Golden Temple, Amritsar

Amritsar is an important city in Punjab. It is considered as the ultimate place for Sikh religion. The main attraction of Amritsar is the golden temple. It is a symbol of peace, prosperity, freedom and and spiritual enlightenment. Every year large number of devotees from all over the world visit the golden temple to offer prayers. Though it is main Sikh pilgrimage centre but people from all religion visit there to attain peace. Golden Temple is also famous as the Harmandir Sahib, which means "the Temple of God". It is also known as the Darbar Sahib.

This temple of Supreme God is also famous for its stupendous architecture. The exterior of the temple is gold plated which is really dazzling and the structure of the temple stands in the middle of the square tank. Hari Mandir or Darbar Sahib is the most beautiful and sacred part of Golden temple and the sacred pool known as the “Amrit Sarovar” The reflection of the temple in the water is really amazing. There is a crossway over the pool to get the temple.

History of the temple lies much behind, the construction of the temple was started in 1574. The temple was completed in 1601 but renovation and restoration continued over the years. It should mention here that all the gold and precious stone work took place under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Visit to the Golden Temple is undoubtedly once in a life time achievements. Come here with a few good hours and get lost in its magical beauty. Try to take a trip in this God's abode where you see a totally different world.

Some important facts

1. There is a free a dining hall where around 35,000 people a day are fed for free by temple volunteers

2. Guest quarters are also available for international Sikh visitors (for a nominal fee), and at least 400 simple rooms are provided free of charge to Sikh pilgrims

3. The Niwas is a free hostel for the pilgrims maintained by the Temple authorities. It has been built by the Gurdwara Committee. It has 228 rooms and 18 big halls, which supplies the facilities of free beddings, cots, lights and fans etc. to the lodgers.