CALL IT SRI HARMANDIR SAHIB OR DARBAR SAHIB, REGARDS IT AS A TOURIST DESTINATION OR A RELIGIOUS PLACE, BUT THE MONOLOTHIC GOLDEN TEMPLE IN AMRITSAR, WITH A HOLY LAKE AND A GOLDEN DOME IS TRULY AN ICONIC MASTERPIECE IN EVERY POSSIBLE WAY…
INDIAN SAFARIS AND HOLIDAYS IS WALK YOU THROUGH THE EVERY DETAILS OF GOLDEN TEMPLE OF AMRITSAR.
The popular city of Amritsar, in Punjab, is synonymous with with The Golden Temple and is revered site for the Sikhs. Tracing its original name to Harmandir Sahib which means the `Temple of God`. The Gurudwara is thronged by Sikh devotees from all parts of the world.
The onus for adding sanctity to Amritsar goes to Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru, who hit upon the idea to build the Gurudwara. This amazing place of worship has held holy significance ever since its inception. The foundation had been laid by the Sufi Saint Hazrat Mian Mit in December 1588 and construction work was completed in 1601.
Amritsar is a place of both stupendous beauty and sublime peacefulness. The temple’s architecture draws on both Hindu and Moslem artistic styles yet represents a unique co-evolution of the two. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) Hari Mandir was richly ornamented with marble sculptures, golden gliding, and large quantities of precious stones. Within the sanctuary, on a jewel-studded platform, lies and Adi Grantha, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs.
Amritsar, the original name of the ancient lake, then the temple complex, and still later the surrounding city means “pool of ambrosial nectar.” Looking deeply into the origins of this word `amirit` we find that it indicates a drink of the gods, a rare and magical substance that catalyses euphoric states of consciousness and spiritual enlightenment.
With this world we have a very clear example of the spirit, power or energetic character of a particular place becoming encoded as an ancient geographical place name. The myth is not just a fairy tale. It reveals itself as a coded metaphor if we have the knowledge to read the code; The waters of Amritsar flowing into the lake of the Hari Mandir were long ago and remain today – a bringer of peacefulness.
The Golden Temple stands on a rectangular platform surrouned by a poll of water called the Amrit Sarovar. The entrance to the temple complex is through an ornate archway, which is intricately decorated with inlay wood. On the doorway one finds the inscription of verses from the holy Granth Sahib.
The main entrance to the temple, known as the Darshani Deori, is under a Victorian clock tower. The two storey marble temple can be reached by a bridge know as Guru’s Bridge. Its architecture has a fine blend of the Hindu and Muslim styles. The lower floor is made of white marble and has nicely decorated walls with inlaid flowers and animal motifs. The upper storey is gold plated., which is capped with a golden dome, shaped like an inverted lotus.
One can enter the temple through its four entry points which is also symbolic of openness and the interiors are nicely decorated with carved wooden panels and extensive inlay work in silver and gold.
The tank and the temple have been a source of inspiration to the Sikh community ever since its foundation. The Golden Temple was built in the year 1601, and the Guru Granth Sahib, the famous religious book of Sikhs was installed in 1604. The Harmandir Sahib is a two storey marble structure with an imposing dome of pure gold, which the meant to represent an inverted lotus flower.
The interior of the temple is decorated with semi precious stones, frescos and glass work. Amritsar, literally `a pool of nectar`, was founded by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das, in 1534 – 1581, who had initially constructed a pool here. Though most known because of its famous Gurudwara, The Golden Temple, it is also believed to be the site where Sage Valmiki wrote the epic, Ramayana. According to popular belief, Rama and Sita has spent a brief period of their 14 year exile in this Gurudwara which served as the most important house of worships for the Sikhs.
Originally built in 1604, the temple sustained repeated damage from attack by Afghan invaders. During the early 19th century reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the temple was rebuilt using marble, copper, and an overlay of gold foil. The temple sits on a small island and connects with land on the west by way of a marble causeway.
One cannot complete talking about Golden Temple without mentioning Harike Wetland, the lake formed at the point of confluence of rivers Beas and Sutlej and Harike ford, situated mid-way between Amritsar and Frezepur.
The devour believe that by reciting Japji Sahib, the divine `word’ revealed to Guru Nanal Devji at each step after taking a bath in the Baoli provides `Moksh`, liberation from 84,000 cycles of life of this world.
THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS NEAR THE GOLDEN TEMPLE ARE :
Akak Takht : it is situated next to the Golden Temple and is the seat of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee ( the religious governing body of the Sikhs). The Adi Granth which is the sacred book of the Sikhs is placed here, and is taken out in a procession daily in the morning to the Golden temple and brought back at night.
Adi Granth : The holy book compiled by Guru Arjan Dev, lies on a throne beneath a jewel-encrusted canopy. The Sikh Priests continuously recite verses from this holy book.
Shrines : The Shrines situated on the northern corner of the corridor are venerated as the 68 holy shrines of the Hindus.
Guru Ka Langar : The Guru Ka Langar is a community canteen, which was started in the 16th century.
The Jubi Tree : The Jubi Tree stands at the north western edge of the complex, and is believed to be planted around 450 years ago.
FESTIVALS & CELEBRATIONS AT AMRITSAR
Each year the birthday of Guru Nanak Sahib (the founder of Sikhism) is celebrated in November. The occasion sees a congregation of all faiths all over the world who gather year after year.
Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, the tenth Nanak’s birthday generally falls in December or January or Sometimes twice within a year as it is calculated accordingly to Hindu Bikrami Calendar based on moon year. Accordingly to Nanakshahi calendar the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib falls only once in a year i.e. on 5th January (every year).
WHERE TO STAY
There are lots of wonderful places to stay in Hyderabad to suit all tastes and budgets. Our favourite hotel are is Taj Swarna and Ranjit’s SVAASA for its excellent service .
If you’d like to explore this “Temple of God” (Golden Temple) in Amritsar with an extension to North India tour or Golden Triangle Tour,, please do get in touch..
