The Golden Temple is the holiest shrine of Sikhism, set in the heart of Amritsar. The golden-clad sanctum seems to float in the middle of the Amrit Sarovar, linked to the white marble parikrama by a narrow causeway. Four gateways open on all sides, symbolising welcome to people from every direction and faith. Kirtan echoes through the complex, the langar (community kitchen) serves free meals to thousands daily, and at night the gold and marble glow over the still water. For most visitors, the experience is as much about seva, humility and equality as it is about architecture.
About this place
History & highlights
The sacred pool here was started by Guru Ram Das in 1577, after Guru Amar Das chose the site for a new Sikh centre. The temple itself was built under Guru Arjan and the Adi Granth was installed in 1604, making it the spiritual core of the growing town of Ramdaspur (later Amritsar). In the early 1800s, Maharaja Ranjit Singh rebuilt and richly decorated the shrine, adding marble and gilded copper panels that gave the “Golden Temple” its present look. The complex suffered major damage in Operation Blue Star (1984) and was subsequently repaired and restored. Today it remains the pre-eminent Sikh pilgrimage centre and a symbol of resilience, service and faith.
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