Golden Temple is the most sacred place to the Sikhs. Other name of this temple is Harmandir Sahib. It is located in Amritsar, Punjab, India. In 16th century original temple was built by Guru Arjun, 5th Sikh Guru. But present temple built in 1764 by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia with the support of Sikh Misls. Every day nearly 1lakh people come to this place to worship Lord.
What to see in Golden temple: Architecture of this temple is so beautiful. This temple is having 4 entrances. This resembles that this is open to all the religions and people. Upper floors of the Gurdwara covered with gold by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. When it was built this was surrounded by small lake in a thin forest.
Lake surrounded to this Gurdwara is holy. Water in this lake is considered as holy water. Inside the temple complex 3 holy trees and several shrines to past Sikh Gurus, martyrs and Saints can be seen. Each tree signifies a historical event. Other attractions of this Gurdwara are memorial plaques. These plaques say the past Sikh historical events, martyrs and saints including inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died in 1st and 2nd world wars. If visitor visits this place for the first time it is advisable to have the information from the office regarding the rules and regulations of the Gurdwara and then enter into central Sikh Museum near main entrance and clock tower.
Present marble work and decorative gilding on the Gurdwara dates back to 19th century. Vaisakhi celebrates so grandly at this place in the second week of April.
What to see around Golden temple:
Jallianwala Bagh: Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden in Amritsar. It is one of the most monstrous massacres in human history. During the period of Independence struggle sad incident happened in this place. This is also known as Amritsar Massacre. On 13th April 1919, British troops fired on peaceful protestors. In this incident nearly 1100 people were killed. Today this place converted into memorial who sacrificed their lives in this place. Jallianwala Bagh Attractions are Jallianwala Bagh Memorial, Martyr’s Well, The Wall. It is located just 1km away from Gurdwara.
Mata Temple: This temple is dedicated to Saint Lal Devi. It is Hindu cave temple. Women who want to become mother come to this place to worship Mata. It is a unique temple with variety of deities, elaborated mirrored image. It is located just 1km away from Gurdwara.
Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh: It is located in Ram Bagh Park. It consists of weapons from the Sikh period, coins, miniature, oil paintings and a museum. It is located 5kms away from Gurdwara.
Ram Tirth: It is located 11kms away from Gurdwara. This was the residence place of Saint Valmiki. Goddess Sita Given Birth to her sons Luv and Kush. Hut of the saint can be seen even now.
Getting to Golden temple: As Golden temple is located in Amritsar, visitors have to reach Amritsar before visiting Golden temple. Amritsar is well connected with road, railways and airways. From Dharmasala, Chamba, Dalhousie, Chandigarh etc buses come to this place. From Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad etc trains come to hits place. Airport located in Amritsar is Sri Guru Ram Das jee Airport which is located 11kms away from the city centre.
Getting around Golden temple: Common modes of transport in the city of Amritsar are Cycle rickshaws and Autos. Golden temple trust is providing free bus service from the railway station to reach Golden temple.
Best time to visit Golden Temple: Best time to visit this place is between November to March.
Where to stay in Golden temple: Accommodations are not available inside the Gurdwara. Plenty of accommodations are available at Amritsar.
Where to eat in Golden Temple: Eateries are not available inside the complex. Plenty of restaurants are available at Amritsar.