Golden Temple Amritsar

Golden Temple is a symbol of the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people all over the world. In the evolution of the Darbar Sahib, is entwined the history and ideology of Sikhism. In its architecture are included, symbols associated with other places of worship. This is an example of the spirit of tolerance and acceptance that the Sikh philosophy propounds. This temple is also famous with the name of Sri Harmandir Sahib, or Sri Darbar Sahib.

Attraction around Golden Temple:

A visit to the Golden Temple is incomplete without a visit to the following among others-

• Akal Takhat
• Baba Atal
• Guru ka Langar
• Sri Guru Ram Das Niwas
• The SGPC Offices
• Dukh Bhanjni Ber (Jujube Tree)
• Thara Sahib
• Ber Baba Budha Ji
• Gurdwara llachi Ber
• Ath Sath Tirath (Sixty eight holy places condensed into one)
• Gurdwara Shaheed Bunga Baba Deep Singh
  
  

History: Guru Arjan Sahib got its foundation laid by a muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir ji of Lahore on 1st of Magh, 1644 Bikrmi Samvat(December,1588). The construction work was directly supervised by Guru Arjan Sahib himself and he was assisted by the prominent Sikh personalities like Baba Budha ji, Bhai Gurdas ji, Bhai Sahlo ji and many other devoted Sikhs.

Unlike erecting the structure on the higher level(a tradition in Hindu Temple architecture), Guru Arjan Sahib got it built on the lower level and unlike Hindu Temples having only one gate for the entrance and exit, Guru Sahib got it open from four sides. Thus he created a symbol of new faith, Sikhism. Guru Sahib made it accessible to every person without any distinction of Caste, creed, sex and religion.

Architecture: Its architecture represents a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus way of construction work and this is considered the best architectural specimens of the world. It is often quoted that this architecture has created an independent Sikh school of architecture in the history of art in India. The temple itself is 40.5ft. square. It has a door each on the East, West, North and South. The Darshani Deori (an arch) stands at the shore end of the causeway.