Golden Temple

A Gateway To Sikhism
The Golden Temple is a living symbol of spiritual and historical traditions of the Sikhs. It is a place of both stupendous beauty and sublime peacefulness. The temple lies amidst a small lake that provides a heavenly look to the entire surrounding. The site also has been a meditation retreat for the wandering mendicants and sages since deep antiquity. It is also said that Buddha spend quality time at this place in contemplation. The foundation of Shri Harimandir is the most significant achievement of the Sikh gurus. The origin of the place where the Golden Temple stands is shrouded in mystery. Some traditions trace its origin from the pre-historic period as a place of considerable religious importance in the form of an Amrit Kund ( spring Nectar). This version is derived from ancient Hindu Puranas.

Antiquity Reverberates
The temple began to be constructed 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 dome of The temple is covered with 100 kg of gold leaf.
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.

Architectural Glory
The architecture of the temple is a fine amalgamation of both Hindu and Moslem artistic styles. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), Hari Mandir was richly ornamented with marble sculptures, golden gilding, and large quantities of precious stones. Inside the temple premises, on a jewel – studded platform lies the Adi Grantha, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. Echoing across the serene lake, the enchantingly beautiful music of the prayers and the hymns on the music induces a delicate yet powerful state of trance in the pilgrims strolling leisurely around the marble concourse encircling the pool and temple. Next to the temple complex are enormous pilgrims' dormitories and dining halls where all persons, irrespective of race, religion, or gender, are lodged and fed for free.

Location - Amritsar
Best Time To Visit – October to December
Accessibility
Amritsar is well connected by Rail , air and Road, thereby making the place far more easily reachable by the pilgrims from all over the world.

Air : Flights operate to the Rajasansi airport at Amritsar from many national destinations. A few international flights also land at the airport.

Rail : Amritsar is well connected by railway network. Regular trains operate between Amritsar and national capital Delhi.

Road : Buses are available to Amritsar from Delhi and other destinations of Punjab. Amritsar is at a distance of 234 kms from Chandigarh and 464 kms from Delhi.

Go Devotional this October..
Golden Temple awaits.