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Sri Harmandir Sahib(Golden Temple)

Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, is one of the most revered and iconic sites in India. Located in Amritsar, Punjab, it serves as the spiritual and cultural epicentre of the Sikh religion. Here is a detailed overview of Sri Harmandir Sahib as a tourist destination:

Golden Temple

Historical and Cultural Significance

History:

Founded by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, in 1577.

Completed by his successor, Guru Arjan Dev, in 1604, who also installed the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism, in the temple.

The temple was rebuilt in 1764 by Maharaja Ranjit Singh after it was destroyed by Afghan invaders. He covered the upper floors of the gurdwara with gold, giving it the name 'Golden Temple'.

Night View

Architecture:

• A blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.
• The temple is built on a 67-foot square platform in the centre of a sacred pool .
• The upper floors are covered in gold leaf.
• The sanctum is a two-story structure topped by a dome gilded with 750 kilograms of pure gold.

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  Beautiful Architecture

  Key Features and Attractions

Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple):

• The central shrine, which is the main attraction, is a mesmerizing structure with a golden dome.
• Visitors can enter the temple by crossing the Guru's Bridge, a causeway leading into the temple.

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  Amritsar(Golden Temple)

  Akal Takht:

• Located in the Golden Temple complex, it is the highest seat of earthly authority of the Khalsa (the collective body of all initiated Sikhs).

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  Akal Takht

  Guru-Ka-Langar:

• The community kitchen serves free meals (langar) to all visitors, regardless of their religion or background. It can serve up to 100,000 people a day.

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  Langar

  Visitor Experience

Entry and Dress Code:

.Open to people of all faiths.
.Visitors must remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering the temple premises.
.Photography is allowed in the outer areas but is restricted inside the main sanctum.

Best Time to Visit:

• Early morning hours for the serene atmosphere and the morning prayers.
• Evenings for the beautifully illuminated temple and the closing ceremony (Palki Sahib).

Festivals:

• Baisakhi (April) and Diwali (October-November) are celebrated with great forever, attracting thousands of pilgrims.

Other Activities:

• Participate in the volunteer services (seva) in the kitchen, cleaning, or any other area.
• Attend the spiritual discourses and kirtan (devotional singing) sessions held throughout the day.

Accessibility and Accommodation

Accommodation:

• Numerous hotels ranging from budget to luxury are available near the temple.
• The Golden Temple complex also provides free accommodation to pilgrims in the Guru Arjan Dev Niwas and other inns.

Practical Tips

• Be prepared for a security check at the entrance.
• Maintain the sanctity and follow the rules of the premises.
• Keep yourself hydrated and wear comfortable clothing as it can be quite crowded.

Nearby Attractions

• Jallianwala Bagh: A historic site of the 1919 massacre, located just a short walk from the Golden Temple.

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  Jallianwala Bagh

  Partition Museum: Offers a poignant insight into the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947.

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  Partition Museum

  Wagah Border: Witness the famous border ceremony between India and Pakistan, about 28 km from Amritsar.

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  Wagah Border

  Sri Harmandir Sahib is not just a place of worship but a symbol of equality, peace, and community service. It offers a profound and enriching experience for visitors from around the world.