4.7 / 5

Golden Temple

📍 Golden Temple Amritsar, PunjabView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:November to March, when the weather is pleasant.

⏰ Open Hours:24 hours, all days of the week

🎒 Things To Do:Visit the main shrine, partake in Langar, take a holy dip in Amrit Sarovar, and explore the Sikh Museum.

💰 Budget:Free entry. Donations are welcome.

🧳 Traveller Types:Family, Solo Travellers, History Buffs, Spiritual Seekers

🔎 Known For:Its stunning gold-plated exterior, the holy Sarovar, world's largest free kitchen, and its significance in Sikhism.

🚉 Distances:2 km from Amritsar Railway Station, 14 km from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, and 32 km from Wagah Border.

📜 Historical Significance:Established in 1577 by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das Ji.

♿ Accessibility:Wheelchair accessible with ramps and handrails.

📌 Tips:Cover your head at all times. Footwear is not allowed inside.

🚗 Parking:Paid parking available at a short distance.

Have questions about Golden Temple?Ask the Tripoto Community ›
Golden Temple: A Guide to the Most Sacred Site of Sikhism

The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest and most revered place of worship for Sikhs and people of all faiths. Located in the city of Amritsar in Punjab, India, the Golden Temple is a stunning and sacred site that attracts millions of visitors every year.

In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, ceremonies, and attractions of the Golden Temple and provide you with practical information and tips on how to visit this amazing place.

History of the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple was built by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, in the 16th century. He wanted to create a place where people of all religions and backgrounds could come together and worship God. He also installed the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture, in the sanctum of the temple and declared it as the eternal Guru of Sikhs.

The Golden Temple has witnessed many turbulent events in its history. It was attacked and destroyed by the Mughal and Afghan invaders several times. It was restored and beautified by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, in the 19th century. He covered the dome and walls of the temple with gold, giving it its name and appearance. He also donated a lot of jewels and precious stones to adorn the temple.

The Golden Temple also suffered a tragic damage in 1984, when the Indian Army launched Operation Blue Star to flush out some Sikh militants who had taken refuge in the temple complex. The operation resulted in a heavy loss of life and property and damaged many parts of the temple. The temple was repaired and renovated by the Sikh community with the help of donations from around the world.

The Golden Temple is not only a historical monument but also a living testimony of the Sikh faith and spirit. It symbolizes the resilience and courage of Sikhs who have faced many hardships and challenges in their history.

Architecture of the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple complex consists of several buildings and structures that are spread over an area of 15 acres. The main features and attractions of the complex are:

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The Four Entrances: The Golden Temple has four entrances on each side, which signify that it is open to people of all directions, religions, castes, and genders. The entrances lead to a walkway that surrounds the pool.

The Pool: The pool, also known as Sarovar or Amrit Sarovar, is a large water body that surrounds the temple. It is filled with holy water that is believed to have healing powers. Many devotees take a dip in the pool before entering the temple. The pool also contains many fish that are considered sacred.

The Sanctum: The sanctum, also known as Darbar Sahib or Harmandir Sahib, is the main attraction of the complex. It is a two-storey building that stands on a marble platform in the middle of the pool. It is connected to the walkway by a bridge called Guru’s Bridge. The sanctum is covered with gold and decorated with floral patterns and verses from the Guru Granth Sahib. The sanctum contains the Guru Granth Sahib on a throne under a canopy. The sanctum is also adorned with many chandeliers and lamps that create a mesmerizing effect at night.

The Akal Takht: The Akal Takht, which means the Throne of the Timeless One, is a building opposite to the sanctum. It is one of the five seats of temporal authority of Sikhs. It was built by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, in 1606. He used to hold court here and resolve disputes among Sikhs. The Akal Takht also houses many weapons and relics that belong to various Sikh Gurus and warriors.

The Museum: The museum, also known as Central Sikh Museum, is located on the first floor of the clock tower building near the main entrance. It displays paintings, photographs, manuscripts, coins, stamps, and other artifacts related to Sikh history and culture.

The Langar: The langar, or the community kitchen, is one of the most remarkable features of the Golden Temple complex. It serves free vegetarian meals to all visitors regardless of their religion or status. It operates 24 hours a day and feeds up to 100,000 people daily. It is run by volunteers who cook, serve, clean, and manage the langar with devotion and humility.

Ceremonies at the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple complex follows a daily routine of ceremonies and rituals that are performed with utmost reverence and devotion. Some of these ceremonies are:

Kirtan:

Kirtan is devotional singing that takes place throughout the day at various locations in the complex. The main kirtan is performed by professional singers called ragis at the sanctum from 2:30 am to 10 pm. They sing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib in classical ragas or musical modes. The kirtan is accompanied by musical instruments such as harmonium, tabla, and rabab. The kirtan is broadcasted live on radio and television channels and can be heard all over the complex.

Hukamnama:

Hukamnama is the divine order or command that is taken from the Guru Granth Sahib every morning and evening at the sanctum. A random page of the scripture is opened and read aloud by a priest. The hukamnama is considered as the guidance and blessing of the Guru for the day. It is also displayed on a board outside the sanctum and published on various websites and newspapers.

