essay on harmandir sahib in punjabi language

Golden Temple

Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji ("The abode of God"), also known as Sri Darbar Sahib Ji , and informally referred to as the Golden Temple, is a Gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar , Punjab, India. It is one of the most revered spiritual sites of Sikhism .

Amritsar (literally, "the tank of nectar of immortality") was founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh Guru , Guru Ram Das Ji . The fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev Ji , designed the Harmandir Sahib to be built in the center of this tank, and upon its construction, installed the Adi Granth , the holy scripture of Sikhism, inside the Harmandir Sahib. The Harmandir Sahib complex is also home to the Akal Takht (the throne of the timeless one), constituted by the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji ). While the Harmandir Sahib is regarded as the abode of God's spiritual attribute, the Akal Takht is the seat of God's temporal authority.

The construction of Harmandir Sahib was intended to build a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religions to worship God equally. The four entrances (representing the four directions) to get into the Harmandir Sahib also symbolize the openness of the Sikhs towards all people and religions. Over 100,000 people visit the shrine daily for worship, and also partake jointly in the free community kitchen and meal ( Langar ) regardless of any distinctions, a tradition that is a hallmark of all Sikh Gurudwaras.

The present-day Gurdwara was renovated in 1764 by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia with the help of other Sikh Misls . In the early nineteenth century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh secured the Punjab region from outside attack and covered the upper floors of the Gurdwara with 750 kg of gold, which gives it its distinctive appearance and its English name.

"The Abode of God"

Of great historical, spiritual, and emotional significance to the Sikhs , this Gurdwara was first conceived by Guru Amar Das , but its actual construction was begun under the supervision of Guru Ram Das his successor. The Temple had modest beginnings, a house built of sun dried mud bricks was the first building constructed by Guru Amar Das. Guru Amar Das is said to have found 'a medicinal herb growing at the edge of the pool, which cured a skin ailment of his master Guru Angad the 'second Nanak'. For many years the Amrit Sarovar remained little more than a village tank, until the fourth Guru, Guru Ram Das Ji, began to carry out the plans of his mentor, Guru Amar Das Ji, for a more permanent structure built of kiln fired brick.

"The Golden Temple"

Around the world, to non-Sikhs, the Harimander Sahib is, perhaps, better known by its English 'sobriquet' - a name given to the Temple because of the lavish gold plating that adorns the walls of its two upper floors, which include its dome, the airy Shish Mahal, where three Gurus spent many hours, and its minarettes. Maharaja Ranjit Singh , the great Sikh Maharaja of the only Sikh state to never be ruled by the British during his lifetime was, besides one of the greatest generals of military history, one of the few rulers of India to serve his Kingdom and its subjects of, various religions, with an eye to the equality of all. He was also a great patron of the arts. During his lifetime, he had strived to bring all the Sikhs under the rule of one great Khalsa Kingdom. When he gained control of Amritsar, he used much of the great excess wealth that Punjab produced to rebuild many Gurdwaras associated with the days of the Gurus, as well as having many more constructed.

He was, along with his grandson, Nau Nihal Singh, very generous in his patronage of the Gurdwara at Tarn Taran, but the Harmandir Sahib held that same special place in his heart, that it holds for all Sikhs. Here, he contributed tons of gold to cover the exterior walls of the Gurdwara's two upper floor's, ornately fashioned metal panels. The beautiful dome, shaped like an inverted lotus, which sits above the curved bangaldar roof of its Shish Mahal, alone was covered in 220 lbs. of the precious metal.

(The SGPC in March 2005 has prohibited Sikhs from referring to the Sri Harmandir Sahib as the Golden Temple.)

The Tank that lends the City its Name

The city in which the temple is located is now known by the name of its Holy tank the Amritsar (pool of nectar). Amritsar is located in East Punjab at the North West border of India . It is the most sacred and the most visited of the many historic Sikh shrines spread across India , Pakistan and the world.

In 2002, the Temples gold plating was replaced with new gold plates. In 1604, the newly compiled Adi Granth was housed here for the first time.

The Fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev ji sat on the floor with the rest of the congregation while the Adi Granth was placed on a high platform or Takhat .

Freedom and Equality strikes fear

When one wishes to attack or destroy an enemy, the easyest way was for the leader of one one side to challenge the leader of the other side, usually the fiercest warrior of each side, to personal combat. Such was the story of David and Goliath, recorded in the Bible. The army of the losing side was honor bound to leave the battle field. Such tactics were often used by the Sikh Gurus to win a battle with those who had decided to punish or destroy Sikhi. One of the first attacks on the Harmandar Sahib was thwarted in this way.

Being men of peace who many times later rode to the defense or aid of those who had earlier attacked them, the Sikhs way of life attracted increasing number of converts to the young religion in its early years. Of course these new Sikhs came from the long established religions of Punjab, mainly the Hindu and Muslim religions which themselves had long been engaged in a war for the minds of the people of Panjab and India. Feeling threatened the priests and rulers of each of these religions took actions to stem the tide of their 'apostates'.

The Sikhs Gurus and their devotees (Sikhs) spoke of, espoused and lived in freedom and equality, not just for their men, but even for their women. In an area of the world where men and especially men of religion had (still often do, i.e. the Taliban) enjoy immense priviledges: education, better food, political control and power-even slaves, the attraction of Sikhi threatened their continued easy lives. The Sikhs were definitely 'rocking the boat'.

Like the Fabled Phoenix

So after they were unable to defeat the Sikhs and their Gurus in battle, they turned their attentions to the 'Religious Head of the Sikhs', the Akal Takhat (which housed the Sikh's 11th Guru the SGGS) and Sikhisms' most holy Temple - the Harmandar Sahib.

