Golden Temple Amritsar Punjab Timings, History, How to Reach, Guide, Tour, Daily Routine Gurpurab

Golden Temple Amritsar Punjab Timings, History, How to Reach, Guide, Tour, Daily Routine Gurpurab Dates. Golden Temple Amritsar Punjab, Golden Temple Timings, About Golden Temple, Golden Temple History,  How to Reach Golden Temple, Golden Temple Accommodation, Golden Temple Guide, Golden Temple Tour, Daily Routine of Golden Temple, Events and Festivals of Golden Temple, Gurpurabs, Gurpurab Dates, Things to Follow in Golden Temple, Management Committee of Golden Temple.

About Golden Temple

The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. To pen-down the philosophy, ideology, the inner and outer beauty, as well as the historical legacy of Sri Harimandir Sahib is a momentous task. It is a matter of experience rather than a of description.

As advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji (3rd Sikh Guru), Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji (4th Sikh Guru) started the digging of Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank) of Sri Harmandir Sahib in 1577 A.D., which was later on brick-lined by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5th Sikh Guru) on December 15, 1588 and He also started the construction of Sri Harimandir Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs), after its compilation, was first installed at Sri Harimandir Sahib on August 16, 1604 A.D. A devout Sikh, Baba Budha Ji was appointed its first Head Priest.

The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar) has a unique Sikh architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding land level, The Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions, signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.

History

Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple, (on account of its scenic beauty and golden coating for English speaking world), is named after Hari (God) the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas.

Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Nanak, conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Earlier the planning to excavate the holy tank (Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar) was chalked out by Guru Amardas Sahib, the Third Nanak, but it was executed by Guru Ramdas Sahib under the supervision of Baba Budha ji. The land for the site was acquired by the earlier Guru Sahibs on payment or free of cost from the Zamindars (landlords) of native villages. The plan to establish a town settlement was also made. Therefore, the construction work on the Sarovar (the tank) and the town started simultaneously in 1570. The work on both projects completed in 1577 A.D.

The land for the site was bought by the Guru Ram Das Sahib on payment from the Zamindars (landlords) of native villages.

Rare Old Photograph of Sri Harmandir Sahib The Golden Temple Amritsar Guru Arjan Sahib got its foundation laid by a muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir ji of Lahore on 1st of Magh, 1645 Bikrmi Samvat (December, 1588). The construction work was directly supervised by Guru Arjan Sahib himself and he was assisted by the prominent Sikh personalities like Baba Budha ji, Bhai Gurdas ji, Bhai Sahlo ji and many other devoted Sikhs.

Unlike erecting the structure on the higher level (a tradition in Hindu Temple architecture), Guru Arjan Sahib got it built on the lower level and unlike Hindu Temples having only one gate for the entrance and exit, Guru Sahib got it open from four sides. Thus he created a symbol of new faith, Sikhism. Guru Sahib made it accessible to every person without any distinction of Caste, creed, sex and religion.

The building work completed in 1601 A.D. on Bhadoon Sudi 1st, 1661 Bikrmi Samvat (August/September,1604). Guru Arjan Sahib installed newly created Guru Granth Sahib, in Sri Harmandir Sahib and appointed Baba Budha ji as its first Granthi i.e. the reader of Guru Granth Sahib. After this event it attained the status of ‘Ath Sath Tirath’. Now the Sikh Nation had their own Tirath, a pilgrimage center

Old Photograph of Sri Harmandir Sahib The Golden Temple AmritsarSri 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.

The bridge is connected with the 13 feet wide ‘Pardakshna’ (circumambulatory path). It runs round the main shrine and it leads to the ‘Har ki Paure’ (steps of God). On the first floor of “Har Ki Pauri”, there is continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib.

The main structure of Sri Harmandir Sahib, functionally as well as technically is a three-storied one. The front, which faces the bridge, is decorated with repeated cusped arches and the roof of the first floor is at the height of the 26 feet and 9 inches.

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.

Daily Routine of Golden Temple

There is a continuous singing of Gurbani Kirtan (hymns) at Sri Harimandir Sahib from the opening of its portals (doors) to their closing. Some minor changes are effected in the summer and winter months. After the departure of the Palki Sahib (palanquin) carrying Sri Guru Granth Sahib to The Akal Takhat Sahib, the devotees, accompanied by the Gurdwara staff, clean the Sri Harimandir Sahib for one hour. During this process these devotees sing the Gurbani Kirtan in melodious and devotional tones. After purifying the precincts, the rugs are spread, on which the Peera Sahib (a small cot) is placed to install the Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the early morning. At the completion of the Ardas (Sikh Prayer), Karah Prasad (holy offering) is distributed among the devotees.

At Sri Akal Takhat, after the Rehras (Evening Scripture) the weapons belonging to Guru Sahib (Sikh Masters) and Martyr Sikhs are displayed at about 8.00 p.m.

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Events and Festivals

Important anniversaries associated with the lives of the Gurus are referred to as Gurpurbs.

