Things to Know About The Golden Temple

The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. There are a lot of things to Know About The Golden Temple. Everybody, irrespective of caste, creed, or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory, and heritage of the Sikhs. To pen down the philosophy, ideology, inner and outer beauty, and the historical legacy of Sri Harimandir Sahib is a momentous task. It is a matter of experience rather than a description.

Visiting Amritsar and not visiting the famous Golden Temple is a perfect NO. One of the most sacred shrines for the people of the Sikh religion across the globe. Also called Swarna Mandir. Many facts are still unknown to many about this temple. Additionally, unlike several other spiritual places that have a solo entrance, the Golden Temple has four entries, representing the directness of Sikhism to individuals from all paces of life.

Spiritual Importance

The Golden Temple of Amritsar is also popular in the religious world as “Darbar Sahib” or “Harmandar Sahib”. It is among the oldest places of worship for Indian Sikhs. Visited by people of all religions in large numbers yearly.

Golden Temple is all around surrounded by a lake which is manmade and acts as home to lots of exotic fish. Pilgrims are suggested to take a dip in this water before offering prayers in Gurdwara. To enter the temple, one needs to walk on the water. The lake is also known as the Pool of holy nectar because of its sweet water. Also known as ‘Amrit Sarovar’ One can enter the temple from all four different sides. This indicates the sign of openness and acceptance of all religions on the temple premise.

History

Earlier there was no gold cover on the temple. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, during his reign as ruler of Punjab, renovated the temple and covered it with gold. The renovation work was done in the 19th century period. Made to look like what it is today. Furthermore, the Golden Temple was not just called for its golden presence. It is covered with real gold. The higher two floors of the temple are shielded with around 750 kg of pure gold, open-handed in its remarkable sparkly outdoors.

Well before the construction of the first Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Nanak, spent time here doing meditation right on the temple site. Consequently, there was no temple up to the fifth Guru. During the time of Guru Arjun Singh, construction of the temple was done. Additionally, close to 35 % of the visited population of pilgrims in this temple are of other religions. Also, they visit it to take the blessings of Harmandar Sahib irrespective of caste and creed.

The Golden Temple is known for its free ground by Sikhs and has been the attention of important historical and radical trials. Moreover, it was even given political protection throughout the Indo-Pakistani war in 1971 to guarantee its safety.

Seva

Let’s discuss more about Things to Know About The Golden Temple. Langars are organized every day on the temple premises. Moreover, preparations of the food and serving are done by the people who have the urge to seek the blessings of Harmandar Sahib by serving mankind. At Golden Temple during special festive occasions, close to 200,000 people served in Langar. The fact that all food that is prepared and served shows a part of the donations made by followers of Harmandar Sahib. People of all religions, cast, and creeds can participate in Langar preparation and can also enjoy the food of Langar.

Architecture & Things to Know About The Golden Temple

One can notice the hand-painted mosaics and patterns on the walls of the temple which is one of the most popular symbols of Mughal Art. Thus, signifies the genius of Indian architecture. The upper top section of this temple is made out of pure gold. The application of gold at the top adds to the beauty of the temple making it look extraordinary.

The foundation stone for the Golden Temple was laid, not by someone from the Sikh religion, but by Hazrat Mian Mir who was a Muslim Sufi saint, in the year 1588. The temple is known for its spectacular construction, with its gleaming golden exterior and the central building surrounded by a holy pool, known as the Amrit Sarovar.

The temple’s construction is a blend of Hindu and Islamic elegances, representing the broad nature of Sikhism. Moreover, the temple has a rich past and has endured numerous attacks and incursions over the eras. Furthermore, it embraces the Akal Takht, which is one of the five seats of historical symbol for Sikhs.

Gurbani and routine

All day, the Gurbani at the Golden Temple was endlessly narrated and sung by the musicians as part of the never-ending Kirtan. Similarly, the day at the Golden Temple starts early morning with the Amrit Vela. The time measured perfectly for meditation and narration of prayers.

In the evening, the Guru Granth Sahib, the central spiritual sacred scripture of Sikhism, was ritually brought to the temple sanctorum from the Akal Takht. It is a pattern of Prakash of the Guru Granth Sahib. Followers complete the ritual of Parkarma. This includes walking respectfully around the central tomb while narrating prayers from the Guru Granth Sahib.

The temple closes for the dark. The Sukhasan ritual takes place during which the Guru Granth Sahib ritualistically closes for the day.

Conclusion – Things to Know About The Golden Temple

The Golden Temple in Amritsar is a place of spiritual devotion and divine meaning for Sikhs. The daily ceremonies and practices at the Golden Temple are profoundly engrained in Sikh traditions and passed out with respect and dedication. You must visit the Golden Temple. Get blessings from Harmandar Sahib. It endures to motivate and charm people from various backgrounds, making it an esteemed sign of harmony and love. These lesser-known facts about the Golden Temple add deepness to its magic and offer an insight into the complex heritage of this legendary place of devotion. A visit to the Golden Temple is a lifetime experience.