Golden Temple - Surrender To The Almighty

As fragrance abides in the flower
As reflection is within the mirror,
So does your Lord abide within you,
Why search for him without ?

The Golden Temple alias the Hari Mandir is located in Amritsar, Punjab. It is one of the most exalted and sacred shrines of the Sikhs and draws pilgrims from near and far centuries. The splendour of the big dome and small minarets transforms this temple into a fairy world palace for the devotees of the Sikh faith.

The Temple Construction
The temple's story began some four centuries ago when the third Sikh Guru Amar Das asked Guru Ram Das (who succeeded him) to build a central place for the congregation of the Sikhs. Guru Arjun Dev completed the work started by Guru Ram Das in the 16th century. It was during the reign of Arjun Dev that the full fledged temple was built. The Golden Temple Gurdwara has four entrance doors, called deoris, in all four directions-symbolic of the new faith that made no distinction between caste and creed. The temple is located in a large tank called Amrita Sarovara or “ Pool of Nectar”. The dome of the temple is covered with 100 kg of gold leaf. This is the main reason behind the temple being named as the Golden Temple. The interior of the temple is very elaborate.
The 52-meter, square-based Hari Mandir stands on a square platform, its lower parts marble, and its upper portion fully covered with plates of gilded copper. On the first floor is a small pavilion called the Shish Mahal (mirror room). It is ornamented with pieces of mirrors inlaid in the ceiling and walls. Above is another smaller pavilion. Exquisite murals adorn the walls of the pavilions, but other than that, the emphasis is on simplicity.
Situated at the other end of the causeway connected to the Harmandir Sahib is the Akal Takht. Literally, it means the eternal throne and its building opposite the temple has a significance.

Art & Architecture
All the exquisite marble work, decorative gliding and gold work were conducted under the patronage of Maharaha Ranjit Singh and are worth seeing.
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.

Scoop
Place - Amritsar
Area -Not Found
Altitude -4329 mts.
Built In- 1601
Built By -Arjun Dev
Best Season To visit - October to December
Local Transport - Cycle Rickshaws, taxis and city buses

Accommodation and other facilities
Amritsar has a number of mid-range and luxury hotels- the latter mainly along Mall Road. There are smaller guesthouses too, and a youth hostel which houses the Punjab Tourism Development Corporation office. Besides these, there is accommodation at the Golden Temple itself; the Guru Ram Das and Guru Nanak hostels on one side of the complex offer free accommodation up to three nights for visitors.
All across Amritsar are restaurants and eateries galore, where apart from the local food, you can also get international cuisine, although usually not too authentic. If you’re visiting the temple, however, it’s best to go to the langar for a taste of traditional Sikh hospitality. The `Guru-ka-langar’ or community canteen is a Sikh institution, which was started by Guru Amar Das in the 16th century. The practice of eating together encouraged shedding of inhibitions and the principle of equality. The community kitchen at the Golden Temple feeds up to 10,000 people in a day, free of charges.

Amritsar Times
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021111/main1.htm
http://www.newkerala.com/news4.php?action=fullnews&id=64550

Map Of Amritsar
http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/punjab/amritsar.htm
Getting There
Being the religious capital of Punjab-and one of India’s most important cities- Amritsar is well connected by plane, train and road to the rest of the country. Amritsar’s Rajasansi Airport has air links to Delhi, Srinagar and Chandigarh; the local train station has regular trains to most major cities in the country.
In addition to air and rail connections, Amritsar also has frequent bus services from cities and towns both within Punjab as well as in other states. Besides this, there’s a bus service from Lahore (35 km away), the only overland service between India and Pakistan.