The Golden Temple is the holiest site, especially for Sikhs. It is located in Amritsar city, Punjab state, and it is considered to be one of the most beautiful temples in the world. There are over 200-panel scenes, in the temple. Each depicts a different goddess or aspect of the Divine as well as stories about saints and prophets. The Golden Temple is also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib. Here are some fascinating facts about the Golden Temple:
Interesting Facts About The Golden Temple Amritsar
1. Amrit Sarovar
The Golden Temple is built in the center of a man-made pool called the Amrit Sarovar, which means “Pool of Nectar.” According to legend, the pool was created by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das, and is believed to have healing powers.
2. 24-Karat Gold
The temple’s gold-plated dome is one of its most distinctive features. It is covered in more than 750 pounds of gold, which devotees donated over the years. The dome is also adorned with intricate engravings and patterns.
3. Symbol Of Universal Equality
The Golden Temple is open to people of all religions and symbolizes Sikhism’s commitment to universal equality. The Sufi Saint Mian Mir was invited by Guru Arjan Dev to lay the temple’s foundation stone in 1588 as a sign to the world that anybody who desires to visit is welcome, regardless of religion, caste, or creed.
4. Home to the Holiest Scripture
The temple is home to the holiest scripture of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib. It is believed that the Guru Granth Sahib is a living guru and hence is treated with the utmost respect.
5. The Largest Community Kitchen
The temple also offers langar, the largest community kitchen in the world that serves free meals to anyone who visits, regardless of religion or social status. One of the biggest community kitchens is maintained entirely by volunteers and serves up to 100,000 meals per day.
6. Tourist Destination
The history of the Golden Temple is significant and goes back to the sixteenth century. It has undergone several renovations and rebuilds over the years, with the current structure being completed in the 19th century. Millions of tourists visit the Golden Temple each year, making it a well-known tourist site. It is also an important cultural and spiritual center for the Sikh community, and many important ceremonies and events are held at the temple.
7. Structure
The Golden Temple Amritsar was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh between 1846 and 1890, who also built two other important shrines inside it: the Darbar Sahib (the Sikh Parliament) and Sri Harmandir Sahib (the living place of God).
Its architecture makes it similar to traditional Hindu temples in its features such as curved roofs, ornate columns, and arches with intricate patterns on them. The dome is one of the temple’s most distinctive features and is adorned with intricate engravings and patterns.
The temple’s design is influenced by Mughal and Hindu architectural styles and is considered a blend of these styles with Sikh architecture. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a square-shaped precinct called the Parikrama, which is about 1,500 feet on each side. The precinct is surrounded by a marble pathway and is bordered by a series of buildings and gates.
8. Sikh Place of Worship
The Golden Temple is not a Hindu temple. It is a Sikh place of worship. Sikhs are devotees of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, who founded the Sikh religion in the fifteenth century. Sikhs believe in one god and have five symbols: uncut hair, a wooden comb or dagger (used to cut one’s hair), ashes from holy fire (traditionally lit by burning cow dung), Gurbani (the holy scripture), and Kirpan (a sword).
9. The Word “Golden Temple” Means “The Temple of the Divine Light” in the Sikh Language
The Golden Temple is a Sikh place of worship, and its meaning can be summarized in these words: “The Temple of the Divine Light.”
Sikhs believe that God is present within everyone. You must first look within yourself to discover God. This means that we all have access to divinity—and it is up to us whether or not we use this knowledge responsibly.
10. How the Name “Golden Temple” Came
The name “Golden Temple” refers to the fact that the temple’s dome is covered in gold, which devotees donated over the years. The temple is an architectural masterpiece, with its central dome and other features adorned with intricate carvings and artwork.
11. Rules and Customs
Visitors to the Golden Temple are required to follow certain rules and customs, such as covering their heads and removing their shoes before entering the temple. The Golden Temple is open to visitors throughout the year, but it is especially crowded during important festivals and celebrations.
Some of the major festivals celebrated at the temple include Vaisakhi, the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, and Hola Mohalla, a three-day festival that features religious processions, martial arts demonstrations, and other cultural events.
12. Temple’s Administration
The Golden Temple is maintained by a committee of Sikh leaders called the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, which is responsible for the temple’s administration and management. The committee is assisted by a large number of volunteers who help with various tasks, such as preparing and serving food in the langar.
Conclusion
The Golden Temple is a place of worship for both Sikhs and Hindus, with each group having its own unique rituals. It is open to everyone, you can see the temple’s interior if you are interested in learning more about its architecture or history. This article has provided some interesting facts about this magnificent temple, but remember that there are many more things to discover when visiting India’s most famous landmark!
Golden Temple is a beautiful architectural marvel and an important religious and spiritual center for the Sikh community. In conclusion, the Golden Temple is a stunning architectural marvel and a symbol of Sikhism’s commitment to universal equality and service. It is an important spiritual center and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Amritsar.
