the necessity to relinquish one’s ego before encountering the Guru. Emphasizing inclusivity, Guru Arjan ensured the gurdwara compound was accessible from all sides. 

In 1589, builders completed the gurdwara primarily using bricks. Although there is speculation that Guru Arjan invited Sufi saint Mian Mir to lay its foundation stone, historical evidence is lacking. After its inauguration, the pool was filled with water. On August 16, 1604, Guru Arjan completed the first version of the Sikh scripture and installed a copy of the Adi Granth in the gurdwara, appointing Baba Buddha as the first Granthi.

Golden Temple: Materials Used

• Marble and Brick: The lower level of the temple is built from white marble and Bricks. This provides a solid and beautiful foundation for the structure.
• Gilded Copper: The upper level and the iconic dome are constructed from copper. This metal base offered a sturdy structure to support the most distinctive element – the gold plating.
• Gold Leaf: Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s contribution in the early 1800s involved covering the copper superstructure with gold leaf. This bestowed the temple with its dazzling exterior and the name “Golden Temple.”
• Other embellishments: In addition to the main structure, the Golden Temple complex likely incorporates other materials for decorative purposes. These might include gemstones for inlays (Jarat Kari), coloured glass, and decorative metals.

Golden Temple’s architecture

The Harmandir Sahib features two primary entrances, complemented by four entrances on each side, symbolizing religious equality for people of all backgrounds. Central to its design is an artificial pool called the “Sarovar,” representing the Supreme Creator God from which all existence originates. The temple boasts three doors: one facing west towards the setting sun, another facing east towards the rising sun, and a third northeast-facing door known as “Guru ka Ghati,” symbolizing Guru Nanak Dev’s departure. Additionally, there’s a south-facing door named “Aamna ka Ghati,” representing the convergence of three rivers. Translating to “the abode of Shiva,” the Harmandir Sahib is where divine harmony and peace converge.

A crystal bridge links the temple to an ancient structure, once a site for Sikh martial arts training, now home to the Akal Takht, a tribunal for religious and military matters. A meticulously crafted garden surrounds the temple, showcasing lush greenery, fountains, and ornate pathways. Educational buildings house classrooms, lecture halls, and libraries filled with religious and literary texts. To the east stand two towering minarets connected by an adorned bridge, originally covered in gold but damaged during religious persecution.

Is the Golden Temple made of gold?

Many people mistakenly believe that the Golden Temple is made entirely of gold due to its impressive gold-plated exterior. However, the temple is not actually constructed from solid gold.

The structure and material used to make the temple comprises bricks, marble, and other materials beneath the gold. The craftsman used this material blend of bricks, marbles, etc., to give the temple structural stability and artistic richness.

Important Parts of the Golden Temple

Amrit Sarovar

Amrit Sarovar lies at the centre of the Golden Temple. It is also called the “Pool of Nectar” and holds immense spiritual significance. People from every background come, and put their feet in the Sarovar, teaching us unity. It is believed that the Sarovar waters, like the Ganga, provide divine teachings and spiritually cleanse the soul. Pilgrims take part in a sacred tradition of taking a dip in the Sarovar as a means to purify both body and soul.

The Amrit Sarovar of the temple is made from Indian marble. The water of the Sarovar is pure and crystal clear to see big fishes inside it. The pure water of this Sarovar makes a person meditate and connect with their inner selves. The Amrit Sarovar gives the ideals of equality, humility, and spiritual rejuvenation.

The Harmandir Sahib

People say that the Harmandir Sahib is the heart of the Golden Temple and the “House of God”. The inner sanctum inside the Golden Temple has Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Sikh scripture, placed under a canopy.

The daily rituals start with a melodious recitation of Gurbani. People come here daily to read and sing from the holy book of Guru Granth Sahib. Every person visiting the temple helps prepare and serve the food in the langar. This special temple is not just about the outer architectural marvel but also about the devotion, unity between people, and divine connection.

Guru Granth Sahib

Imagine having a book that is a guide for your soul. The Guru Granth Sahib is that book to the people who follow Sikhism. It is not just words on pages, it is a living guide that holds wisdom, prayers, and teachings. Inside the Golden Temple, this special book sits in a place of honour.

Every day, people from around the country gather to read from the book, giving them peace. They recite the book word by word, sing its verses, and they also listen to the teachings the book provides. Reading the holy book is like having a conversation with something greater than yourself. The book teaches people important things, like kindness, honesty, and helping others in every situation.

Guru Ram Das Langar: World’s Largest Community Kitchen

This Gurudwara is renowned globally for its expansive community kitchen, known as the Guru Ram Das Langar. This dining facility generously provides free meals to thousands of visitors daily, who sit on the floor to eat. Regardless of wealth, religious affiliation, gender, or any other factor, the Gurudwara serves food to all.

