Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Darbar Sahib and The Golden Temple is one of the most revered places of Sikhism. Sri Akal Takht Sahib which means the throne of the timeless one is also present in the premises and is the symbol of Justice and Freedom. The place is a symbol of peace, humanity, sacrifice and much more.
The Beauty: One look and it’s beauty will leave you awestruck. You just don’t want to take your eyes off it. As you enter from one of the four entrances to Sri Harmandir Sahib, you will get onto a walkway made of marble around the Amritsar(pool of nectar, after which the city is named) which adds heavenly beauty to it. The golden beauty with whiteness of marble and still water around it complimenting each other perfectly. Also stay around to have a night view of this place when the marble lit up and the golden shrine shines through the darkness.
The symbol of Equality: People of all religions are welcomed here and are treated the same way. Almost 1 lakh people from all religions and from all around the globe visit this place everyday to fulfill their wishes. Langar(simple vegetarian food) and tea is also served here for all day and night for free under one roof and people seating side by side. Anyone can have langar and eat as much as one want at anytime.
The symbol of peace: Kirtan(praising the Almighty God) happens here round the clock. It gives peace to the mind and takes away the hunger of the soul. It connects one to the almighty which lies within. One enters a whole new dimension, when listen to Kirtan here.
The symbol of Sacrifice: The history of Sri Harmandir Sahib is also no ordinary history. From the very beginning of it’s foundation, people gave sacrifices to defend it’s holiness. The sacrifices with no match. This place has the power that enabled a man to fight with his sword in the right hand and his hand onto his left hand. Baba Deep Singh Ji, at the age of 75, took an oath to free Amritsar from Taimur Shah son of Ahmed Shah Durrani who brought disgrace to the place and wanted to destroy it. On the way, he came across Jahan Khan who was the general of Taimur Shah. Both fling their swords to each other and the heads were apart from their bodies. The only difference is that Baba Deep Singh Ji rose again, took his head and kept it on his left hand and start fighting again with his sword in the right hand and freed this place.
The symbol of good health: On the walkway around the Amritsar, there are several small Gurdwaras. One of them is Dukh Bhanjani Sahib. The name Dukh Bhanjani means Misery On the Run. Here people take bath in the holy water of Amritsar and cure their diseases.
The symbol of Selfless Service: People come from far places to serve here. In Langar, from preparing to serving and to washing the dishes, people who visit here does the all. No one commands and no one forces. People do it to serve others. Some people serving food, some are cleaning the area, while others are preparing the vegetables for cooking.
While a lot is said, Sri Harmandir Sahib is a place whose description goes beyond human vocabulary. One will visit tons of places in a lifetime, but this place stands above all. One will find food for body’s hunger and God for soul’s hunger here all the time.