As Aurangzeb had once thought that he could destroy Hinduism in India by converting all of the respected Kashmiri Pandits, the Jihadists, whether the later Mughals or the Persians and Afganis who folloowed them thought that if they could only destroy or defile the Harmandar Sahib, they could break the back of the Sikhs.

Over the years the Temple has suffered many attacks, been pulled down and even had its Sarovar filled in or defiled with the carcasses of slaughtered animals, but like the fabled temples of China and Japan which are torn down and rebuilt to insure their continuance (they remain as new in appearance as the day they were first built). The attackers found that the backs of the Sikhs as well as the back of the religion proved impossible to break, for the Temple was always rebuilt, each time growing stronger and more beautiful than before. Many of the attackers found that the Sikhs were capable of seeing that the perpatrators of such deeds received earthly punishment, despite their seeming safety among their guards - i.e Massa Rangarh . The names of Bhai Mani Singh, Bhai Deep Singh, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Bhai Sukha Singh and Bhai Mehtab Singh will always be remembered for their actions in defense of the Temple.

In one of the last centuries most trajic events; an attack, said to be aimed mainly at the Akal Takhat, (the seat of the Governing body of the Sikhs which housed many weapons of the Gurus; swords, flagstaffs, priceless and unreplaceable hand scribed documents; as well as serving as the home of the SGGS at night) by the Indian army (June of 1984) caused severe damage to the Akal Takhat and the whole complex. A bullets or a piece of sharpnel hit and killed one Sewadar inside the temple itself). Even the SGGS being read by a Granthi was pierced by a bullet. The beautifull marble slabs that cover the Parikarma (the promenade that surrounds the Sarovar) were cut deeply, some even broken as the Indian army called in heavy tanks whose tracks cut deeply into the marble. Besides being damaged by the tanks, the blood of the attackers, the occupiers and unknown numbers of innocent pilgrims (men, women and children) flowed from the bodies that covered the walkway, staining the marble and filling the motar between each slab. Repacing the marble was a monumental task.

Plan of the Complex

The Temple appears to rise from the beautiful blue waters of its surrounding Sarovar . Its upper walls and Lotus Dome stretch toward the sky reflecting the rays of the Golden Sun above. The Sarovar is surrounded by a Parikarma or Causeway, which is used by the devotees to walk in a clockwise circle around the Sarovar stopping at the many spots associated with Sikh history and the Gurdwaras defenders, before crossing the causeway into the the Harmandar Sahib itself, the throne of the holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib during the day; the central hub of all Sikh religious activity.

During the daylight hours continuous Kirtan and Gurbani recital takes place. The Temple has 4 doors which face the four cardinal directions East, West, North and South. As Guru Arjan was aware that the other religions of the world use a specific direction for the layout of their houses of worship he had a door placed so that anyone could enter the Temple from the direction his religion dictated. A leading Sufi Sant of the Moslem religion Hazrat Mian Mir, was asked to lay the cornerstone of the Gurdwara's foundation. As it was on the first day the Gurwara was opened, all visitors to the Temple, no matter their religion, caste, nationality, or social status are welcomed to this temple.

The Guru Granth and Harmandir Sahib

The Guru Granth Sahib , the 11th Guru of the Sikhs, lies literally at the heart of worship in the Harmandir Sahib complex, serving as the focus of attention and devotion in the Harmandir Sahib's sanctum. Other copies of the Guru Granth Sahib are continuously recited on the first floor of the building and in the Shish Mahal Pavilion on the Gurdwara's roof. The SGGS is also recited continuously at the other shrines in the complex: Baba Deep Singh , Lachi Ber , Thara Sahib , Shahidganj and the Akal Takhat . In addition, the compositions of the Gurus and Bhagats contained in the SGGS comprise most of the Kirtan sung in the Harimandir Sahib.

The SGGS is also central to Sikh worship in the Harimandir Sahib in another sense. The pattern of worship in the Harimandir Sahib reflects both the historical memory of the presence of the fourth, fifth and sixth Gurus in the city of Amritsar and the doctrine of the SGGS as the embodiment of the human Gurus. According to the Sikh tradition, the Gurus resided at the modern site of the Gurdawara Guru Ka Mahal in the heart of the old city and came daily to the Harmandir Sahib, often passing their time in the Shish Mahal (the mirrored room atop the Temple). After the addition of the Akal Takhat, costructed by Guru Hargobind, the Guru also spent time there on a daily basis.

Daily Timetable

The timetable followed inside the Harmandir Sahib recreates the traditional understanding of the period of Sikh history when the Gurus resided in Amritsar . The morning Kirtan begins in the sanctum of the Harimandir Sahib in the early morning with the singing of the lengthy composition Asa di Var , which is interrupted by the arrival of a procession from the Akal Takhat of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib being carried on a palanquin on the shoulders of Sevadars (volunteers).

The Sangat (congregation), those who have begun their day early enough to be among those to be first to fill the Temple, rises as the holy Granth is placed on the Singhasan (throne) in the centre of the sanctum and attendants then read verses from the Granth in praise of the Sikh Gurus , written by the Gurus' court poets, the Bhatts . The holy Granth is then ceremoniously opened and a Hukam (command) is taken by opening the text at random and reading the first composition on the open page.

This process is intended to recreate the daily routine followed during the time of the Gurus: the arrival of the Guru Granth at the Harmandar Sahib from the Akal Takhat, the praises sung in honour of the Gurus by court poets and others, and his first discourse of the day in the shrine. The Guru Granth Sahib then remains on its throne in the sanctum until the early evening, when it is again taken in procession on a palanquin to the Akal Takhat for its traditional night-time rest.

