Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab

The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, is a Sikh gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar in the state of Punjab, India. It is one of the most important religious and cultural sites for Sikhs and is visited by millions of devotees from around the world every year.

The temple is located in the center of a large pool of water, known as the Amrit Sarovar, and is renowned for its stunning golden dome, which gives it its name. The temple complex includes several other buildings, including a kitchen that provides free meals to all visitors, regardless of religion or background.

The Golden Temple is a symbol of equality and peace, and visitors of all religions and backgrounds are welcome to visit and offer prayers. The temple is also a center of learning, with several schools and institutions dedicated to the study of Sikh scripture and history.

The temple is open 24 hours a day, and visitors are expected to follow certain customs and dress codes, such as covering their heads and removing their shoes before entering. The main worship service, known as the Langar, is held every evening and is open to all visitors.

History of Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab

The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, is one of the most important religious and cultural sites for Sikhs. It has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century.

According to tradition, the site where the temple now stands was originally a small pool of water known as the Amrit Sarovar. In the 16th century, Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs, began to construct a temple on the site, which was later expanded and embellished by his successors.

The temple was first destroyed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the late 17th century and was later rebuilt by the Sikh leader Jassa Singh Ahluwalia in the mid-18th century. The temple was again destroyed during the Sikh-Mughal wars and was reconstructed in the 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who added the golden dome that gives the temple its name.

During the Partition of India in 1947, the temple was the site of intense violence, with the temple complex being occupied by Hindu and Sikh refugees. In 1984, the Indian Army conducted a military operation to remove Sikh militants who had taken refuge in the temple, resulting in significant damage to the temple complex. The temple was later restored and has since been a symbol of peace and unity for the Sikh community.

Today, the Golden Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Sikhs and is a symbol of the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Sikh community. It attracts millions of visitors from around the world every year and is considered one of the most important tourist attractions in India.

Deities of Golden Temple

The Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, is a gurdwara that is dedicated to the worship of the Sikh concept of God. In Sikhism, God is considered to be formless, infinite, and eternal, and is referred to as Waheguru, which means "wonderful teacher" in Punjabi.

The Golden Temple is not dedicated to any particular deity or idol, but rather serves as a place of worship for the Sikh community, where they can offer prayers, recite scripture, and participate in communal meals known as Langar.

In addition to being a place of worship, the temple is also a center of learning and a symbol of the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Sikh community. Visitors of all religions and backgrounds are welcome to visit and offer prayers, making the Golden Temple a symbol of equality and peace.

Overall, the Golden Temple is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Sikhs and is a symbol of the Sikh faith, culture, and heritage. It attracts millions of visitors from around the world every year and is a source of inspiration and spiritual fulfillment for devotees of the Sikh faith.

Puja Timing of Golden Temple

The puja timings at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, may vary throughout the year, but generally, the temple is open for visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visitors are welcome to offer prayers at any time, and the temple is busiest during the day, with the largest crowds usually gathering in the mornings and evenings.

The main worship service, known as the Langar, is held every evening and is open to all visitors, regardless of religion or background. During this time, visitors can join in the communal singing of hymns and listen to hymns being played on traditional musical instruments.

In addition to the Langar, there are also several other daily worship services and prayers held at the temple, including the Akhand Path, a continuous recitation of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, which takes place over a 48-hour period.

It is advisable to check with the temple authorities or a local tour guide for the most up-to-date puja timings, as these may change during holidays or other special events. Visitors are also expected to follow certain customs and dress codes when visiting the temple, such as covering their heads and removing their shoes before entering.

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