Golden Temple - Punjab

Other Tourist Places of Punjab

Amritsar |Patiala | Golden Temple

Golden Temple also known as Sri Harmander Sahib or Sri Darbar Sahib is located in the holy city of the Sikhs, Amritsar. Its foundation was laid in 1588 by the fifth Sikh Guru Arjan Dev ji on a small island in the waters of Amrit Sarovar and was consecrated on August 16, 1604. The temple was virtually destroyed in 1761 by Ahamad Shah Abdali, an Afghan invader. It was restored between 1803 and 1830 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a Great Sikh ruler. The dome is carved out of pure gold. The temple was rebuilt by Maharaja Ranjit Singh who used 400 kg of gold leaf to build the upper half of the building.

Sri Harmandir Sahib is built on a 67ft. square platform in the centre of the Sarovar (water tank). Darshani Deori, the northern gateway with two splendidly carved silver doors is the main entrance. Golden Temple was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ramdas and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. The Central Sikh Museum has paintings of Sikh Gurus, Saints, Sikh warriors and other prominent Sikh leaders who have contributed to the enhancement of Sikh Religion. Akal Takhat is located at right side, preserves a number of weapons used by Guru Hargobind, Guru Gobind Singh and other Sikh heroes. To the south a nine-storeyed tower Baba Atal is located. The ‘Guru Ka Langar’ offers cooked food 24 hours to all visitors. Guru Ram Das niwas and Guru Nank niwas offers accomodation facilities to the pilgrims. While visiting the Golden Temple you need to cover your head. Street sellers sell bandanas outside the temple at cheap prices.

Akal Takhat It is the chief place of Sikh religious authority in Amritsar. Akal Takht is constructed in the Golden Temple it has full authority for all orders and diciplines included all five old Takhts. It was mainly constructed for discussion on temporal issues of the Sikhs. Akal Takht stands as an emblem of Justice. Guru Granth Sahib is kept at Akal Takht in the nighttime.







How to reach Golden Temple

By Air: In Amritsar regular flights runs from Rajasansi airport to many national cities and states.

By Rail: Amritsar is well connected by broad railway network with all cities. Regular trains runs between Amritsar and Delhi.

By Road: Bus services is also available to Amritsar from Delhi and other cities of Punjab. From Chandigarh ,it is located at a distance of 243 kms and from Delhi it is approximate 464 kms .