The contours of the day as enacted in the sanctum of the Harimandir Sahib therefore reflect and recreate, on a daily basis, the nexus between the Gurus and Amritsar, embodying in praxis the historical memory of the presence of three of the human Gurus in Amritsar. For modern Sikhs, the daily routine of the Harimandir Sahib also literally reflects the Sikh doctrine of the SGGS as the physical embodiment of the ten Human Gurus.

The Sikh Gurus

The foundation stone of the historic building was laid by a non-Sikh. The Guru gave the task of initiating the building to a Muslim, Saint Hazrat Mian Mir Ji, of Lahore, in December 1588. Can you imagine Julius II the Pope, who asked Michaelangelo to redesign the Vatican, asking him to find a Jewish Rabi to lay its cornerstone? The Guru had been asked by the previous Guru to find the Holiest man in India to lay the stone for the Gurdwara. Guru Arjan Dev Ji, in choosing his friend, Hazrat Mian Mir Ji, to lay the stone, showed the world the true message of religion, promoting Interfaith , dialogue, and interaction.

During the 1400 hundreds, the site had a small lake, which was surrounded by a wooded area. Travellers and holy people used the site for meditation and rest. These visitors recognised it for its special sense of tranquillity and its pure and sweet water. Historical records show that Gautama Buddha stayed for some time at this ancient lake even recommending it as a place for Sadhus and Rishis to meditate.

Alhough there is no 'paper trail' to prove the claim, it is thought that the land was gifted to Guru Ram Das's daughter as a present for her wedding to Guru Arjan.

The lake was enlarged and a small community was established during the leadership of the fourth Sikh Guru ( Guru Ram Das , 1574-1581). It was during the leadership of the fifth Guru ( Guru Arjan , 1581-1606), that the Golden Temple was built. It was completed in 1601.

The development of the Harmandar Sahib and Amritsar have gone hand in hand; the city was formerly known as Ramdaspur, and on construction of Harimandir Sahib became known as Amritsar. Guru Ram Das ji encouraged traders and businessmen to settle in the city with the development of the Guru Ka Bazaar and the market at Chowk Passian. During the times of the fifth and sixth Gurus, plans were made and implemented to expand the city; wells and baolis were constructed to supply water to the ever growing groups of pilgrims. The garden, Guru Ka Bagh was laid out to the south-east of the Harmandir. The area surrounding the temple was developed into markets, gardens, homes and residential palaces. Guru Arjan Dev ji also lived in one of these newly constructed houses.

Guru Arjan Dev ji's martyrdom in 1606 gave a new direction to the faith and to the development of the city. Guru Hargobind added the political-temporal aspect to the spiritual aspect of Sikhism. This led to the construction of the Akal Takhat within the precinct space, a fortress named Lohgarh (lit. fort of steel) outside it, and a wall around the city to protect it from those who began to fear, envy and even attack the Sikhs.

Guru Hargobind also constructed the Chaurasi Atari adjoining the Guru Ka Bazaar and a new garden Akalian da Bagh adjacent to the Guru Ka Bagh in 1609.

The Struggle Period

The seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth Gurus did not make any additions to the Harimandir or the city. During this period the masands looked after the Harimandir and are known to have mismanaged the temple. At this time the Sikhs were engaged in several battles against corrupt practices and Mughal rulers. All efforts were directed towards protecting the Harimandir from desecration.

After the passing of Guru Gobind Singh ji in 1708, the Sikhs passed through a very critical phase where they were 'legally hunted and killed, with prices having been fixed on their heads. It was during this period that the Harimandir Sahib was damaged and/or demolished five times. Each time the Sikhs took the earliest opportunity to rebuild it. It was in 1762 that Ahmad Shah blew up the building with gunpowder, but the Sikhs rallied to return to Amritsar and celebrated the festival of Diwali a few months later.

In January 1764, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia took over Sirhind and then he and other Sikh chiefs gave a call for the reconstruction of the shrine. Money raised was deposited with Des Raj of Sursingh village and he was also entrusted with the supervision of the work. The edifice then raised on an earlier original design has since remained the same with minor alterations and embellishments.

The Misl Period (1707-1801)

During the Misl period, when the Mughal Empire declined and the power of Sikh chiefs rose, many Bungas were built, not only to defend the Harimandir but to fortify the city. These were military establishments, but they also served as educational institutions and rest houses for pilgrims. New roads, forts and Bazaars were also constructed during this period.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1801-39)

The Parikarma around the Sarovar was made in 1784, Later after 1801, when Maharaja Ranjit Singh had defeated the Misl chiefs and established his headquarters in Lahore, the shrine was embellished and ornamented with gold. This process commenced in 1802 and the work included the application of inlaid marble panels onto the outer face of the building, richly embossed gilded metal sheets and a range of fresco techniques. Maharaja Ranjit Singh also constructed the Gobindgarh fort in 1805-09 along with his own summer palace and a series of gardens and canals.

The British Period (1849-1947)

The British took over the management of the Harimandir on the annexation of the Punjab (1849-1947). During their time they built several administrative buildings, railways, churches and roads within Amritsar. The clock tower was built in 1862 and with this the direction of the main entrance to the precinct of Harimandir Sahib was changed from the west to the north.

Many other Sikh centres exist in India, even other Takhats, but this Gurdwara and its Complex has become World famous, popular not only among Sikhs as a place of pilgrimage, but for its admirers of many religions.

