The Golden Temple is the most beautiful of the known gurudwara of India. It is located in the city of Amritsar. The golden temple is known for its spiritual significance and also for its architectural beauty. This place is also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. The peaceful and enchanting Gurbani which is played throughout the day gives immense pleasure to the ears and the soul. Delicious langer which is served over here and the dip in Amrit Sarovar, one can never come dissatisfied from here.
Do you know?
The golden temple is also known as Harmandir sahib or darbar sahib and it is the holiest pilgrimage place for the Sikh community. Golden Temple is the ultimate tourist destination in India, people from all over the world, do visit here. You will find inner peace over here, the spectacular place of worship. Irrespective of the religion, people from all caste and religions, love to come over here. If you want to explore Punjab then you should start your journey with Amritsar and its golden temple.
Here is the list of things that you should know about the Golden Temple in Amritsar, which includes its history, architecture, timings, and much more related facts.
Golden Temple Information:
| Temple location | Amritsar |
| Entry and exit timings | 4:00 am to 11:00 pm; every day |
| Entry Fees | Free |
| Cameras and phones | Allowed |
| Establishment in the year | 1588 (origins) |
| Also called | Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib |
A Special Note -Take care of the attire, you should dress properly before entering the golden temple. Also, remove your shoes before entering the compound and do cover your head with a scarf.
History of Golden Temple
As we know the golden temple is the most important pilgrimage site for the Sikh community in India. The foundation stone for the gurudwara was laid in the year 1581 and its construction was completed in the year 1588. The principal scripture of Sikhism is Adi Granth. A copy of it was placed inside the gurudwara by the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjan in the year 1604. One important fact about the golden temple is that the shrine was destroyed many times. By the Mughals Empire and their armies who are marching from Afghanistan but each time Sikhs rebuilt it also at that time the shrine was called Ath Sath Tirath.
If we hark back on the construction and the edifice of the golden temple, it dates back to the 18th century. The Sultan-e-Quam Sardar jassa Singh started the construction under his supervision in the year 1764 and completed it in 1776. After that, the gurudwara was renovated and decorated with gold foil in the year 1830 which is around, half a century later its construction. All of this is led by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and from that Harmandir sahib is known as Golden Temple.
About the Architecture of Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is situated in the middle of Amritsarovar, which is the beautiful water body in Amritsar city. Also, Amritsar derived its name from Amrit Sarovar. The golden temple is the best tourist destination in Amritsar because of its different architectural styles. shrine display both the architecture Indo-Islamic and Hindu Rajput Architecture. The Shrine temple inside view is so captivating, the structure of the temple is two-storied.
The lower level is built of marble and the upper level of this two-storied structure is covered with gold panels. The top dome of the shrine is covered with 750 kg of gold, it makes the architecture of the temple more vibrant. Entry doors of the golden temple are also covered with gold foil. You will be just amazed to see the interiors of this beautiful shrine.
There is only one gate to enter gurudwara whereas there is a total of four entrances to the golden temple. Apart from this, the scripture of the Sikhs is etched in gold lettering on the arches of the shrine. Here you can also see a clock tower, a museum, offices, and a community kitchen which is generally called langar over here. Golden temple is part of a wide and large complex, it has several tourist attractions, here are the top attraction and major things to see in the golden temple complex.
- Akal Takht, a site of authority in Sikhism
- Teja Singh Samundri Hall, the office of the temple management
- A clock tower, added by the colonial rulers
- Ber Trees, bearing various religious significance
- Sikh history museum
- Guru Ram Das Langar, comprising a community-run kitchen and dining hall where free food is served 24 hours
Attractions near Golden Temple
Jallianwala Bagh
Jallianwala Bagh is approximately 600m away from Golden temple, As we all know it is the most historic place in India. It is must visit place in Amritsar as well as it is close to the golden temple. This place is now converted into a memorial who sacrificed their lives in the Amritsar massacre. There is an abundance of information written about the Jallianwala bagh massacre. You should visit this place if you come to Amritsar.
Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai
Gurudwara baba atal rai is also around 750 m away from the golden temple and it is situated to the south of the golden temple. It is also the best place to visit in Amritsar as it is the divine and historical in the heart city of Amritsar. The architecture of Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai is truly wonderful, it is 40 meters high and is the tallest building in Amritsar. The view from the top is picture perfect
Durgiana Temple
Durgiana temple in Amritsar is approximately (1.3 km) away from the golden temple complex. This place is incredible and beautiful, it is a religious place that must visit if you are searching golden temple nearby a tourist attraction.
Gobindgarh Fort
Gobindgarh Fort is also close to the golden temple complex. It is located inside the Lohgarh Darwaza. The 7D show here has a major tourist attraction, Kids love to watch the history of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Adding to this Dance performance and also the food over here simply wow. You will find the amazing hanging point, the ideal time to spend here is around 1-2 hours. A must-visit place if you are in Amritsar.
Mata Lal Devi Temple
The Mata Lal Devi Temple is one of the famous nearby places of the Golden temple. It is approximately (3.2 km) away from the Golden temple. People from all over India visit this place. The temple is beautiful and the ambiance of the temple is also amazing. Along with it, the temple has an attractive and splendid interior structure.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum is 4.1 km away from the golden temple. It is also the best place to visit in Amritsar. It is situated in Company Bagh and this museum will tell you every inch of the history of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The Partition Museum
The Partition Museum is part of the newly inaugurated heritage street at Amritsar. It starts at Golden temple and ends at the town hall. This museum highlights the partition which took place during independence. It showcases videos and newspaper clippings of the personnel who are affected during the partition.
Tarn Taran Sahib
Taran Taran Sahib Ji Temple is a close Golden temple and it is just beautiful and perfect. It is open throughout the day and night. This place is serene and has the biggest Sarovar, if you are in Amritsar don’t miss the experience of this place.
Khalsa College
Khalsa college in Amritsar is also popular in Amritsar, because its magnificent architecture. This Sikh architecture is just spell bounding. It was constructed in 19 the century and its design was created by Bhai Ram Singh Ji.
The beauty and holiness of the Golden Temple cannot be explained in words. This place is something which only can be experienced. A large chunk of people come here for peace and tranquility. Everything over here is so vibrant and attractive whether it is the golden temple complex or the nearby places. So, don’t forget to visit historical places in Amritsar which are located nearby. Such as Jallianwala bagh, Mata lal devi mandir, Maharaja Ranjit singh Museum, Khalsa college. Also, do explore the best restaurants in Amritsar which are also situated near the golden temple, they have the best Amritsar cuisines.
