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Golden Temple
 The
Harmandir Sahib, more popularly known as the Golden Temple is
regarded as the most sacred pilgrimage site of the Sikh community.
Harmandir Sahib literally means temple of Hari or the Supreme
God. Golden temple's exterior is gold-plated and the structure
stands in the middle of a square tank. Sikhs from all over the
globe come here to pay respect to Guru Granth Sahib and take
a dip in the Amrit Saras Kund for self purification. The shrine
is not only symbolical of the doctrines of Sikhism but is also
a symbol of strength for all Sikhs. Infact, doorways on all
four sides of Golden temple indicates that it welcomes Sikhs
of all the four castes.
Location
Golden temple is located in Amritsar in western Punjab. The
holy city of Amritsar literally means pool of the nectar.
How to reach the Golden Temple
Air : Flights operate to the Rajasansi airport
at Amritsar from many national destinations. A few international
flights also land at the airport.
Rail : Amritsar is well connected by railway
network. Regular trains operate between Amritsar and national
capital Delhi.
Road : Buses are available to Amritsar from
Delhi and other destinations of Punjab. Amritsar is at a distance
of 234 kms from Chandigarh and 464 kms from Delhi.
History
The idea of building the Golden Temple was conceived by Sikh
Guru Arjan Dev. His aim was to provide a central place of worship
for the Sikh community. The foundation of the temple was laid
in the year 1588 by the Guru himself. The idea to dig the holy
tank or Amrit Sarovar was that of Guru Amar Das and Baba Budha
ji started it under his supervision. The first Sikh Maharaja
Ranjit Singh made Amritsar his spiritual capital and significantly
developed the architecture of the temple.
Architecture
The Golden Temple has been built on a 67 feet square platform
right in the centre of the water tank. The temple is 40.5 feet
square and has doors on the east, west, north and south. An
arch called Darshani Deori stands at the shore end of the causeway.
The door frames of the arch are 10 feet in height and 8 feet
in breath. The main shrine can be entered through a causeway
or bridge built over the holy tank. The arch also opens to the
bridge. The length and width of the causeway are 202 feet and
21 feet respectively.
There is a 13 feet wide 'Pardakshna' or circular path round
the main shrine which leads devotees straight to 'Har ki Paure'
or steps of God. The causeway or bridge connects straight to
this circular path. On the first floor of Golden Temple, the
Guru Granth Sahib is continuously read. On the top of the room
where Guru Granth Sahib is recited, stands a low fluted 'Gumbaz'(dome)
having lotus petal motifs.
One of the best architectural specimen of the world, the architecture
is a praiseworthy fusion of Hindu and Muslim styles. But the
best thing about Golden Temple is that devotees cutting across
religious lines come here to pay obeisance to the supreme Lord.
The Golden Temple is a symbol of religious unity.
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