The establishment of Sri Harimandir Sahib during the late 1500 hundreds was a most significant achievement as the Sikh Gurus saw to its establisment as a centre of excellence, inspiration and action for the faiths many followers spread around the world. The popularity and importance of this Crown Jewel of Sikh Gurdwaras has made the whole of this region a prosperous an important economic hub, as well as the preimminent centre of Sikh activity.

Many administrative and economic institutes now have bases in the city of Amritsar. By the creation of this city the Gurus created an important city which today boosts an International Airport, University, which also serves as a Regional Capital.

• Kitchen that feeds 100,000 daily In Pictures
• Golden Temple - As per the order passed by SGPC in March 2005 referring Sri Harmandir Sahib as Golden Temple has been prohibited.
• Harimandir Sahib Gurdwara Complex
• Structure of Harmandar Sahib
• A day at the Golden Temple
• Harimandir Sahib Gallery
• Electrification Of The Golden Temple
• Operation Bluestar
• Operation Woodrose
• Map of Harmandar Sahib
• Art and Architecture of the Golden Temple
• Comments about the Golden Temple
• Dukh Bhanjani Beri

Component plan of Harimandir Sahib and Surrounding Area

• Aerial view from Wikimapia

External Links

• Aerial View & map
• Uniqueness of The Golden Temple
• Golden Temple Tribute
• Sikhnet.com
• Visit Golden Temple
• The New York Times - Nourishing Souls also Where All May Eat, and Pitch In
• Website giving in-depth information on Golden Temple

To see an amazing photo of the Golden Temple (in which one can navigate around and zoom to close details, click here [2] . This and other amazing views of the world's architecture can be viewed at http://www.gigapan.org/

• Old Pictures of Darbar Sahib
• Hari Mandir - Golden Temple - Gyani Brahma Singh Brahma
• Hari-Mandir - Waheguru’s Abode Sikh Bait-Ul-Haraam - Gyani Brahma Singh Brahma
• The Golden Temple - Its Theo-Political Status - Sirdar Kapur Singh
• Nomination of Sri Harimandir Sahib for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List Vol.1 Nomination Dossier , India 2003
• editor and publisher: Swati Mitra (2004). Walking with the Gurus: Historical Gurdwaras of Punjab. Good Earth Publications. ISBN 8187780231.

Acknowledgements

• The image - File:Harmandar-Sahib-map-RAP.jpg - showing the plan of the Gurdwara complex is with thanks and the kind efforts of user:Allenwalla . His help and dedication are graciously acknowledged by Sikhiwiki .
• SikhiWiki featured content
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• Gurdwaras In Amritsar District

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A Visit to the Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar’s Golden Temple

I felt almost fraudulent as I visited the Harmandir Sahib for the first time. The vast majority around me were religious pilgrims undertaking a spiritual journey, while I was only beginning to understand everything happening around me.

The Harmandir Sahib , in the Indian Punjabi city of Amritsar, is known as the Golden Temple in English. It is home to the eternal guru of the Sikh faith, the Guru Granth Sahib, a sacred religious text, and it is the most holy place in the Sikh faith. It attracts hundreds of thousands of worshipers per year. But I simply looked around in a state of confusion, trying to make sense of it all. Seas of families, individuals, and children come to pray, dip in the holy waters around the temple, or rest in the shade away from the brutal midday sun. A thousand different images, colours, and sounds ran through my mind.

Amritsar, which translates as the p ool of nectar , takes its name from the Amrit Sarovar, the holy waters of the temple. Amritsar is acity of just over one million in the north-western part of India, in the state of Punjab. The biggest drawcard to Amritsar is, of course, the Harmandir Sahib, built in 1577 by Guru Ram Das. In 1830, Sikh leader and warrior Ranjit Singh donated gold to encase the shrine with pure gold, leading to the English term, the Golden Temple.

Dining on the floor in open, communal rooms, it was impossible not to feel connected to everyone around me, as everyone has been brought together by the aura of the temple.

As a gurdwara, or holy Sikh temple, modest dress is required, both men and women must cover their heads, and shoes must be left at the cloakroom before entering. As I walked through the gates and saw the Harmandir Sahib in for the first time, I was immediately aware of it through all of my senses: the women in their vibrant and colourful salwar kameez, the blinding glow of the sunlight bouncing off the golden roof, the feel of the smooth white marble under my bare feet, and the enticing smells coming from the langar.

Once inside, the gurdwara complex is vast, and there is so much to be noticed. I was struck by the amazing inclusivity and openness of the Sikh faith, and how that acceptance is visibly demonstrated throughout the temple. This is first seen in the entrance- a walk around the perimeter shows the four entrance gates, demonstrating that everyone from all directions is welcome to enter.

The inclusive nature of the gurudwara was most clear to me through the community kitchen, or langar. Langar is a concept in the Sikh faith in which a vegetarian meal is served to anyone who wants it, at no cost, regardless of religion, background, or status. The langar at the Harmandir Sahib feeds 50,000-100,000 people per day! It’s actually the largest community kitchen in the world. It operates like a well-oiled machine, despite being staffed predominantly by volunteers. They give their time–be it a few hours, days, or months–to serve their faith via service in the langar.

I was immediately aware of the Harmandir Sahib through all of my senses: the women in their vibrant and colourful salwar kameez, the blinding glow of the sunlight bouncing off the golden roof, the feel of the smooth white marble under my bare feet, and the enticing smells coming from the langar.

As we entered the langar we were given plates, a cup, and cutlery, and then took our place on the floor mats, along with hundreds of others. Volunteers walk up and down the hall, serving rice, daal, roti, and vegetarian fare, all wholesome and delicious. Dining on the floor in open, communal rooms, it was impossible not to feel connected to everyone around me, as everyone has been brought together by the aura of the temple.

