The Golden Temple is a very important place in Amritsar, India. It is special for people who follow Sikhism. The top part of the temple is covered with real gold, which is why it looks golden.It was made a long time ago, in the 1500s. The people who made it put it lower than the land around it.
This was to show that everyone is welcome, no matter who they are. There is a big pool of water there, too. People think this water can heal them. The city’s name, Amritsar, comes from this pool. The Golden Temple is a place where people can feel peaceful and everyone is treated the same. It has been broken and fixed many times. This shows that the people who care about it are very strong. A king named Ranjit Singh helped to fix it with marble and gold in the 1800s.
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The Important Info About The Golden Temple
Inside the temple, there is a special book that is very important for Sikhism. Every day, there are special things that happen at the temple. They also give food to anyone who comes, for free. People from all over the world go to see the Golden Temple because it is so important and beautiful.
Overview of Golden Temple
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) |
| Location | Amritsar, Punjab, India |
| Religion | Sikhism |
| Significance | The pre-eminent spiritual site of Sikhism |
| Construction | Groundbreaking in December 1581; Completed in 1589 (temple), 1604 (with Adi Granth) |
| Architecture | A blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, with the top half covered in almost 400 kg of pure gold leaf |
| History | Built by Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru. Rebuilt several times due to persecution and destruction. Maharaja Ranjit Singh overlaid the sanctum with gold leaf in 1830 |
| Daily Ceremonies | Continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib |
| Visitor Count | Over 100,000 visitors a day |
| Notable Events | Operation Blue Star in 1984, leading to significant damage and subsequent rebuilding |
The Golden Temple is not only a central place of worship but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everyone, irrespective of caste, creed, or race, can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfillment without any hindrance at the Golden Temple. It also represents the distinct identity, glory, and heritage of the Sikhs.
Process To book darshan tickets for the Golden Temple
To book darshan tickets for the Golden Temple, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Start by visiting the official website of the Sripuram Golden Temple.
- Select Darshan Booking: Navigate to the section for Darshan booking on the website.
- Choose Special Darshan: If you prefer quicker access, select ‘Special Darshan’ which has a fee associated with it.
- Select Date and Time: Choose your preferred date and time for the darshan.
- Complete the Booking: Follow the instructions on the website to complete your booking. You may need to register with your mobile number and an OTP.
The Services Available On Golden Temple
The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, has a daily routine that includes various darshans (sightings) and ceremonies. Here’s a summary of the daily schedule:
- Kiwad (Portals) Opening Time: Varies by month, ranging from 2:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
- Kirtan at Amrit Vela (Early dawn): Begins at the same time as the portals open.
- Asa di Var: Starts about an hour after the portals open.
- Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib: Occurs about two hours after the portals open.
- First Hukamnama: Takes place approximately two and a half hours after opening.
- First Ardas: Follows shortly after the first Hukamnama.
- Asa Di War Samapti: Concludes about four hours after the portals open.
- Second Ardas & Hukamnama: Occurs around 6:30 a.m. to 6:45 a.m.
- Holy reading of Rehras Sahib: Starts at sunset.
- Hukamnama at night: Takes place around 9:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.
- Departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Harimandir Sahib: Happens at about 10:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Sukh-Aasan Sahib at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib: Occurs approximately 15 minutes after the Palki Sahib’s departure.
Room Booking Process
| Accommodation | Description | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Guru Arjan Dev Niwas | Located at the entrance to the main sarai area. It houses a branch of Punjab & Sind Bank and a post office. | ₹500 per room |
| New Akal Rest House | Situated behind Guru Arjan Dev Niwas. Offers 49 rooms, including 5 rooms with 25 beds for foreign tourists. | ₹500 per room |
| Guru Ram Das Niwas | Also known as Sri Guru Ram Das Sarai. Built in 1931, it has 228 rooms and 18 halls with modern amenities. | ₹500 per room |
| Guru Nanak Niwas | Another building built in 1931, with 228 rooms and 18 halls. Provides comfortable lodging for pilgrims. | ₹500 per room |
| Guru Hargobind Niwas | Located near Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib. Also houses the Sri Guru Ramdas Library in its basement. | ₹500 per room |
| Mata Ganga Ji Niwas | Stands opposite Guru Hargobind Niwas and houses the INTERNET DEPARTMENT of SGPC. | ₹500 per room |
| Other Niwas Asthans (Inns) | Includes Guru Gobind Singh NRI Yatri Niwas, Baba Deep Singh Niwas, Mata Bhag Kaur Niwas, Saragarhi Memorial Niwas, Bhai Gurdas Hall, and Ramsar Niwas. | ₹500 per room |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I book accommodation at the Golden Temple online?*
You can book rooms online for the Golden Temple through their official website. The booking is on a first-come-first-serve basis
2. What are the timings for Golden Temple accommodation booking?
The reception counters for accommodation are open round the clock, which means you can book any time.
3. Are there any specific accommodations for foreign tourists?
Yes, there are specific rooms available for foreign tourists. For example, the New Akal Rest House has 5 rooms with 25 beds for foreign tourists.
4. What facilities are available in the accommodations?
The accommodations offer modern sanitation and other amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for pilgrims.
5. Can I get the contact details for accommodation booking?
Yes, you can contact the booking office at +91 (183) 255 3957, 58, 59 for information regarding booking.
6. What is the best time to visit the Golden Temple?
The best time to visit is during Sikhism festivals like Vaisakhi in April. However, the temple is open all year round.
7. What are the temple timings?
The Golden Temple is open from 2:30 AM to 10:00 PM every day. The first Hukamnama (command) is given at 5:00 AM, and the temple closes with the departure of Palki Sahib from Sri Harimandir Sahib.
8. Are meals provided at the Golden Temple?
Yes, the Guru ka Langar (community kitchen) serves meals to all people at all hours. The meals are vegetarian, nourishing, and nutritious