Amritsar the land of 5 rivers precisely called the pool of nectar is adorned with the jewel of lush green fields and golden panorama of Punjab. The city is also home to the most sacred shrines of the Sikhs the ‘Golden Temple’, which is constructed in 1579 by Guru Ramdas, the fourth of the Sikh Gurus.The Golden Temple or Darbar Sahib, is an emblem of the splendor and power of the Sikh people through out the world. This is an example of the spirit of tolerance and acceptance that the Sikh philosophy offers. Guru Arjan Sahib erected this holy structure on the lower level and with 4 entrance and exits from four sides, unlike Hindu Temples having only one gate for the entrance and exit. The Temple is open for every person without any discrimination of Caste, creed, sex and religion thus generating a symbol of new faith.
Structure of the Golden Temple
Golden Temple constructed on a 67ft. Stage in the center of the tank is a colossal structure of 40.5ft. Leading doors of the temple opens in all the four directions North, south, East and west. The Darshani Deori or the entrance is in the shape of an arched gateway erects at the end of the causeway. The arch embellished in artistic style is about 10ft in height and 8ft in breath.
The main structure of the Golden Temple is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width is a multi storied building.
The first floor of 'Har ki Paure', houses the holy book of Sikhs, ‘The Guru Granth Sahib.’ The devotees through out the day continuously read the book. The structure is decorated with sequential arches and marvelous designs.
There is a unique compatibility between the Muslims and the Hindu architecture and is regarded as the premium architectural splendor of the world. It is often quoted that this architecture has created an independent Sikh school of architecture in the history of art in India.
Akal Takhat, Baba Atal and Guru Ka Langar are some of the other holy shrines near the Golden Temple is the nerve center of the Sikhs ever since.
Getting There
Air : Amritsar is connected by air with Delhi and Shrinagar.
Rail : It is well connected by rail with Delhi, Varanasi, Mumbai and some other places in India.
Road : The city is also will linked by means of bus transport with Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu etc. Jammu 216 kms, Chandigarh 235 kms and Delhi 435 kms. Cycle Rickshaws, Taxis, City buses are easily available to roam inside the city.
Location : Amritsar, Punjab in North India.
Best time to Visit : Throughout the Year.
Famous as : Pilgrimage center of Sikhs
Languages : Hindi, English, Punjabi