As a visitor from a western background, the concept of the langar at first felt strange to me, as I felt uncomfortable accepting food for free when I am capable of looking after myself. However, the more I learned about the concept of langar, the more I came to understand the beauty of it. Langar brings together men, women, and children, regardless of caste or background. It is a place where differences are put aside and everyone is respected as equals. This is something everyone can learn from, and it’s a beautiful way of promoting tolerance, acceptance, and equality.

A Visit to the Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar’s Golden Temple.

If you are visiting the gurdwara, I highly recommend starting with a visit to the Interpretation Center, which provides a series of introductory videos (via an audio headset) on the history of the temple and information on Sikh history. Visit the temple afterwards, and you’ll have a much better understanding of its importance and meaning.

I’d also encourage a visit both in both the daytime and in the night, as the temple looks and feels completely different when it’s lit up at night. Although the temple is very busy any time of the day or night, find a peaceful spot to reflect and truly let the energy and beauty of the place, and its purpose, find you.

Photo for A Visit to the Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar’s Golden Temple by Pixabay. 

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2 thoughts on “ A Visit to the Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar’s Golden Temple ”

What an experience! I have heard about this place, but not from this perspective. Great read.

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Essay on Golden Temple

500 words essay on golden temple.

Golden Temple is a beautiful holy shrine located in India. Furthermore, one of the most noteworthy features of this temple is its golden colour which just mesmerizes anyone. This essay on Golden Temple will explore the religious significance and beauty of this shrine.

                                                                                                                                  Essay On Golden Temple

Religious Significance of Golden Temple

Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as the “Golden Temple”, is a beautiful holy shrine located in Amritsar, Punjab , India. Furthermore, it is the holiest shrine in Sikhism and as such many Sikhs visit it on daily basis.  It is a major destination for Sikhs besides being a popular tourist attraction.

The creation of the “Golden Temple” and the Sikh religion took place during a time when the presence of the caste system in India was very strong. Due to the caste system , the low caste people had to suffer a lot.

During this time, the Mughal Empire came into power. One of the reasons for the creation of Sikhism was to fight off the Mughal Empire and foreign invaders. Another important reason for the origin of this religion was to give people equality irrespective of wealth, gender, caste, etc.

The site of the shrine is where Sage Valmiki is believed to have written the epic, Ramayana. Moreover, many believe that Rama and Sita spent their fourteen-year exile in Amritsar, which is now the epicentre of Sikhism.

Visitors, male or female, must cover their heads before entering the temple premises. Moreover, the Guru Granth Sahib is in the Temple during the day, while at night, it is in the Akal Takht or Eternal Throne.

The beauty of the Golden Temple

The most famous and attractive aspect of the Golden temple is its glittering golden dome and appearance. Furthermore, the temple is built on marble that is 67-ft square. Moreover, the temple is a two-storey structure.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh is responsible for the building of the upper half of the building with a gold leaf that is approximately 400 kg. Moreover, there are a number of famous temples surround the Golden Temple. Also, the construction of the pool, whose name is Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar, here was by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das.

The brilliant architecture of the temple gives it a unique look. Furthermore, the surrounding Amritsarovar pool enhances the beauty of the shrine. During the night time, the golden reflection of the temple in the pool is really a sight to behold.

To the south of the temple is a beautiful garden where one can easily attain peace of mind. The Central Sikh Museum, which is atop the Clock Tower, adds to the charm of the temple’s surroundings.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Conclusion of the Essay on Golden Temple

Golden Temple is one of the holiest religious sites of the Sikh community. Furthermore, this beautiful shrine, besides being a symbol of the Sikh religion, is also the pride of India. This temple continues to amaze people with its spectacular golden colour.

FAQs For Essay on Golden Temple

Question 1: What is so special about the Golden temple?

Answer 1: The Golden Temple is also called the “Darbar Sahib” or the “Harmandar Sahib”. Furthermore, this temple, whose location is in Amritsar, is one of the oldest worship places for the Indian Sikhs. Moreover, the temple’s entire top is made of pure gold, which significantly enhances the beauty of the temple.

Question 2:What is the worth of the Golden Temple?

Answe r 2: More than 25,000 devotees come to Golden Temple for the purpose of darshan every day. Furthermore, the asset worth of this temple isRs 320 crores. Moreover, the throne, where the Baba is seated, is made of gold of 94 kg.

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• Tourist Places

Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib Sri Darbar Sahib

Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib Sri Darbar Sahib is the central religious place of the Sikhs. The Sikhs daily wish in Ardas (prayer) to pay their visit and obeisance at this sacred place. The people belonging to other religions also visit daily to pay their obeisance. Earlier, the aplanning to establish a new Sikh centre was chalked out by the third Guru, Sri Guru Amardas Ji..He decided to settle a new religious centre on the land between the villages of Sultanwind, Tung Gumtala and Gilwali after consulting with Sri Guru Ramdas Ji, Baba Budha Ji and otheraprominent Sikhs. So, this town was founded by fourth Guru Sri Guru Ramdas Ji with the advice of Sri Guru Amardas Ji. Earlier, it was known as Chak Guru, Guru Ka Chak, Chak Ramdas or Ramdaspura. Later, it came to be known as Amritsar. The construction of Amrit Sarovar was commenced under the supervision of Sri Guru Ramdas Ji with the help of Sangat. Fifth Guru, SriGuru Arjan Dev Ji established a central place of worship Sri Harmandir Sahib Sri Darbar Sahibin the middle of sacred Sarovar. The foundation stone of Sri Harmandir Sahib Sri Darbar Sahibawas laid in 1645 Bikrami Samvat (1588 CE). The construction work was supervised by Sri Gurua Arjan Dev Ji himself as well as assisted by the prominent Sikhs like Baba Budha Ji, Bhai Gurdas Ji, Bhai Sahlo Ji and many other devoted disciples. Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji got built the four doors and made it accessible to every person without any distinction of caste, creed, sex and religion. He installed Adi Sri (Guru) Granth Sahib Ji on Bhadon Sudi 1st, 1661 Bikrami Samvat (August.1604 CE) at Sri Harmandir Sahib Sri Darbar Sahib and appointed Baba Budha Ji as its first Granthi.