These are usually marked at Gurdwaras with Akand Path (continuos cover to cover reading of Sri Guru Granth Sahib) concluding on the specific day. There is also kirtan (musical recitation of hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib) as well as katha (lectures on Sikhism).

Some places also have Nagar kirtan, where there is a procession with Sri Guru Granth Sahib led by 5 Sikhs carrying Nishan Sahibs (the Sikh flag). Free sweets and langar are also offered to the general public outside some gurdwaras).

Gurpurabs, Gurpurab Dates

Purab is an anniversary commemorating either birth or death as a holiday festival.

Gurpurab is a holiday commemorating either the birthday, inauguration, death or the martyrdom of one of the ten gurus of Sikhism. A gurpurab is observed with festivities which involve a worship service

Things to Follow in The Golden Temple

• At every entrance to Sri Harimandir Sahib, 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 switch-off your mobiles before entering into the Sanctum Sanctorum.
• Wash your feet/hands, and cover your head properly before entering the holy complex.
• Cigarette, Biri, Tobacco or other intoxicants are strictly prohibited inside the holy premises.
• Anyone can take a dip in the holy sarovar (pool of nectar) but use of soap or shampoo is not allowed.
• The wet clothes may kindly be deposited in a Wet-Clothes-Room.
• If you so desire, you can wash yourself with soap at the washrooms provided in the parikarma (periphery).
• Swimming is strictly prohibited in the sarovar.
• Do not accept eatables from strangers.
• These instructions are only precautionary, which are similar to any other religious/tourists place.
• Photography is allowed only in the outer Parikarma. For special reasons permission for photography inside of
• The Golden Temple may be sought from the President/Sec. (SGPC) or Manager (Golden Temple).
• Offerings in cash and kind are accepted in the Golden Temple.
• Please get a receipt on offering donations for langar (community kitchen), building.
• It is strictly prohibited to serve or eat any eatables in the Parikarma, or to loiter about with 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 Parikarma, unless permitted by SGPC.
• Devotees should not pay any money to Sewadars on duty.
• Please deposit your valuables including jewelry and cash at the counters provided for the same in the Sri Darbar Sahib complex.
• Any complaint regarding any staff member/Sewadar/Management should be lodged at the office of Sri Harimandir Sahib located in the Parikarma near Darshni Deori and Ber Baba Budha Ji.
• 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 bath at Har Ki Paori.
• If any infant happens to urinate in the Parikarma, please clean it immediately or inform the duty Sewadars about it.

Management Committee

S.G.P.C. the abbrevation for the SHIROMANI GURDWARA PARBANDHAK COMMITTEE. It is directly elected by an electorate of the Sikh Nation, male and female above 18 years of age who are registered as voters under the provisions of Sikh Gurdwara Act 1925. This act enables SGPC to control all the Historical Gurdwaras as well as Gurdwaras under Section 87 of this act. The elections to SGPC are held after every five years. SGPC is also called Parliament of the Sikh Nation. Now apart from the management of Gurdwaras, it runs many prestigious educational institutions including Medical colleges, Hospitals and many Charitable trust.

S.G.P.C. (Office) Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee is a statuary body elected by the Sikh voters under the SIkh Gurdwara Act 1925. The SGPC controls the historical Sikh Shrines in Punjab, Himachal, Haryana and Union Territory of Chandigarh. In addition to this SGPC also runs schools, medical/engineering colleges and hospitals. The registered office of the SGPC known as Teja Singh Samundari Hall is located within The Golden Temple Complex.

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How to Reach

Air – Sri Guru Ram Das International Airport (IATA: ATQ) is about 13 km and a 18-20 minutes drive from the city center. It’s one of the modern airports in India and quite adequate if not exactly exciting. Most flights are to Delhi, an hour away, but there are an increasing number of international connections: British Midland International (bmi) flies to London via Almaty, Jet flies to London, Air India flies to Toronto via London and Air Slovakia flies to Bergamo, Barcelona and Birmingham via Bratislava. There are also surprising numbers of flights to Central Asia (eg. Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan). Qatar Airways now flies to Doha.

Road Distance or driving distance from Amritsar Airport to Golden Temple is 13 kms (8.00 miles). For customizing your travel journey you might consider adding some stop over points or adding some night stops here.

Your total travel time is approximately 0 hour(s) 18 min(s); which may vary depending upon the road and traffic conditions.

If you are planning to travel using a rented car, you can ask us for the same.

Train (Click Here)

Bus (Click Here)

Accommodation

Sarai booking is offered on first-come-first-serve basis subject to availability of accommodation the desired date/s.

There are seven Niwas Asthans (inns) which provide lodging facilities for pilgrims, maintained by Sri Harimandir Sahib authorities. The reception counters work round the clock to attend to the devotees.

Note : The booking office for all accommodations is situated in Sri Guru Arjan Dev Niwas. Information regarding booking may be obtained from Tel: 91-183-2553957, 58, 59 PBX : 219, 310, 417, 424, 425.

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