Harmandir Sahib, among the largest Sikh Gurdwaras, operates a free kitchen serving up to 100,000 individuals daily, with a focus on vegetarian fare to cater to diverse dietary needs. This tradition of hospitality stems from the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th or 16th century, emphasizing equality and humanity over divisions of religion, caste, or gender.

To reach the heart of the temple, worshippers traverse a causeway over the surrounding pool. Sikhs may partake in a purifying bath in the water from the exterior platform, while temple staff diligently carry buckets of water along the walkways to aid worshippers. Before entering, all guests must remove their footwear and cleanse their feet in a separate pool.

The Golden Temple’s significance

• The Gurudwara features four entrances, symbolizing its inclusivity for people of all religions and castes.
• Visitors from diverse backgrounds come to offer reverence to the Divine with equal fervour.
• Sikhism and the Gurudwara embody values of peace, humility, brotherhood, and equality.
• Adherents wear distinctive symbols representing these principles, including a turban, uncut hair, a wooden comb, an iron bracelet, and a ceremonial blade.
• The founding gurus of Sikhism declared the equality of women and men in the eyes of God during the 15th and 16th centuries.
• In the Gurudwara’s kitchen, all individuals are regarded as equals, with no discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or social status.
• The kitchen serves not only food but also the essence of humanity, feeding every hungry soul with compassion.

Historical Events of Golden Temple

Mughal Era and Early Conflicts (17th-18th Centuries)

During the early 17th century, some Mughal emperors like Jahangir appreciated the growing influence of the Sikh community. However, later rulers, particularly Aurangzeb, saw the Sikhs as a threat, leading to hostility and the targeting of key Sikh centres, including Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar (also known as the Golden Temple).

In the 18th century, the temple suffered significant damage multiple times due to Afghan invasions. Despite these challenges, the Sikh community remained resilient and restored the Gurudwara after each attack.

Rebuilding and Restoration

Each time the temple was damaged, the Sikh community rallied to rebuild it. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century, played a key role in restoring and beautifying the temple. Under his rule, the temple’s upper dome was covered in gold foil over copper, giving it the iconic appearance that earned it the name “Golden Temple.”

Under Ranjit Singh’s reign, Amritsar also flourished as a hub of Sikh power and a centre for trade, further cementing the city’s significance.

Community Service

A defining feature of the Golden Temple is its Langar, a free community kitchen that provides meals to all visitors, regardless of religion, caste, or background. This practice of offering food as a service to humanity was initiated by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, and embodies the principles of equality and kindness.

Cultural Importance

The Golden Temple is not just a religious site; it’s a cultural and historical symbol of Punjab and India. Its stunning architecture, spiritual atmosphere, and deep-rooted history draw millions of visitors from across the globe each year.

Operation Blue Star

The Indian military conducted Operation Blue Star between June 1 and 8, 1984, severely damaging the Golden Temple. The aim was to remove militant Sikh leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers from the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, Punjab. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi decided to launch the attack.

In July 1982, Harchand Singh Longowal, the president of the Sikh political party Akali Dal, invited Bhindranwale to reside at the Golden Temple to evade arrest. The government claimed that Bhindranwale subsequently turned the Golden Temple into an armoury and his headquarters.

After negotiations with the militants failed, Indira Gandhi ordered the army to launch Operation Blue Star on June 1, 1984. The operation also involved attacks on other Sikh temples across Punjab. Military units and paramilitary forces surrounded the Golden Temple on June 3, 1984. Skirmishes began on June 5th, leading to a three-day battle that ended on June 8th. Following the operation, a “cleaning campaign” called Operation Woodrose was initiated across Punjab.

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Sikh Religious Practices at Golden Temple

The Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine, is a place of spiritual significance and communal harmony. Open to all, regardless of faith, caste, or race, the temple welcomes visitors to partake in its sacred rituals.

Key Rituals:

• Gurbani Kirtan: The daily recitation of sacred hymns from the Adi Granth (sacred Sikh scripture) is the central ritual at the Golden Temple. This continuous singing begins early in the morning and continues throughout the day.
• Parikrama: Pilgrims circumambulate the central temple, symbolizing their devotion and respect.
• Sarovar (Holy Pool): Visitors bathe in the sacred pool within the temple complex, seeking spiritual purification.
• Langar: The free community kitchen serves vegetarian meals to over 100,000 people daily, fostering a sense of equality and shared humanity.

Etiquette:

• Head Covering: Visitors must cover their heads as a sign of respect.
• Footwear Removal: Shoes must be removed before entering the temple complex.
• Ritual Purification: Washing of hands and feet is customary before entering the sacred spaces.

The Golden Temple embodies the Sikh principles of equality, inclusivity, and service to humanity. It is a place where people from all walks of life come together to seek spiritual solace and connect with their faith.

