The Golden Temple is the ultimate Sikh pilgrimage destination. The Harmandar Sahib, as it is traditionally known, means the temple of God. Also known as the Darbar Sahib, this architectural marvel is located at the city of Amritsar in Punjab province of India.
The temple's exterior is gold-plated and the structure stands in the middle of a square tank. There is a raised approach across the sacred and holy tank to reach the Temple. The shrine is symbolical of the faith, known universally as Sikhism, followed respectfully by Sikhs. All Sikhs derive their inner strength from this place.
Guru Ramdas, fourth Guru of Sikh faith, in the year 1577 AD, founded the city of Amritsar. The town flourished under his successor, Guru Arjun Dev who completed construction of the holy shrine, Harmandar Sahib in the middle lined tank, now famous as the Golden Temple. He also constructed two more tanks, Santoksar and Ramsar, nearby. It was on the bank of Ramsar that he carried out the editing work of Guru Granth Sahib.
With the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib in the Harmandar Sahib in 1604, the shrine and the sacred pool became the central attraction of the town and a site of pilgrimage for all including Sikhs from far and near.
The holy city Amritsar is also a flourishing trading city of the state of Punjab. The city is known for its religious significance, and a cultural vibrancy rooted in its folk traditions and social harmony. During the independence movement, Amritsar became one of the prominent centers for freedom struggle.
The economy has shown vibrancy in the city. The number of people visiting Amritsar has increased substantially. Thousands of people visit the Golden Temple everyday. All these visitors contribute to the local economy. International flights coming in the city brings Indian and foreign tourists.
The Temple's tanks, canals and water structures are important components of the Mugal style of architecture. Water is integral to the building's architecture and is not visible elsewhere in any other buildings in India.
The other distinguishing feature of the structure of the Harmandar Sahib is that, unlike the Hindu temples which usually have only one gate, the Harmandar Sahib was made open on all the four sides, representing an open entry to all, a privilege which was denied in the Hindu temples.
Amritsar city, the most sacred place for the Sikh religion, has a strong religious, socio-cultural base and a historical origin.
Religious significance, rich history and culture, along with entrepreneurship and hospitality make the place sight to behold and attracts visitors from all corners of world.
Man Mohan Singh - A Civil Engineering graduate, pass out of university of Allahabad, India. Working as Deputy Executive Engineer in Water Resources Dept of ...
