The most sacred Sikh shrine in the entire world is the Golden shrine, also referred to as Sri Harmandir Sahib. It is situated in the Indian state of Punjab, in the city of Amritsar. The temple serves as a spiritual and cultural centre for Sikhs all over the world and is a well-liked tourist attraction. The temple is renowned for its beautiful, gold-covered architecture and its holy pool of water, which is thought to have healing properties.

The Golden Temple's past

The Golden Temple was constructed in the 16th century by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh guru. The temple's construction was finished in 1604, and its purpose was to act as the Sikh community's primary site of prayer.  A little body of water known as Amrit Sarovar had stood on the spot where the temple presently stands for many years. People would travel from all over the area to take baths in the pool because it was thought to have medicinal properties.

The temple was initially constructed with bricks and mud, but has experienced numerous alterations and enhancements over time. A new temple made of marble and gold was built at the beginning of the 19th century by the Sikh king Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The temple was finished in 1830, and since then, little has changed.

Buildings in the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple is well known for its magnificent architecture, which is a rare synthesis of Islamic and Hindu designs. The temple is situated on a rectangular platform that is encircled by the Amrit Sarovar, a man-made lake. A causeway that connects the temple to the platform is ornamented with white marble statues of several Sikh gurus.

The actual temple is a two-story structure coated in gold leaf. It is thought that the gold, which was added to the temple in the 19th century, was donated by Sikh believers from all over the world. The temple's dome is similarly plated in gold, and a magnificent finial sits atop it.

The Darshani Deori, a gateway that leads to the temple, is embellished with elaborate carvings and set with priceless stones. The entranceway leads to a courtyard that is enclosed by the Parikrama, a covered walkway. Frescoes that portray scenes from Sikh history and mythology decorate the Parikrama.

The temple's interior is similarly stunning, with marble walls and flooring that are embellished with precious stones and gold. On the first floor of the temple is the sanctum sanctorum, which contains the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs. The book is stored on a high platform that is decorated with flowers and wrapped in silk.