Presently, lakhs of devotees visit daily to Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib Sri Darbar Sahib and take holy bath in Amrit Sarovar. Sangat also listen to the blissful Kirtan that begins from Amrit Vela (Early dawn) till Sukhasan (Closing) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. There is an multi-storied langar hall remains open for 24 hours where Sangat take meal in Pangat without any discrimination.

For more information click : http://www.sgpc.net

Photo Gallery

How to Reach:

Sri Guru Ramdass International airport nearest airport from Golden Temple and distance from airport is 13 kilometers.

Amritsar Railway Station nearest railway station from Golden Temple and distance from station is 2 kilometers.

Bus Stand Amritsar nearest bus-stop from Golden Temple and distance from bus-stop is 1.7 kilometers.

Golden Temple Amritsar

Location:    Amritsar, Punjab

Built in:    During 1588 -1601

Attraction:    Remarkable structure

Significance:    Most revered shrine of the Sikhs

How to reach:     One can easily reach Golden Temple by taking regular Buses, Tongas, rickshaws or by hiring taxis from Amritsar

The Golden TempleGolden Temple is the most sacred shrine for the followers of Sikhism. Located at Amritsar in Punjab, Swarn Mandir is easily accessible by the local means of transport in Amritsar. The formal name of Golden Temple is Harmandir Sahib, which suggests actually "the Temple of God". Golden Temple is an icon of brilliance and power of the Sikh people throughout the World. Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib is also known as Darbar Sahib. The term Golden Temple was provided to the shrine, due to its gilded structure and picturesque beauty. 

Generally, one can find picture of Golden Temple in the homes of almost every Sikh round the World. The Sikhs wish to pay a visit and obeisance to Harmandir Sahib. The advent of the Darbar Sahib is associated with the history and ideology of the Sikhism. The architecture of the temple encompasses various symbols that are linked with other places of worship. These symbols portray the sense of forbearance and approval, which is put forward by the Sikh philosophy.

Turning back the pages of historical accounts, one can find that Shri Harmandir Sahib had been attacked and damaged numerous times by the Afghan and other invaders. Every time, the Sikhs gave up their lives, to facilitate the liberation of the holy shrine and bring back its sacredness. Amongst the martyrs, Bhai Mani Singh, Sukha Singh and Mahtab Singh were the remarkable personalities, whose efforts actually aid to liberate the temple. In 1644, Guru Arjun Sahib laid the foundation of the Swarn Mandir in the company of Hazrat Mian Mir, who was a Muslim saint. 

Guru Arjun Sahib himself took the charge of construction work. Later, he was backed by the well-known Sikh celebrities like Baba Budha, Bhai Gurdas, Bhai Sahlo and many other committed Sikhs. Contrasting the structures of other temples, Golden Temple was erected on a lower level. Harmandir Sahib is made open from all the four sides and once again, it contradicts the temples that have only one gate for entry and exit. As a consequence, a symbol of new faith emerged in the religion of Sikhism. The Golden Temple is open to people from all religions, castes, creed and sex. 

Architecture

Built on a square platform, Golden Temple looks celestial with its gilded appearance. The temple has doorways on its each side. Darshani Deori is an arch that stands at the shore end of the boardwalk. The door frame of the Darshan Deori extends to 10 ft in height and 8.6 ft in breadth. The panes of the door are festooned in an artistic manner. It leads to the boardwalk (bridge), which takes to the main shrine of Shri Harmandir Sahib. 

The boardwalk is linked with the 13 ft wide feet 'Pardakshna', which is a circumambulatory path. This path runs round the main shrine and escort to the 'Har Ki Pauri' (Steps of God). At the first floor, the reading of Guru Granth Sahib goes for 24*7 hours. The façade that faces the bridge is ornamented with recurring cusped arches. On the top of it, there is a low fluted 'Gumbaz' (Dome) with lotus petals motif at its base. The inverted lotus at the zenith supports the 'Kalash' that has a striking 'Chhatri' at the end. 

The remarkable architecture of Swarn Mandir is often cited as the finest architectural specimens of the world. Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar) is the main attraction of this temple, which is believed to have water with curative properties. People from far and near come to take this holy water of Amrit Sarovar. The Golden Temple is a religious place of spiritual importance and significance. Devotees from all over the world come to pay their homage at this blessed place.

Harmandir Sahib

The Harmandir Sahib (Punjabi: ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ) or Darbar Sahib (Punjabi: ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ), also known as the Golden Temple of Amritsar, stands as the central holy place in the Sikh religion . The housing of the holiest scripture of the Sikh faith, the Guru Granth Sahib , within the temple bestows upon Harmandir Sahib the highest blessing. The fourth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Ram Das, excavated a tank (a reservoir) in 1577 C.E. , building the temple in it. The gold plated temple, sitting in the tank, created a spectacular effect. The tank took on the name "Amritsar" meaning "Pool of the Nectar of Immortality." The town growing up around the holy temple took on the same name. Harmandir Sahib means "House of God." So, the full meaning is "House of God sitting in the Pool of the Nectar of Immortality."