Some Interesting Facts about the Golden Temple

• Legend suggests the Golden Temple occupies the sacred site where Lord Buddha and Guru Nanak once meditated.
• Situated within the man-made Amritsar Lake, the temple attracts pilgrims who often bathe in its revered waters.
• Constructed primarily with white marble, the temple is adorned with genuine gold, earning its renowned title.
• The architectural design incorporates Hindu and Islamic influences on the lower level, while the upper level boasts intricate gold detailing.
• Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s 19th-century renovation added approximately 750 kg of gold to the temple.
• The temple’s Langar serves around 100,000 free meals daily, irrespective of religious affiliation.
• Sai Mian Mir, a Muslim Sufi Pir, laid the temple’s foundation, with Guru Ram Das Ji establishing it in 1577.
• Design and construction were overseen by the fifth Sikh Guru, Arjun Dev.
• Within the temple resides the Guru Granth Sahib, revered as the eternal guru by Sikhs, central to their rituals and worship.

Planning Your Visit: Golden Temple Timings

The good news is that the Golden Temple is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there’s no single “best” time to visit. However, some times may be more suitable for you than others, depending on what you’re looking for in your experience.

• If you want to experience the Sikh religious ceremonies: The daily ceremonies at the Golden Temple start very early in the morning, around 3:30 am. During this time, They bring out the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, from Akal Takht, the seat of Sikh authority, and carry it in a procession to the Golden Temple. You can also witness the evening ceremony when the Guru Granth Sahib is returned to Akal Takht at around 10:30 pm.
• If you want to avoid the crowds: The Golden Temple is a popular tourist destination, so it can get very crowded during the day. If you want to avoid the crowds, you may want to consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening.
• If you want to participate in langar: Langar is the free community kitchen that is run by the gurdwara. Langar is open to everyone, regardless of religion or caste. If you want to experience langar, you can visit the Golden Temple at any time of day.

How to Reach Golden Temple Amritsar

If you’re planning a visit to this sacred site, here’s a guide to help you reach the Golden Temple with ease:

Reaching Amritsar: Multiple Avenues Await

Amritsar is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it accessible from various parts of India and beyond.

• By Air: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) in Amritsar offers domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can hire a prepaid taxi, or ride-sharing service, or take a local bus to reach the Golden Temple, approximately 13 kilometres away.
• By Train: Amritsar Junction Railway Station is a major railway hub, with trains arriving from all over India. From the station, which is just 2 kilometres away, taxis, auto-rickshaws, or even a walk can comfortably take you to the Golden Temple.
• By Road: Amritsar lies on several national highways, making it accessible by road. If you’re driving yourself, be prepared for Indian traffic conditions. Alternatively, inter-state buses connect Amritsar to various cities, and upon arrival, you can use local transportation options to reach the Golden Temple.

Navigating Amritsar: Reaching the Spiritual Core

Once in Amritsar, getting to the Golden Temple is quite straightforward. Here are your options:

• Golden Feet and Public Transport: As you approach the temple complex, look for the iconic “parkash” (gateway) with footprints symbolizing the Guru’s entrance. From there, you can easily find local buses, auto-rickshaws, or e-rickshaws to take you up the remaining distance.
• A Spiritual Walk: Many pilgrims choose to walk to the temple complex, soaking in the city’s atmosphere and preparing themselves for the spiritual experience that awaits. The walk is around 2-3 kilometres depending on your starting point, and along the way, you’ll encounter bustling markets and historical sites.
• Prepaid Taxis: For a hassle-free commute, consider booking a prepaid taxi from your hotel or using ride-sharing apps like Ola or Uber. This ensures a fixed fare and eliminates the need to bargain with local taxi drivers.

Golden Temple Nearby Tourist Spots

Here’s a table of tourist spots near the Golden Temple:

Tourist Spot	Distance from Golden Temple	Highlights
Jallianwala Bagh	450 meters	Memorial for the 1919 massacre, with a museum showcasing the Indian independence movement.
Akal Takht	Within the complex	A Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, known as the “Silver Temple” for its architecture.
Partition Museum	1 km	Dedicated to the history and human impact of the 1947 Partition of India.
Durgiana Temple	1.5 km	Museum showcasing artefacts from the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, including weapons and paintings.
Gobindgarh Fort	2.5 km	Historic fort from the 18th century, featuring museums, cultural shows, and a light-and-sound show.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum	3.5 km	Museum showcasing artifacts from the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, including weapons and paintings.
Wagah Border	30 km	Daily flag-lowering ceremony at the India-Pakistan border, a major patriotic event.
Ram Tirath Ashram	11 km	Associated with Maharishi Valmiki, believed to be the birthplace of Lav and Kush from the Ramayana.

Conclusion

The Golden Temple Amritsar is a symbol of unity, community, and spirituality. Amritsar’s spiritual oasis, the Golden Temple, invites the people to immerse themselves in its serene Ambience.

The Golden Temple provides a multi-experience, attracting individuals to the recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the coolness and purity of the water of Amrit Sarovar, or the heartwarming Langar tradition. We can conclude that the temple made by the hardship of the craftsmen is a wonderful wonder. The teachings of the Guru have made this wonder a place of faith.

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