Palki Sahib:

Palki Sahib is the palanquin procession that takes place twice a day at the complex. It involves carrying the Guru Granth Sahib on a golden palanquin from the sanctum to the Akal Takht and back. The procession is accompanied by chanting, drumming, and waving of flags. The procession starts at 4:45 am from the Akal Takht and reaches the sanctum at 5 am. It starts again at 9:45 pm from the sanctum and reaches the Akal Takht at 10 pm.

Sukh-Asan Sahib:

Sukh-Asan Sahib is the resting ceremony that takes place at the end of each day at the Akal Takht. It involves putting the Guru Granth Sahib to sleep on a bed under a canopy. The bed is covered with silk sheets and pillows and surrounded by flowers and incense. The ceremony is performed by a priest who recites prayers and hymns before closing the doors of the Akal Takht.

Visiting the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple complex is open to visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. However, there are some rules and etiquette that need to be followed while visiting this sacred place. Here are some tips and advice on how to visit the Golden Temple in a respectful and enjoyable way:

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Opening Hours:

The Golden Temple complex is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, the best time to visit is early morning or evening when the ceremonies take place and the temple looks more beautiful with lights.

Admission Fees:

There is no admission fee for visiting the Golden Temple complex. However, donations are welcome and can be made at various counters or boxes in the complex.

Dress Code:

Visitors are required to cover their heads with a scarf, cap, or bandana while entering the complex. They are also required to remove their shoes and socks and wash their feet in a small pool near the entrance. They are advised to wear modest and comfortable clothes that cover their legs and arms.

Etiquette:

Visitors are expected to behave in a respectful and courteous manner while visiting the complex. They should not smoke, drink, eat, or chew gum in the complex. They should not take photographs or videos inside the sanctum or disturb the worshippers or singers. They should not touch or sit on the Guru Granth Sahib or its throne. They should walk clockwise around the pool and bow their heads before entering or leaving the sanctum.

Accessibility:

The Golden Temple complex is accessible for people with disabilities and special needs. There are ramps, elevators, wheelchairs, and golf carts available for them. There are also special counters and facilities for them at the langar.

How to Get to the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple complex is located in the heart of Amritsar city in Punjab, India. It can be reached by various modes of transport, such as:

Train:

Amritsar has a railway station that connects it with major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc. The railway station is about 2 km away from the Golden Temple complex and can be reached by auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, taxi, or bus.

Bus:

Amritsar has a bus stand that connects it with nearby cities in Punjab, such as Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, etc. The bus stand is about 3 km away from the Golden Temple complex and can be reached by auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaw, taxi, or bus.

Taxi:

Amritsar has a taxi service that connects it with other cities in India, such as Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, etc. The taxi service can be booked online or through phone or app. The taxi can drop you near the main entrance of the Golden Temple complex.

Rickshaw:

Amritsar has a rickshaw service that connects it with various places within the city, such as Jallianwala Bagh, Partition Museum, Wagah Border, etc. The rickshaw can drop you near the main entrance of the Golden Temple complex.

Where to Stay in Amritsar

Amritsar has a variety of options for accommodation for visitors of all budgets and preferences. Here are some suggestions on where to stay in Amritsar near the Golden Temple complex:

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A room at Fortune Inn Heritage Walk Amritsar

Fortune Inn Heritage Walk Amritsar:

Located just 600 metres from the famous and holy Golden Temple, Fortune Inn Heritage Walk Amritsar operates a 24-hour front desk to assist guests at all hours. The hotel is 210 metres from the historic Jallianwala Bagh and 30 km from Wagah Border. The Amritsar Junction Railway Station is 3 km away while the Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is 13 km away.

The in-house restaurant serves Indian, Chinese and continental delicacies. Room service can be requested for in-room dining comforts. The room rates start from ₹6,500 per night.

To book a stay at this hotel click here.

Sarai Guru Ram Das:

This is a guesthouse that is run by the Golden Temple management. It offers simple and basic rooms with attached bathrooms for visitors who want to stay close to the temple. It also provides free meals at the langar and free parking. The room rates start from ₹350 per night.

Bloom Hotel - Heritage Walk:

Featuring 3-star accommodation, Bloom Hotel - Heritage Walk is located in Amritsar, 600 metres from Golden Temple and 300 metres from Jallianwala Bagh. The property is around 2.4 km from Amritsar Junction Railway Station, 2.4 km from Gobindgarh Fort and 11 km from Punjab State War Heroes' Memorial & Museum. The room rates start from ₹3,000 per night.

To book a stay at this hotel click here.

What to Eat in Amritsar

Amritsar is famous for its delicious and spicy cuisine that reflects its rich culture and history. Some of the must-try dishes and places are:

Amritsari Kulcha:

This is a stuffed flatbread that is baked in a clay oven and served with chole (spicy chickpea curry) and raita (yogurt dip). It is one of the most popular breakfast items in Amritsar. You can find it at many street stalls and restaurants near the Golden Temple complex, such as Kulcha Land, All India Famous Amritsari Kulcha, etc.