• 2.1 The Amritsar area
• 2.2 Construction of the Harmandir Sahib
• 3 The Harmandir Sahib Complex and areas in its vicinity
• 4 Artwork and monument sculptures
• 5 Celebrations at Harmandir Sahib
• 6 Operation Blue Star
• 7 Other gurdwaras
• 8 Photo gallery
• 10 References
• 11 External links

Sikhism has played a vital role in the history of India. An indigenous faith, Sikhism has emerged as a major religion among the religions of India, its existence beginning in the sixteenth century. The Harmandir Sahib was constructed to convey openness to all religions and all people. The four open doors symbolize Abraham 's tent open on all four sides, welcoming travelers to enter from any direction. The Harmandir Sahib stands as a daily testimony to Sikhism's commitment to practice respect and openness to people of all faiths. In that capacity, Sikhism has been a creative force for unity among the religions of India and throughout the world.

Sikhs consider the Harmandir Sahib holy because the Holy Scriptures and eternal Guru of Sikhism , the Sri Guru Granth Sahib , always resides inside. The temple was constructed as a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religions to come and worship God equally. [2] The Sri Guru Granth Sahib constitutes the holiest literature in the Sikh religion. The tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh on October 7, 1708, made it the eternal Sikh Guru and the teacher of Sikhism. The holy scripture Guru Granth Sahib makes the place it resides, anywhere in the world, equally holy and precious to Sikhs.

Harmandir Sahib literally means "House of God." The fourth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Ram Das, excavated a tank in 1577 C.E. which subsequently became known as Amritsar (meaning: Pool of the Nectar of Immortality). The city growing up around it took on the name. In due course, a splendid Sikh edifice, Harmandir Sahib, rose in the middle of that tank and became the supreme center of Sikhism . Its sanctum came to house the Adi Granth comprising compositions of Sikhi Gurus and other saints considered to have Sikh values and philosophies, for example Baba Farid and Kabir . The fifth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Arjan Dev, started the compilation of the Adi Granth.

The Amritsar area

Amritsar situates in the Majha region of the Punjab. Majha, also known as the Bari Doab, comprising the Doab (Do = two, ab = rivers) or the (fluvial) tract of land laying between two of the five great rivers of the province, the Ravi and the Beas. As such, Majha lies in the heart of the ancient Punjab region, comprised of Gurdaspur, Batala and Tarn Taran Sahib as well as Amritsar.

Construction of the Harmandir Sahib

Originally built during 1574 C.E. , a small lake in a thin forest surrounded the site of the temple. The third of the six grand Mughals , emperor Akbar , visiting the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das, at the neighboring town of Goindval expressed admiration for the way of life in the town. He gave a jagir (the land and the revenues of several villages in the vicinity) to the Guru's daughter Bhani as a gift on her marriage to Bhai Jetha. He later became the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das. Guru Ram Das enlarged the lake and built a small township around it. The town, named after Guru Ram Das, called "Guru Ka Chak" , "Chak Ram Das" , or "Ram Das Pura" .

The fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev (1581-1606), built the temple in final form. In December 1588, the great Muslim Sufi saint of Lahore , Hazrat Mian Mir, who was a close friend of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, initiated the construction of the temple by laying the first foundation stone (December 1588 C.E. ). [3] [1] A mason then straightened the stone but Guru Arjan Dev told him that, as he had undone the work just completed by the holy man, a disaster might come to the Harmandir Sahib. The Mughals later attacked it.

Completed in 1604, Guru Arjan Dev, installed the Guru Granth Sahib , appointed Baba Buddha Ji as the first Granthi (Reader) on August 1604 C.E. In the mid-eighteenth century, the Afghans attacked, lead by one of Ahmed Shah Abdali's Generals, Jahan Khan. The temple had to be substantially rebuilt in the 1760s. In response, a Sikh Army embarked to hunt down the Afghan force. Ordered to show no mercy, historical evidence suggests they carried out their orders. The opposing armies met each other five miles outside Amritsar, Jahan Khan's army utterly defeated. Commander Sardar Dayal Singh decapitated him himself.

The Harmandir Sahib Complex and areas in its vicinity

A large lake of water, known as the Sarovar which consists of Amrit (Holy Water or Immortal Nectar), surrounds the temple. The four entrances to the temple signify the importance of acceptance and openness. Ostensibly, that concept calls to memory the tent of Abraham in the Old Testament . His tent remained open on all four sides to welcome travelers from all directions. Inside the temple complex, many shrines exist to past Sikh Gurus, Saints and martyrs (see map) . Three holy trees (Bers), each signifying a historical event or Sikh saint, stand. Inside the temple many memorial plaques commemorating past Sikh historical events, saints, martyrs and includes commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died fighting in World War I and World War II .

Most people visit the Sikh Central museum near the main entrance and clock tower on their first visit. Anyone who wants to enter the Harmandir Sahib may do so, irrespective of religion , color, creed or sex. People must not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke cigarettes or other drugs while in the shrine. People must dress appropriately and cover their heads as a sign of respect. Pilgrims remove shoes, followed by washing feet in the small pool of water, before entering the Harmandir Sahib premises. All Sikh temples (Gurdwaras) in the world follow the traditional rule of welcoming everyone to enter.

Four doors provide entrance to the Harmandir Sahib. In 1988, after Operation Black Thunder, the government acquired a narrow peripheral strip of land (including buildings) essentially creating a security belt. The government displaced and rehabilitated a large number of people in the process.

