The Golden Temple Gurdwara in Amritsar Punjab is one of the holiest shrines in Sikhism. It is also famous as Shri Harmandir Sahib Gurdwara, which means ‘Abode of God’. Golden Temple is thrived by hundreds and thousands of tourists and devotees throughout the year. Devotees frequented the holiest shrine from all over the world. The divinity and spiritual aura of this place cannot be described into words while it can only be felt.
Here is the complete travel guide for Golden Temple Amritsar which will give you information about the holy shrine. Take a look and know more about this amazing religious site of sikhs.
Golden Temple Amritsar: Structure and Architecture
An edifice is built on a great vertical and is known for its beautifully done carving. It is the holiest Gurdwara and prominent pilgrimage spot of Sikhism. It is commonly called the Golden Temple because it is plated with 400 kg gold, scattering the gleam of structure from a long distance. The entrance gate has been built from all the four sides of the Gurdwara. An old record said that Lord Buddha stayed at the holy site of the Golden Temple for quite some time. In those times, the site was a pond and surrounded by thick or dense forest. This site had been declared as an ideal or perfect meditation land for sadhus and saints by Buddha. It is not only a place of worship but also a sign of fraternity and equality. It also represents the identification, glory, and heritage of the Sikhs.
What to See Inside Golden Temple
Apart from the Darbar Sahib and glistening Sarovar, there are other places to explore in the Golden Temple, Amritsar. Here are a few of them:
Sikh Museum
The Sikh Museum is located inside the entrance clock tower. This museum represents the tyranny suffered by the Sikhs through the Mughals, the British, and other riots.
Ramgarhia Bunga
It is a three-story watchtower located on the southeastern edge of the Golden Temple. This minaret-style high tower was built by the Jassa Singh Ramgarhia in the 18th Century. This tower helps to look for the surprise attack, house soldiers, and to protect the holy complex from damage.
Guru Ram Das Langar complex
It is a dining hall in the Gurdwara where people can eat for free. Food is served here to all the visitors regardless of faith, gender, or economic background. Everyone sits on the floor and the meal is served by the volunteers. It has the largest kitchen in the world which offers free food to 1,00,000 visitors per day.
Important Tips for Visitors
- On arrival at the Harmandir Sahib Gurdwara, Amritsar, Punjab, both men, and women are required to wear a headscarf (don’t worry if you forget to bring a headscarf, as headscarves are available outside the temple at a very cheap rate).
- All visitors must remove their shoes and wash their hands and feet by walking through ponds before entering the temple.
- Dress appropriately and the body should be covered fully.
- Tobacco and alcohol are prohibited inside the holy complex.
- Photography is prohibited inside the sanctum sanctorum. It is permitted outside the main hall. One can do photography near the Sarovar.
- Do not dip your feet in the Sarovar. You can sit beside the holy pool with the cross-legged.
Hotels & Guesthouses near Golden Temple
There are innumerable hotels, guesthouses, and lodges in Amritsar where one can stay and accommodation facilities are also available inside the Golden Temple which is one the first serve first basis.
Best Time to Visit Golden Temple Amritsar
The Golden Temple has an absolute and supreme climate to travel, with very hot summers and very cold winters. People flocked to this holy city throughout the year whereas the best months are October to November, and February to March. These months are the best time to visit the Golden Temple as these months experience pleasant and comfortable weather which makes the sightseeing tour comfortable for the visitors. The temperature rises in April and monsoon arrives in July. After the monsoon, the climate is pleasant and suitable for traveling, and the best time to explore the city.
How to Reach Golden Temple Amritsar
Tourists can be easily reached the Golden Temple from Amritsar Railway station that is centrally located and the distance between them is almost 2 km that can be covered in hardly 15 minutes by car, cab or taxi. The train route from Delhi to Amritsar offers a comfortable journey.
Places to Visit near Golden Temple
Apart from the Golden Temple, there are many more attractions (things to see around) in Amritsar like the Jallianwala Bagh, Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Wagah Border, Durghania Temple, and Shri Akal Takht that make your trip wonderful. One can also check the Punjab travel guide to find out more places to travel from Amritsar.
If you wish to plan a tour to Amritsar and the Golden Temple then you can contact us. We will help you to design an itinerary that will fulfill your requirements and make your visit memorable.
