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Golden Temple

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The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is a famous Sikh gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India. The temple is considered the holiest shrine in Sikhism and is known for its unique architecture, exquisite beauty, and spiritual significance. The temple was built in the 16th century by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, and is designed to symbolize the universal brotherhood of mankind. The temple complex comprises several small shrines and halls, and the main temple is constructed using white marble and features intricate carvings and sculptures. One of the most unique features of the Golden Temple is the langar, or communal kitchen, which serves free vegetarian meals to all visitors, regardless of their religion or social status. The langar is run entirely by volunteers and serves up to 100,000 people a day, making it one of the largest free kitchens in the world. The Langar is a symbol of Sikhism's belief in equality and community service. The temple's architecture is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles and is known for its distinctive golden dome, which is coated with 750 kg of pure gold. The temple's reflection in the nearest water pool known as Amrit Sarovar, is a sight to behold and is considered one of the most beautiful sights in India. The temple is surrounded by a large complex of buildings and gardens, including the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikh religion, and the Dukh Bhanjani Ber, a sacred tree believed to have healing powers. The temple is open to visitors throughout the year, and visitors must adhere to strict dress codes and rituals while inside the temple premises. The temple is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to marvel at its beauty and experience its spiritual energy. The temple is also home to a museum that showcases the history and culture of Sikhism, as well as a library that houses a vast collection of Sikh scriptures and other religious texts. Visitors to the Golden Temple are encouraged to participate in the temple's various rituals and ceremonies, such as the daily recitation of the Sikh scriptures and the evening prayer ceremony, which includes the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs. The Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden located near the Golden Temple. It is a site of historical significance as it is where the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place in 1919. The massacre was a turning point in India's struggle for independence from British rule. Overall, the Golden Temple is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India and the enduring power of faith, spirituality, and selfless devotion toward humanity. A visit to the temple is an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of Sikhism and the people who practice it.

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How to Reach

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By Air

The nearest airport to the Golden Temple is Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar. It is well connected to major cities in India as well as international destinations. From the airport, avail taxi and rickshaw service to reach the Golden Temple, which is approximately 15 minutes away.

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By Rail

Amritsar Junction is the main railway station in the city and is well-connected to major cities in India. From the railway station, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, or taxi service is available to the Golden Temple. It is located around 2.5 kilometers away from the station and takes about 10-15 minutes to reach, depending on traffic conditions.

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By Road

Amritsar is well-connected by road to various cities in Punjab and other parts of North India. You can reach Amritsar by state-run buses, or avail of private bus, or taxi service. The Golden Temple is located in the heart of the city, and there are parking facilities available nearby.

Getting Around

Amritsar is a city in the northwestern Indian state of Punjab, 28 kilometers from the border with Pakistan. At the center of its walled old town, the gilded Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) is the holiest gurdwara (religious complex) of the Sikh religion. It's at the end of a causeway, surrounded by the sacred Amrit Sarovar tank (lake), where pilgrims bathe. Located near the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh is a historic public garden that holds great significance in India's freedom struggle. It is the site of the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. Visit the memorial and pay homage to the martyrs. Experience the Wagah Border Ceremony, a daily military ceremony that takes place at the India-Pakistan border, about 32 kilometers from the Golden Temple. The ceremony showcases the border closing ceremony and the lowering of the flags of both nations. It is a patriotic and lively event. Explore the Akal Takht, one of the five takhts (thrones) of Sikhism, located within the Golden Temple complex. Also, visit the Sikh Museum to learn about the history, teachings, and traditions of Sikhism. Amritsar is famous for its delicious Punjabi cuisine. Indulge in local specialties like Amritsari Kulcha, Makki di Roti with Sarson da Saag, and the famous Amritsari Lassi. Partition Museum, Gobindgarh Fort, Shri Durgiana Temple, Mata Lal Devi Temple, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Palace & Museum are must-visit places near Golden Temple.

Do's and Don'ts

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Do's
  • Cover your head with a handkerchief/scarf/dupatta(don't worry if you forget to bring a scarf as headscarves are sold outside at a very cheap price).
  • Remove your shoes and wash your feet by walking through pools before entering the temple, as there is a cloakroom in the Golden Temple for shoes. There is provision for keeping shoes, and luggage of the devotees, free of cost. One must get a token after depositing one's shoes/belongings.
  • Please deposit your valuables including jewelry and cash at the counters provided for the same in the Sri Darbar Sahib complex.
  • Wear closed-shoulder dresses, avoid wearing sleeveless dresses, and avoid wearing shorts or dresses above the knees.
  • Please switch off your mobiles before entering the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  • Anyone can take a dip in the holy sarovar (pool of nectar) but the use of soap or shampoo is not allowed. If you so desire, you can wash yourself with soap at the washrooms provided in the parikrama (periphery). The wet clothes may kindly be deposited in a Wet-Clothes-Room.
  • If any infant happens to urinate in the Parikarma, please clean it immediately or inform the duty Sewadars about it.
  • Walk clockwise around the pool and temple on the wide marble walkway.
  • Any complaint regarding any staff member / Sewadar / Management should be lodged at the office of Sri Harmandir Sahib located in the Parikarma near Darshni Deori and Ber Baba Budha Ji.
Don'ts
  • Photography is prohibited and only allowed at the outer Parikrama (the periphery/ the outer boundary). One needs to take special permission for photography inside the main temple.
  • Swimming is strictly prohibited in Sarovar.
  • It is strictly prohibited to serve or eat any eatables in the Parikarma, or to loiter about with an uncovered head.
  • It is not allowed to read or sell newspapers or play cards in the Parikarma.
  • Nobody can hold a religious congregation or deliver a lecture inside the Parikrama unless permitted by SGPC(Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee).
  • Devotees should not pay any money to Sewadars on duty.
  • Karah-Prasad (holy offering) should be distributed only after one's exit from the Sanctum Sanctorum. Its distribution on the bridge creates congestion which hampers the smooth movement of devotees.
  • Please do not take a bath at 'Har Ki Paori'.