Golden Temple Tour

The Golden Temple is located in the holy city of the Sikhs, Amritsar, once the dense forest home of Guru Nanak. Famous for its full golden dome, Golden temple is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs. The Temple is built on a 67 ft square of marble and is a two storeyed structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the upper half of the building built with approximately 400 kg of gold-leaf. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a number of other famous temples like the Durgiana Temple.

The Jubi tree, at the northwestern corner of the complex, was planted some 450 years ago by the temple’s first head priest. The old, gnarled tree is believed to have special powers and childless women tie strips of cloth on it to be blessed with sons. Marriage deals are also fixed under the tree, though this practice is disapproved of by the temple authorities.

Architecture of the Golden Temple
The Golden Temple sits on a rectangular platform in the centre of the Amrit Sarovar. It is surrounded by a white marble corridor, through which pilgrims visiting the shrine walk, circumnavigating the temple. A narrow causeway links the Harmandir, or Darbar Sahib, as the temple is also called. The entrance to the temple is through an ornate archway with intricate inlay work, inscribed with verses from the Granth Sahib.

Sri Harmandir Sahib, is built on a 67ft. square platform in the centre of the Sarovar(tank). The temple itself is 40.5ft. square. It has a door each on the East, West, North and South. The Darshani Deori (an arch) stands at the shore end of the causeway. The door frame of the arch is about 10ft in height and 8ft 6inches in breath. The door panes are decorated with artistic style. It opens on to the causeway or bridge that leads to the main building of Sri Harmandir Sahib. It is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width.

At the top of the first floor 4 feet high parapet rises on all the sides which has also four 'Mamtees' on the four corners and exactly on the top of the central hall of the main sanctuary rises the third story. It is a small square room and have three gates. A regular recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is also held there. On the top of this room stands the low fluted 'Gumbaz'(dome) having lotus petal motif in relief at the base inverted lotus at the top which supports the 'Kalash' having a beautiful 'Chhatri' at the end.

Its architecture represents a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus way of construction work and this is considered the best architectural specimens 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.

» Major Attractions of Golden Temple

Akal Takhat : Akal Takht is the primary seat of Sikh religious authority and central altar for Sikh political assembly. Through hukamnamas edicts or writs, it may issue decrees providing guidance or clarification on any point of Sikh doctrine or practice referred to it, may summon and order penance on persons charged with violation of religious discipline or with activity prejudicial to Sikh interests or solidarity and may place on record its appreciation of outstanding services rendered or sacrifices made by individuals furthering the cause of Sikhism. The Akal Takht stands in the Darbar Sahib facing Sri Harmandir Sahib, now famous as the Golden Temple.

The Akal Takhat was pulled down several times by the Muslim raiders. The ground floor of the present building was constructed in 1874. Three storeys were subsequently added by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. A number of weapons used by Guru Hargobind, Guru Gobind Singh and other Sikh heroes are preserved at Akal Takhat. In 1984 during Operation Blue Star Akal Takhat was badly damaged by the Indian Army.

Baba Atal : A nine-storeyed tower, built in memory of Atal Rai (D. 1628), a son of Hargobind, is called Baba Atal. Atal Rai died at nine. He was called 'Baba' (an old man) head over young shulders. The tower was built between 1778 and 1784. It is the only of its kind in the city with 108 ft. height.

» Best time to Visit Golden Temple

The Golden Temple, and the city of Amritsar itself, are best visited in the winter. The months between November and March are pleasant (even cold), although the summer can get blisteringly hot.

» How to Get there

Air : The Rajasansi airport at Golden Temple is well linked by flights from all over India. Recently, it was elevated to an international airport.

Rail : There are direct links from Delhi to Golden Temple by train. It is an 8-10-hour journey.

Road : Buses also ply regularly between the two cities.