The Golden Temple (Amritsar) all Information

Located in Amritsar (Punjab), The Golden Temple or The Harmandir Sahab or Darbar Sahib is the holiest Gurudwara, and the most important pilgrimage site for Sikhs.

Key Points about the Golden Temple

• Location : Golden Temple Rd, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143006
• Affliation : Sikhism
• Completed : 1589 (Temple), 1604 (with Adi Granth)
• Founded : Guru Ram Das, Guru Arjan
• Entry Fees : No Entry Fees
• Festival : Vaisakhi (April)

History of the Golden Temple

The land for the Temple was donated by the Mughal emperor Akbar; the construction began in 1574. The foundation was overseen by the fourth and fifth Sikh Gurus, and the temple was completed in 1601.

In the 19th century, the inverted lotus-shaped dome was inlaid with 100 kg of gold and decorative marble. This new design took place under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who was a legendary warrior king fondly remembered by the Sikh community.

In 1984, the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, ordered an attack on the armed Sikh militants hiding inside the Golden Temple premises. In the fight that ensued, over 500 people were killed, and Sikhs all over the world were enraged by this sacrilege of their holy site.

The Sikh community did not allow the central government to undertake the repair of the damage caused to the temple, undertaking the work themselves. The temple has been substantially built since then, but the incident remains fresh in the memory of the locals.

Architecture of the Golden Temple

The architecture of the temple is based on Hindu and Islamic styles. Its ground is made of marble embellished with animal and flower motifs in pietra dura work and, the middle level has been carved with gold panels, topped by a 750 kg gold gilded dome.

The inner sanctum has priests and the musicians continuously chanting the Guru Granth Sahib, piling on to the already intense religious atmosphere. After paying obeisance, pilgrims generally retreat to the second floor, which has the intricately painted gallery.

The Hari Mandir (central temple) is connected to the pathway by a marble causeway which is known as Guru’s Bridge. This path symbolizes the journey of the soul after death. Embraced by marble stairways, this tank is believed to have healing powers that can cure many diseases.

Visiting Hours

• No entry fee is needed to visit the temple.
• Summer Timings- 04:00 am to 10:30 pm (all days of week)
• Winter Timings- 05:00 am to 09:40 pm (all days of week)

Code of Conduct for Visitors

The temple can be visited throughout the year. However winter months is preferable than the summer months.

How to reach the Temple?

By Air- Sri Guru Ramdas International airport nearest airport from Golden Temple and distance from airport is 13 kilometers.

By Train- Amritsar Railway Station is the nearest railway station from Golden Temple, and distance from station is 2 kilometers.

By Road- Bus Stand Amritsar nearest bus-stop from Golden Temple and distance from bus-stop is 1.7 kilometers.

Nearby hotels

• Fab Express Sant Golden Temple
• The Roops B&b Hotel
• Hotel Le Golden
• Hotel Indus
• Sarovar Regency
• Hotel Hari Darshan

Nearby Attractions

• Jallianwala Bagh
• Wagah Border
• Durgiana Temple
• Akal Takht
• Tarn Taran
• Harike Wetland