Travel-India

Golden Temple / Harmandir Sahib

Golden Temple or Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, India, is the most sacred gurudwara or Sikh temple in India. Situated in Punjab, the sacred land of five rivers, Golden Temple is visited by people of all faiths from all over the world.

Golden Temple, also known as Darbar Sahib or Harmandir Sahib, is considered to be the holiest site of Sikhs as it was here that Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhs was first installed after its compilation.

Also, Golden Temple was built under the guidance of Sikh Gurus themselves. As the story goes, Guru Amar Das, the third Sikh Guru, asked Sri Ram Das, who later succeeded Guru Amar Das, to build a place of congregation for the Sikhs.

Obeying his Guru’s instructions, Guru Ram Das began excavation of the site in 1577 which was completed under the guidance of The Fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Das, who began the construction of The Golden Temple structure and brought it to completion in 1601 AD.

The first compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib was installed in the Golden Temple in 1604 AD and Baba Buddha was appointed as the first ‘granthi’, that is, the caretaker of the holy book.

An institution by itself, Golden Temple symbolizes the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. The building of The Golden Temple is built a level lower than the surrounding land teaching the lesson of humility. Entrances on all four sides preach egalitarianism and signify that people from all walks of life are equally welcome making no distinction between castes and creeds.

The calm water of the ‘Amrit sarovar’, holy tank around the Golden Temple, adorning glorious reflection of the magnificent structure with constant recitation of Kirtan in the background, makes the ambience encaptivating.

Opposite to the temple is the ‘Akal Takht’ which literally means the eternal throne. While the temple stands for spiritual guidance, the Akal Takht symbolizes the dispensing of justice and temporal activities. In the past, all Sikh warriors sought blessings here before proceeding for war.

Akal Takht is one of the Five Takhts, that is, the five Sikh Gurudwaras which hold special significance for the Sikh community. The Five Takhts are considered to be the seats of Sikh religious authority where decisions concerning the religious and social life of the Sikh community are taken.

Akal Takht is the oldest of the five takhts, the others being, Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Takht Sri Hazur Sahib and Takht Sri Patna Sahib.

The temple complex has a Sikh Reference Library and a Central Sikh Museum which houses a huge collection of paintings depicting the history and culture of Sikhs.

One of the three jujube trees within the premises of the temple complex is popularly called ‘Dukh Bhanjani Beri’. It’s believed to dispel sorrows as the pond water around the ‘beri’ is said to possess curative properties and hence relieve one from pains and afflictions. Sections of the holy pond, marked off by ropes are set aside for pilgrims (males and children) wishing to take a dip here.

Then there is a small shrine located right next to Akal Takht, ‘Gurudwara Thara Sahib’, dedicated to the ninth Guru of Sikhs, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, who came here to take blessings of Darbar Sahib soon after he was announced as the next Guru.

It was here that the Guru prayed after the priests, custodians of Harmandir Sahib, closed the doors on Guru Tegh Bahadur to serve their own interests as they feared that they would lose control over the temple.

After praying for some time the Guru proceeded on his destined journey. A small Gurudwara was built at this spot much later which is now known as Gurudwara Thara Sahib.

Not to miss is ‘Athsath Tirath’ (a marble platform cast in the shape of a ‘manji’). It’s said that a dip here is as auspicious as visiting all the 68 holiest places in India.

‘Langar’ is run throughout the year for visitors where people from all castes, creed and colour, sit and eat together.

Accommodation or Lodging Facilities at Golden Temple, Amritsar

There is plenty of accommodation, provided and maintained by Sri Harmandir Sahib authorities, within the premises in the form of Niwas-sthans (lodging facilities) with a few reserved for foreign tourists.

The reception counters are active round the clock to attend the pilgrims seeking accommodation.

The accommodation in Niwas-sthans at Golden Temple is provided on first-come-first-serve basis and is subject to availability.

The booking office for lodging facilities is located at Sri Guru Arjan Dev Niwas.

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Niwas

Situated at the entrance of the main Sarai area, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Niwas has 65 rooms with attached bathrooms for the pilgrims.

The main booking office for lodging facilities is located here. It is also home to a branch of Punjab & Sind Bank and a Post Office.

Accomodation Tariffs:

Ordinary Room: INR 200 per day + INR 600 Refundable Security Deposit

Room with Geyser: INR 300 per day + INR 600 Refundable Security Deposit

Air Conditioned room: INR 500 per day + INR 1000 Refundable Security Deposit

Sri Guru Ram Das Niwas

Built in 1931, Sri Guru Ram Das Niwas has 160, out of 228 rooms, and 18 halls available for pilgrims. The accommodation has all modern amenities and common bathrooms.

Accomodation Tariffs:

There is no room tariff. Only a security deposit of INR 100

Sri Guru Nanak Niwas

Out of 80 rooms within the premises, 21 are available for pilgrims while others are used as sectarian offices of SGPC. The pilgrims staying here have to share common bathrooms.