The well-known Golden temple is just not a religious place, but also a symbol of quality, a symbol of human brotherhood. This temple is just not famous in India, but also famous in the world because this temple is not bound to visit by a specific cast, this temple is irrespective of any religion, caste, or culture. The golden temple shows the glory and heritage of the Sikhs.
The golden temple located in Amritsar, Punjab has a unique and incredible architecture which is why it is famous across the world. The temple is built at a level lower level than the surrounding land level. There are fours entrance grated in all four directions, which represents that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.
You know, The Golden temple is famous for its full golden dome, it is one of the holiest pilgrim spots for Sikhs. The temple is built on a 67-foot square of marble and is a two-storied structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh built the upper half of the building with approximately 400 kg of gold leaf. Moreover, the golden temple is surrounded by other famous temples like Durgiana Temple. The fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das, had built a pool here, which houses the Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib. Also, the sage Valmiki wrote the Ramayana here. Vem, Rama, and Sita are believed to have spent their exile period of 14 years in Amritsar, the epicenter of Sikhism. The south of the temple is the garden and the tower of Baba Atal. The central Sikh Museum is on the top of the clock tower. The Guru ka Langar provides food for free to around 20000 people every day and this number extends to 100,000 on special occasions.
Furthermore, while entering the temple not just this golden temple, but every gurdwara you are visiting, you should cover your head before visiting and take out your shoes. The Granth Sahib is kept in the temple during the day and is kept in the Akal Takht or Eternal throne in night time. The Akal Takht is the house of ancient weapons that were used by the Sikh warriors and Guru Hargobind created this. There is an old Jubi tree in the Northwest corner of the compound that is believed to have special powers. The tree was planted around 450 years ago by the Golden temple’s first high priest Baba Buddha.
Also visit: Vaishno devi mandir – best Hindu pilgrimage destination in jammu Kashmir
Let’s talk about the history, the land where the golden temple was established was donated by the Mughal emperor Akbar on which the construction started in 1574. The foundation was seen by the fourth and fifth Sikh Gurus, and the entire construction was completed after 27 years, in 1601. In the 19th century, the inverted lotus-shaped dome was entirely decorated with 100 kilograms of gold and other decorative marbles under the direction of patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who was a legendary warrior king, who is remembered by the Sikh community till now.
In 1984, then PM of India ordered an attack on the armed Sikh militants who were hiding inside the Golden temple. In that fight, more than 500 people were killed and injured, and Sikhs across the globe were in anger at this outrageous violation of their holy place. Sikh community did not allow the central government to undertake the repair of the damage that they had caused to the great temple, and they work themselves to repair the damage. The temple has been consequentially built since then, but the incident remains fresh in the memory of the locals.
How to reach the golden temple?
The Golden Temple can be reached by local transport including auto and rickshaws which is the most convenient mode of transportation. The Golden Temple Trust also arranges free bus services from the Amritsar Railway Station to carry the passengers to the temple.
By Air- The Amritsar airport known as Raja Sansi International Airport is the nearest airport to the temple which is situated at a distance of 11 Km from the city.
By Train- there are regular trains available from Delhi, one can take Taxis and three-wheelers like cycle rickshaws and e-rickshaws to take the passengers to the Golden temple.
By Road- Traveling from Delhi to Amritsar by road is one of the best options because both cities are very well-connected to a highway network.
