All about The Golden Temple
The
Golden Temple is considered as the most sacred place of the Sikhs. Just like
the Amarnath ji for Hindus and Kaba is sacred for Muslims, similarly the Golden
Temple holds importance for the Sikhs. The Golden Temple for Sikhs is very important.
It is also known as "Ath Sat Tirath". Arjun Dev, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, started the construction work of Golden Temple (Sri Harimandir Sahib) in Amritsar, Punjab.
It is said that Harimandir Sahib's dream was to the third
Sikh Guru Amar Das ji. But its main work was started by the fifth Guru Guru
Arjun Dev Ji.
The Golden Temple is also considered as a form of religious
unity. Despite being a Sikh pilgrimage, the foundation of the temple of
Harimandir Sahib i.e. the golden temple was laid by Sufi saint Mian Mir ji.
There is a lake surrounded by the Golden Temple which is
called Amritsar Sarovar or Amrit Sarovar. Arjun Dev had completed the
construction of this lake. This place is considered to be extremely important
and historical.
Golden Temple Special Facts
• The Golden Temple is considered as a pilgrimage of the
Sikhs.
• The first complete Guru Granth Sahib has been established
in the Golden Temple.
• Baba Budhaji was the first priest of the Golden Temple.
• There are four to enter the Golden Temple.
• The Golden Temple is the largest kitchen in the world,
where free food is provided for around one lakh people daily. This food reaches
people as anchor (a communion banquet).
• There are grand programs in the Golden Temple on festivals
such as Baisakhi, Lohri, Prakashatsava, Shaheedi Din, Sankranthi. Especially
the establishment day of the Khalsa sect i.e. the unique form of the golden
temple is found on the day of Baisakhi.
Golden Temple Rules
In any case, people of any caste and religion can go to the
Golden Temple, but when entering the Golden Temple, there must be some basic
rules that are to be followed:
• Before leaving the temple premises, shoes have to be taken
out.
• Smoking, drinking alcohol, etc. inside the temple are
completely prohibited.
• The head should be covered while going inside the temple.
Specially designed clothes or scarves are provided to cover the head by the
temple complex. Head cover is a way of revealing respect.
To listen to Guruji, you should sit on the ground inside
Darbar Sahib.
Best time to visit Amritsar – November to March
Top attractions of Amritsar – Main Temple, Jalianwala
Bagh, Wagah Border, Durgiana Temple, Akal Takht, Tarn Taran, Harike Wetland,
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum
Famous Foods of Amritsar – Kara Prasad (Langar ka Prasad),
All India Famous Amritsari Kulcha, Keema Kulcha, Tandoori Chicken, Shammi
Kabab, Mutton Tikka, Lachcha Paratha, Palak Paneer, Spl. Baigan Bharta, Makke
ki Roti aur Sarson ka Saag, Phirni and this list incomplete without world
famous “Lassi”
Nearest airport to Amritsar – 11 kms away from Sri Guru
Ram Das Jee International Airport, Amritsar
Nearest major railway station
to Amritsar – 2 kms away from Amritsar Jn
