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Golden Temple, also known as Sri Hari Mandir Sahib, is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites for the Sikh religion. Located in the heart of Amritsar, Punjab, the beauty, history and significance of this Gurudwara is beyond any simple explanation. The beauty of the gold facade, paired with the adjacent sacred water tank explains why visiting Golden Temple is considered so pious and a bucket list wish for many, irrespective of their religion. The sense of community and the peace that exists there is truly enchanting.
Quick Details
Address: Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Amritsar Cantt., Punjab
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: None
Nearest Airport: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar
Nearest Railway Station: Amritsar Junction
Significance: Spiritual hub of Sikhism
Best Time To Visit: October to March
About Golden Temple Amritsar
Photo: Anish Sethi / Wikimedia Commons
The history of the Golden Temple dates back to 1581, which is when the foundation was laid down by Guru Arjan Dev Ji. The construction of the temple was completed in 1604. Once done, the first rendition of the Guru Granth Sahib. The site was selected by Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Guru, who began digging the Amrit Sarovar that surrounds the temple.
Since the Golden Temple was constructed centuries back, it has withstood multiple invasions and destructions over time. One of the most significant and destructive was that of the Afghan invasion, after which Maharaja Ranjit Singh rebuilt the temple in 1830 using marble and copper, overlaying the sanctum with gold foil. This, in particular, is when the Gurudwara got the name “Golden Temple.”
Things To Do At The Golden Temple
Since the Golden Temple is spread across a large area with so many different activities to explore.
1. Take A Dip In The Amrit Sarovar
Photo: Abhinav Sharma / Unsplash
The first and potentially the most crucial aspect of your visit to the Temple is to take a dip in the sacred water tank surrounding the temple, called Amrit Sarovar. Some tales and beliefs depict that taking a dip in it is healing for the soul since the water is sacred. There are separate areas for men and women to take a dip in and bathe in the water. After taking the dip, you can sit around the edges of the Sarovar to pray, meditate, or reflect.
2. Volunteer In The Langar
Photo: Ramneek Singh / Unsplash
One of the most distinctive features of Hari mandir is the practice of Langar, or the community kitchen, which serves free meals to anyone who visits. It is said that more than 100,000 people are fed through this Langar in the Golden Temple. You can start by partaking in the meal and once you finish, you can also volunteer. Sikhs believe in the concept of community service and the best way to experience that is by serving food to the people visiting the gurdwara daily.
3. Visit The Central Sikh Museum
Photo: Jacobsimmonds / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another important element inside the temple is the Central Sikh Museum, which is located in one part of the temple. The museum offers a comprehensive look into the rich history of Sikh Panth. There are paintings, manuscripts, and artefacts., which give you a glimpse into the sacrifices and resilience of the Sikh gurus and warriors. One of the key highlights of the museum is the gallery that features portraits of martyrs who fought for the protection of Dharma. These include paintings and memorabilia from historical figures like Baba Deep Singh and Guru Gobind Singh.
4. Attend The Palki Sahib Ceremony
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Among the various activities inside the Golden Temple, the Palki Sahib ceremony is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting experiences you will come across. It happens twice a day and involves the ceremonial transfer of the Guru Granth Sahib between the Hari Mandir Sahib and the Akal Takht. In the early morning, the Guru Granth Sahib is carried in a beautifully decorated palanquin from the Akal Takht to the sanctum.
Places To Visit Around The Golden Temple
As you finish your exploration of the Golden Temple, it is then time for you to step out and explore some of the nearby sightseeing spots.
1. Jallianwala Bagh
Photo: Omkar Jadhav / Unspalsh
One of the most significant tourist attractions in Amritsar besides the Golden Temple is the Jallianwala Bagh, which entails the history of the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. It gives you a glimpse into the massacre conducted by the British troops on the unarmed Indian civilians who gathered for a meeting at Jallianwala Bagh. Inside the site, there is a memorial and a museum dedicated to narrating the tales of the tragic day.
Distance From Temple: 1.2 Km
Timings: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
2. Durgiana Temple
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Often termed the “Silver Temple,” Durgiana Temple is another popular Hindu temple, which is located near the Golden Temple. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga and has massive silver entrance gates, which is significant to its name. The temple’s design is quite similar to the Golden Temple too. There is a sacred water pool around the temple and smaller shrines dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu.
Distance From Golden Temple: 1.2 Km
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM, 3 PM – 10 PM
3. Partition Museum
Photo: shankar s / Wikimedia Commons
Being the only one in India, the Partition Museum is a historical museum that has all the records and events documenting India’s partition in 1947. The museum displays documents, personal stories, and memorabilia from those affected by the partition, offering a poignant look at this chapter of history. You get to learn about the fate of the displaced people, the refugees and the people who lost their families in the process.
Distance From Golden Temple: 1.3 Km
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are numerous places to stay in Amritsar near Golden Temple. From affordable hotels and guest houses to five-star luxury properties, there are several options to choose from. Some of the highly rated sites are Guru Kirpa Guest House, Hotel Golden Lagoon Amritsar Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji Niwas, and Hotel Urban Galaxy.
Where To Eat
Photo: Vipul7229 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
If you are hungry after exploring the Golden Temple and want to try authentic Punjabi cuisine, there are proper restaurants and local eateries around there. Some of the well-rated eateries are Pyramid, Bhai Kulwant Singh Kulchian Wale, Gurdas Ram, Brother’s Amritsari Dhaba and Zyka.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Golden Temple is between October and March. With pleasant weather and temperatures ranging from 15°C and 20°C, the exploration is comfortable. As for the ideal time of the day to visit, consider heading there during the early morning to avoid crowds and also witness the Palki Sahib ceremony.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Laurentiu Morariu / Unsplash
The following tips will ensure that you have a comfortable time exploring the Golden Temple:
- Both men and women are required to cover their heads before entering the temple, so carry scarves or handkerchiefs with you.
- Photography is allowed outside the main temple but not inside the sanctum or around the Guru Granth Sahib, so be mindful of that.
- Shoes must be removed before entering the temple premises.
- The temple is busiest during weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly.
- Summers in Amritsar can be extremely hot, so carry water and stay hydrated.
The Golden Temple is one of the most empowering religious sites in India. Beyond the beauty of this place, the peace and the sense of community that you get to witness inside the temple is an experience in itself. The next time you are planning a vacation to Punjab, sort out the bookings with TripXL and prioritise visiting Amritsar at the beginning of the trip to experience India’s spiritual and cultural depth at the Golden Temple.
Cover Photo: Darshak Pandya / Pexels