The project, meeting with strong resistance from the moderate as well as militant Sikh organizations, forced an abandoning of the plan. The murder of a senior Government engineer, connected with the project, prompted the abandonment of the plan. The Deputy Commissioner Karan Bir Singh Sidhu revived the project in 1993. Sidhu also had been appointed as the Project Director popularly described as the Galliara Project. He changed the concept of the periphery from that of a security belt to that of a second parikarma , creating a serene landscape fully consistent with the ethereal beauty of the Harmandir Sahib. Sidhu created the plan in quiet consultation with the SGPC. The pilgrims today can travel only by foot in the Galliara.

Artwork and monument sculptures

Much of the present decorative gilding and marble work dates to the early 1800s. Hukam Singh Chimni and Emperor Ranjit Singh, Maharaja of the Sikh Empire of the Punjab served as patrons for all the gold and exquisite marble work conducted. The Darshani Deorhi Arch stands at the beginning of the causeway to the Harmandir Sahib, standing 202 feet (62 m) high and 21 feet (6 m) in width. Emperor Ranjit Singh began the gold plating on the Harmandir Sahib, completed in 1830 C.E. The Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of the Punjab), a generous donor of wealth and materials for the shrine, won the affection by the Punjabi people in general and the Sikh community in particular. Maharaja Ranjit Singh also built two other sacred temples in Sikhism. Maharaja Ranjit Singh's generosity derived from his profound reverence for the tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh . The other two most sacred temples in Sikhism, which he built, include Takht Sri Patna Sahib (initiation or birth place of Guru Gobind Singh) and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib the place of Guru Gobind Singh's Sikh ascension into heaven.

Celebrations at Harmandir Sahib

Vaisakhi, celebrated in the second week of April (13th usually), constitutes one of the most important festivals. Sikhs celebrate the founding of the Khalsa on that day, celebrated with fervor in the Harmandir Sahib. Other important Sikh religious days include the martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur and birthday of Guru Nanak . Similarly Diwali stands out as one of the festivals which sees the Harmandir Sahib beautifully illuminated with Divas/Diyas (lamps) and fireworks. During those special occasions, one to two million pilgrims visit the Holy shrine named Harmandir Sahib. Most Sikhs visit Amritsar and the Harmandir Sahib at least once during lifetime, particularly during special occasions in their life such as birthdays, marriages or birth of their children.

Operation Blue Star

Between June 3 and June 6, 1984, General Kuldip Singh Brar brought Indian troops into the Harmandir Sahib to arrest Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale . He and some followers had taken refuge in the Harmandir Sahib, and resisted the police who sought to arrest him for suspected acts of terrorism . By 1983, the Harmandir Sahib became a shelter for a large number of militants. Bhindranwale and his followers fortified the Harmandir Sahib compound, and some of the surrounding houses. The Statesman reported on July 4 that light machine-guns and sophisticated self-loading rifles had been brought into the compound.

Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered the army to launch Operation Blue Star, leading to fierce fighting between Bhindranwale's supporters and the soldiers. Many of Bhindranwale's supporters, as well as many soldiers, died in the fighting. The Harmandir Sahib complex also suffered much damage from the fighting, especially the holy Sri Akal Takhat Sahib. Many Sikhs regarded the attack as a desecration of their holiest shrine, and their alienation had deep and dramatic consequences. Two of Indira Gandhi's bodyguards, both Sikhs, assassinated her the following October. [4]

Sonia Gandhi in 1998 officially apologized for the assault on the holy Harmandir Sahib, as a great mistake. In 1986, the repairs the Rajiv Gandhi Government undertook on the holy Sri Akal Takhat Sahib without consultation had been removed. Kar Seva (free pilgrim service and work) completed a new Sri Akal Takhat Sahib in 1999.

Other gurdwaras

• Akal Takht, Amritsar, India Dhan Dhan Baba Jarnail Singh Ji, Dhan Dhan Baba Gen. Shahbeg Singh Ji
• Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal, Pakistan
• Bangla Sahib, Delhi, India
• Hazur Sahib, Nanded, India
• Patna Sahib, Patna, India
• Damdama Sahib, Bathinda, India
• Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, India
• Sri Hemkunt Sahib, Chamoli, India

Photo gallery

Nishaan Sahib (Flagstaffs) (Point 7 on map)

Harmandir Sahib Complex

The Entrance to the Harmandir Sahib as seen from the inside of the complex

Panorama of the main building and Sarovar

Harmandir, circa 1870

Langar Canteen, inside Harmandir Sahib

• ↑ 1.0 1.1 Harbans Singh (ed.), Encyclopedia of Sikhism (Punjabi University, 1998, ISBN 817380530X ).
• ↑ The Sikhism Home Page: Sri Guru Granth Sahib Retrieved April 20, 2020.
• ↑ Sukhdeep Singh, Golden Temple, Amritsar Retrieved April 20, 2020.
• ↑ Poonam Taneja, Why 1984 Golden Temple raid still rankles for Sikhs BBC , August 1, 2013. Retrieved April 20, 2020.

References ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

• Seth, Asha. Sri Harmandir Sahib The Golden Temple, a Pilgrimage . Mumbai, India Virtual Studio, 2001. OCLC 52840048
• Singh, Harbans (ed.). Encyclopedia of Sikhism . Punjabi University, 1998. ISBN 817380530X
• Singh, Patwant. The Golden Temple . Hong Kong: ET Pub. Ltd, 1988. ISBN 9627375012
• Yadava, Anurag, and Inderjit Singh Bakshi. Sri Harmandir Sahib: Golden Temple of the Sikhs . Chandigarh: Unistar Books, 2007. ISBN 8189899279

External links

All links retrieved June 25, 2024.

• Amritsar Portal
• Sikhnet.com
• SacredSites.com
• SriGuruGranthSahib.org
• Vídeo Tour of the Temple

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