Intresting Facts About The Golden Temple That You Can’t Miss

On days when you don’t feel the best, one of the best places to visit is a place of zen, a place that transports you closer to your inner-self, a place where you can reflect and cleanse your aura. On today’s list, we have one such place that is undoubtedly the go-to place for famous celebrities, and politicians. This place is considered to be one of the holiest places for Sikhs. Yes, you guessed it right it is the famous Golden Temple. Also known as the Sri Harmandir Sahib, The Golden Temple is situated in Amritsar and is popular for its golden dome. If you haven’t already visited this gorgeous place of zen, here’s a list of interesting facts about the Golden Temple that will compel you to visit this holy entity. So without further ado, let’s get started

Let’s Go Back In Time

The Golden Temple is not just an holy pilgrimage site but also a crucial page in the book of history for Sikhism. The foundation dates back to 1581 which took almost 7 years to be completed. So now you might question who made the golden temple? To answer your question, it was the fourth guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das Ji who found this place and many years later in 1604, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs placed a copy of Adi Granth and then called the place Ath Sath Tirath. Since then, the structure has been destroyed time and again by the Mughals and Afghan invaders. But such attacks could crumble neither the Sikhs nor their place of pilgrimage. After several years of invasion and renovations, the Golden Temple that you see today took its form.

The Design And Architecture

Golden Temple symbolises brotherhood and equality and this shines through the architecture that is influenced by Indo-Islamic, Mughal and Rajput architecture. This is a two-storeyed structure wherein the lower level is built out of marble and the upper level is covered with gold sheaths. There are typically four entrances and all of them have gold-pleated doors but there’s only one entrance to the Gurdwara. When you enter this epitome of beauty you’ll notice gorgeous motifs and frescos that adorn the wall along with the verses from Granths engraved in gold lettering on the arches of the gurudwara.

The Place Where Buddha Once Meditated

It won’t come to you as a surprise that the famous saint and philosopher Guru Nanak used to reside near the holy lake to live and meditate but the fact that a few thousand years ago Buddha also took refuge here. Although during that time, the place was covered with lush greenery and no foundation was laid he still recommended this place to be ideal for meditation and salvation.

The Founding Stones

The Golden Temple not just symbolises the strength, integrity, heritage and glory of the Sikhs but gentility, brotherhood and equality. In 1604, when the founding stones were placed by the fifth Sikh guru Arjan, the main edifice was lowered so that even the humblest had to step down to seek blessings. You might not know this but as a symbol of equality, he placed the doors on all four sides to welcome every being, irrespective of their caste, creed and colour.

All That Glitters Is Gold

You might have thought, “ is the golden temple made of gold?” To your surprise, yes, the Golden Temple really is covered with gold. But was it always gold? The answer is No. Golden Temple was originally built like any other gurudwara but about two centuries after the construction of this holy site of pilgrimage, it was Maharaja Ranjit Singh who decided to add gold to its dome. After a series of renovations, the dome was coated with 162 kg of 24-karat gold. Then in the 90s, another attempt at renovation led to the current structure where 500 kg of gold was used to plate the entire structure from the exterior. So now you know the bling is real.

The Hot And Piping Guru Ka Langar

Langars are as famous as the gurudwara itself. The tradition to serve the langar started with Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the tradition of serving each and everyone has been going on since then. The meals at these langars are prepared by women, men and kids. Everyone has their own role in serving mankind in one way or the other. No help is extorted from outside, people from the neighbouring areas or even visitors for that matter volunteer here to serve mankind for it is said that a Sikh who is well-to-do must tend to the needs of his neighbors. It is also believed that the famous Mughal emperor Akbar also visited this place and savoured the langar just like every commoner.

Major Attraction In Golden Temple

There is more than one important attraction that is situated in the large complex of the Golden Temple. The major things to see in the Golden Temple complex include:

Akal Takht - The Akal Takht was founded by the Guru Hargobind Ji. It is believed that during the excavation of the holy pond, this place was atop and hence the special mention. This is the place that is considered to be the highest seat of Sikhism. This Takht is situated right in the middle of the main sanctum inside the Golden Temple.

A clock tower - This clock tower was installed by the Britishers during the Anglo-Indian War after demolishing a part of gurudwara. However, 70 years later the Sikhs demolished this clock tower and built another entrance and there still resides a clock in the north direction hence it is still known as the ghanta ghar.

Ber Trees - On the eastern side of the Amrit Sarovar stands Dukh Bhanjani Beri Tree which is considered to be miraculous and sacred. According to historians, the husband of Bibi Rajani who was a leper took a dip in the pond near the tree and was cured of all his illnesses. Since then the tree is considered to be a holy entity and hence the name ‘Dukh Bhanjani’ which means ‘the reaper of sorrow’.

Sikh history museum - The central museum was established in 1958 to exhibit important things from prominent Sikh leaders who have contributed to the betterment of the Sikh religion. The collection includes coins, old arms and manuscripts. The wooden comb and iron jacket made up of wires are worth your time.

So these were some of the most fascinating facts about The Golden Temple. If you plan on witnessing the grandeur of the landmark of Amritsar, we happen to have the best stay option at Bloom Hotel | Heritage Walk. This hotel is located at a walking distance of 5 mins from the Golden Temple.

During your stay in this heritage hotel, you can only expect the best. The best of rooms in the heart of the holy city of Amritsar, while you get a world-class experience.

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