Harmandir

Harmandir Sahib, commonly known as the Golden Temple, is the holiest gurdwara of Sikhism. Located in Amritsar, Punjab, India, it forms the spiritual center of the Sikh faith and is set within the sacred Amrit Sarovar, a man-made pool believed to possess healing properties. The temple’s sanctum is central to Sikh worship.

Construction of the Harmandir Sahib began in 1581 on the orders of Guru Arjan and was completed in 1589. The sanctum houses the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal scripture of the Sikhs. The temple is approached by a sacred causeway and features four entrances, symbolizing openness to all directions.

The temple complex is encircled by the Amrit Sarovar and includes the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal seat of authority in Sikhism, established in the early 17th century. The gilded exterior was added in the 19th century under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, giving the site its well-known name; a gilded dome and architecture reflect Sikh design.

Langar, a free community kitchen offering vegetarian meals to visitors, operates at the complex around the clock, reflecting Sikh ideals of equality and service. Visitors remove shoes, cover their heads, and wash before entering the temple complex; meals are offered to all regardless of faith, age, or background.

The Harmandir Sahib has endured periods of conflict and restoration, including damage during the 1984 Operation Blue Star and subsequent repairs. Today it remains a major pilgrimage site and symbol of Sikh heritage, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to pray, listen to kirtan, and partake in langar.

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