Golden Temple
India has many significant and religious places to be visited, one of the popular tourist destinations is the Harmandir Sahib, likewise called ‘The Golden Temple’ which is located in Amritsar. It is considered the most divine and spiritual place Gurudwara, which is visited by Sikhs and by people from all over the world.
Let us know the glorious history and significance of this dazzling shrine.
The third Guru Sahib launched the idea of unearthing a holy tank and building a town in the area presently called Amritsar in the year 1570. The fifth Guru Sahib of Sikhs imagined a central place of worship for Sikhs and other people. He designed the structure and initiated the construction of the Golden Temple in the year 1588. The architecture and plan are illustrative of the openness and receptiveness to every individual irrespective of their religion, caste, or gender.
Over the next few decades, the temple was attacked and got into ruins, which was fixed finally. The temple structure was developed by the sixth Guru Sahib of that time, under whose guidance the Akal Takht was constructed. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the first person who took the initiative of adorning the gurdwara. With his philanthropic contribution and support, the gold plating was completed finally in the year 1830.
Moving onto the temple structure, The temple is located in the soul of the city, surrounded by narrow roads and a busy market area. Unlike most temples, the Golden Temple has four entrances in each direction, a sign welcoming anyone who wants to visit and get blessed. Along with the main gate, the external building, which runs along with the entire temple, houses various rooms, dining halls, and administration offices.
The middle of the external structure consists of an artificial body of water known as the Sarovar or river. This holy water is believed to have sacred healing powers; stories of how people are healed from their illnesses are drawn in the walls around the tank. The center of this water body contains the ravishing Golden Temple, connected by a highway, which works like the waiting area for people waiting in the queue to enter the main temple for darshan.
Inside the temple, God is heavily decorated with a large quantity of gold and precious stones. Sacred scriptures of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib, are placed here and read throughout the day along with other songs and musical instruments. The marble flooring has elaborate inlay work and carvings, whereas the walls and the roof are completely studded with precious metal and beautiful stones. The Akal Takht was built and used to deal with temporary issues and is considered the highest indication of earthly authority.
The Guru Ka Langar is also known as the community kitchen, is one of the biggest of its kind in the world of significance. Hundreds of volunteers come here and cook meals, which are served to 100,000 pilgrims daily. The kitchen has an immense dining area attached where pioneers sit in multiple rows and eat together without being discriminated against on any grounds. The other spots representing important historical events, like a couple from the 18th century, are preserved along the parikrama.
Different rituals are performed by priests daily. Along with rituals the self-governing committee ensures to keep the temple clean ensuring devotees have safe worship. Thousands of devotees are served with Karah Prasad.
The most prominent festivals celebrated in this temple are Guru Nanak Jayanti, Baisakhi, Diwali in a grand way. Devotees also celebrate the birth and death anniversaries of the ten Gurus of Sikhism.
It is really a great experience to observe the glory of the temple, understand the faith and beliefs of Sikhism, and enjoy the tranquility. Try and take time out to learn about the history and significance of the auspicious temple. Do not forget to climb the narrow steps when you visit the temple and walk around the terrace of the temple in the center of holy water.