Harimandir Sahib

The Golden Temple at Amritsar, Punjab State of India, is the Harmandir Sahib, also referred as Darbar Sahib, is the most significant Gurudwaras of Sikhs all over the world. It was established by the 4th Guru of Sikhism, Holy Guru Ramdas, upon whose name Amritsar City itself is proudly called 'Guru di Nagri' with the meaning of 'The City of the Sikh Guru'.

The Harmandir Sahib at Amritsar is a divine wonder not only for Sikhs but for the members of all communities and religions. Sikhism welcomes all religions and have faith in one God. Likewise, people of all clans visit the Golden Temple seeking Spiritual Solace and religious fulfillment with whole heart and getting good satisfaction. For one to visit the temple, it is a great blessing and beautiful experience and spiritual endowment.

Sikhism had 10 Gurus in human form and it is blessed with the 11th Guru in the form of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and Harmandir Sahib houses the eternal 11th Guru of Sikhs for the benefit of the world community. The tenth Guru of Sikh religion, Holy Guru Gobind Singh ji pronounced at Nanded that Sri Guru Granth Sahib shall be the 11th and Eternal Guru.

History

In 1574AD, a small shrine was developed in the form of a temple surrounded by a small lake in a thin forest area of Punjab. Mughal emperor Akbar made a visit to the third Guru of Sikhism, Holy Guru Amar Das at a place called Govindval which is near the present Amritsar, and was very impressed with the way the life in that town was maintained. He gave a Jagir, land and land revenue collection rights, to Guruji's daughter Bhani as his marriage gift to her. Guruji's son in law Bhai Jetha later became the fourth Guru of Sikhism with the name Guru Ram Das, who enlarged the location of the lake and built a small township by its side. This town was named Guru Ka Chak or Guru Ramdas, also Ram Das Pura.

Guru Ram Das ji raised the Harmandir Sahib, which implies The Temple of God. First, he excavated the tank in 1577 AD, which came to be called later Amritsar, which means Pool of Nector of Immortality. The city around it also got the very same name. In course of time, the Harmandir Sahib, the abode of God, was raised in the middle of the tank, becoming a great Sikh edifice. In the sanctum of this temple was placed the Adi Granth containing the compositions of the Sikh Gurus, and also that of Saints who did not belong to Sikhism, considering their importance and value in spirituality. For instance, this Holy book contains the philosophical messages of Baba Farid and Kabir, who were not Sikhs. Holy Adi Granth was compiled by the fifth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Arjan.

It is in this premises, the unfortunate event of Operation Blue Star occurred during current times.

Architecture and Covered Area

Sri Harmandir Sahib is constructed as a three storied structure, the front part of the Sahib is next to the bridge, which is adorned by cusped arches. The roof of the first floor is 26 ft 9 inches height. The basement is the Darbar Sahib where the Holy Guru Granth Sahib is seated and Hymns are rendered by devotees.

There are 4 ft high parapets on all the sides at the top of the first floor, which has four 'Mamtees' on the four corners, while the first floor is exactly positioned over the central hall and on the top of the central hall of the main sanctum the third story has been raised. This is a small square shaped room, where regular recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is done.

Harmandir Sahib is surrounded by a large lake of water, known as the Sarovar, which is considered Amrit, the immortal nector. The temple, surrounded by Sarovar, is enclosed but with four entrances signifying acceptance and openness. Inside the temple complex there are shrines of past Sikh Gurus, Saints and martyrs and also three holy trees (Bers) each conveying a historical event or a Sikh saint. Many memorial plaques that commemorating past historical events relating to Sikhism, Sikh martyrs and saints are also available in the temple complex.

Harmandir Sahib's architecture represents the harmony of Muslim and Hindu architectural styles. It is also considered as the independent Sikh school of architecture in.

Location and Its Surroundings

Harmandir Sahib is located at Amritsarin the Majha region of the Punjab, which is also known as Bari Doab, as it lies between two of the five rivers of Punjab, namely, Ravi and Beas. The old city part of Amritsar with its bazaars and narrow alleys around the temple is surrounded by a ring road. Amritsar city is full of market streets, well crowded all the time, lot of shopping going on by the visiting population. People can walk down the streets, visiting Guru Bazaar, which deals with Gold Jewelry and Bazaar Kesarian for Steel and other metal items. Mishri Bazaar here sells dry fruit varieties and there are lot of eat houses around all the market places.

Celebrations

Harmandir Sahib is the venue for quite a few celebrations of the Sikh community.

• Vaishaki is one of the most important festivals in Amritsar, which is celebrated in April second week. Sikhs celebrate on this day the founding of the Khalsa and it is celebrated in front of the Harmandir Sahib.
• Few other important Sikh religious events are also celebrated with religious fervor, such as the martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur, the birthday of Guru Nanak, etc.,
• Bandi Chhor Divas is one of the festivals when the Harmandir Sahib is elaborately illuminated with Divas (lamps); colorful lights and fireworks are also organized at this time.

All the Sikhs visit Amritsar and the Harmandir Sahib at least once during their lifetime and most of them at least once a year, particularly during any of these celebrations.

Visitors Info

Best Time to Visit

Among the most visited Pilgrimage centers in India,Golden Temple, or Sri Harmandir Sahib, takes an important position. It is one of the earliest Sikh Gurudwaras, which is admired by people of all castes and creeds. Thousands of pilgrims flock to Amritsar and pay obeisance at the temple. Although visiting the temple is possible throughout the year, the most preferable period is between November and March, which covers winter season. This is the best time to visit Sri Harmandir Sahib.

The new visitor is recommended to visit the information Office first and then the Sikh Central museum nears the main entrance near the clock tower. All can enter the Harmandir Sahib without any restrictions on the basis of religion, creed, colour, or sex. Visitors are expected to be with decent and acceptable attire dress and one must cover one's head with a cloth, remove the footwear and wash the feet in the small pool of water at the premises.

Traveling To Amritsar

By Air

Amritsar is equipped with a well-developed airport, in about 11 km from the main town of the city. Earlier known as Raja Sansi International Airport, it is now renamed Guru Ramdas International Airport.

By Train

Amritsar Railway Station is well connected with a number of trains coming in and going out.

By Road

The holy city of Amritsar is inGrand Trunk Road (G.T.Road) now known as National Highway 1. Having fast moving bus services and omnibuses.

Services

Langar is the dining hall within the temple premises providing free food throughout the day to the visitors. People who want to offer voluntary services here even for an hour can do so.

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