Makki di Roti and Sarson da Saag:

This is a traditional Punjabi dish that consists of cornmeal bread and mustard greens cooked with spices and butter. It is usually eaten with white butter, jaggery, or lassi (yogurt drink). It is one of the most nutritious and satisfying dishes in Amritsar. You can find it at many dhabas (roadside eateries) and restaurants near the Golden Temple complex, such as Kesar da Dhaba, Bharawan da Dhaba, etc.

Amritsari Fish:

This is a deep-fried fish that is marinated in spices and gram flour batter. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It is usually served with mint chutney, onion rings, and lemon wedges. It is one of the most famous snacks in Amritsar. You can find it at many street stalls and restaurants near the Golden Temple complex, such as Makhan Fish Corner, Beera Chicken Corner, etc.

Check out this amazing itinerary for your upcoming trip to Amritsar before you jet off!

Other Places to Visit in Amritsar

Amritsar has many other places to visit that are related to Sikh history and culture. Some of them are:

Jallianwala Bagh:

This is a public garden that commemorates the massacre of hundreds of unarmed civilians by the British troops on April 13, 1919. It has a memorial wall, a well, a museum, and a sound-and-light show that depict the tragic event and its aftermath.

Partition Museum:

This is a museum that showcases the stories and experiences of millions of people who were affected by the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. It has exhibits, artifacts, documents, photographs, audio-visuals, and interactive displays that narrate the history and impact of the partition.

Wagah Border:

This is the border between India and Pakistan that hosts a daily ceremony of lowering the flags by both countries’ soldiers. It attracts thousands of spectators who cheer and chant patriotic slogans while witnessing the display of military drill and cultural performance.

The Golden Temple is more than just a temple. It is a symbol of faith, harmony, service, and beauty. It is a place where you can experience the divine presence, the human compassion, and the cultural diversity. It is a place where you can find peace, inspiration, and joy.

We hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful. Please share your feedback or questions in the comments section below. Thank you for reading!

Golden Temple Reviews

But to calm all the feelings evoked by the two place before was the Golden Temple. I always laughed and questioned people who said that when they went to some place they felt peace, because frankly I had never felt that until this time. Sri Harmandir Sahib commonly known as the The Golden Temple is one place I can truly say that would make you feel good and bring a bit of peace to your mind and soul. This place brought the emotions of being in touch with the God. There are so many people to help you through out it feels good but at the same time it made me feel I should also be devoting some time here and provide some sort of service to the visitors. I felt that doing bhajans for hours for chanting mantras will never bring close to the almighty but just providing water to people at that place would certainly do that. The calmness and serenity that place hold even though there might be atleast 50,000 people at a time it a complete bliss and you feel you are connected to God throughout your journey there. I would really say that if you ever want to just visit one place to connect with God , this would be the right one! Let's get a bit more perky now with the fun things I felt. If you have read my bio you would know I just live to eat and shop and what better place in the country than this place. I'm personally not a big fan of Parathas, but let me tell you the parathas near the Golden Temple or Lawrence Road are simply amazing. Every meal my heart and stomach both felt happy with the food. The super sized Lassi which I could never finish to the mouth watering Kulchas (P.S. I'm feeling hungry right now while telling you all :P) everything will give you a foodgasm! The people who serve you are always so happy and smiling you feel at home and they are always ready to help you and that extra serving just goes somewhere and you don't even realize it. So if you feel happy when you eat then this is for you to visit. A girl can never have enough shoes and that's what I abide to. This place has so much of culture to two different countries you tend to pamper yourself with some retail therapy. The juttis and mojaris in vibrant colors from pinks to oranges with ghungru to phundas everything fascinated me and to tell you I was feeling like Carrie Bradshaw buying the Manolos or Choos. The small shops have the Desi Punjabi Juttiya also the Pakistani traditonal footwear with all the bling and dazzel and let me tell you it will be a very hard time to pick and choose and after trying about 20 pairs I ended up buying 5 of them. This is not the end of the spree, the place is visited by designers and fashionistas from all over the world for the colorful handiwork called Fulkari. The floral thread works are hard to miss and when I entered the shops to buy, it made me feel a full Punjabi kuddi in those patiala salwar and floral kurtas. Girls if you love to shop till you drop this place should be on your list!! This is what I wanted to share with the world where just a small place can make you feel everything a human can feel in a lifetime at a time and whether you are an Indian or Foreigner this should be always on your travel list!!
After finishing a much awaited trip to Bir, Dharamshala and Mcleod (will publish these in another post), we headed to Amritsar from Mcleod this morning (~6). After having an amazing dhaba breakfast (near Batala) we reached Amritsar by 11:30. Quickly visited Jallianwala Bagh, then started walking in those jam-packed streets around the gurudwara, searching for a good shop to get our turbans made ???? Once we’re ‘turban ready’, quickly took a couple of snaps near the gurudwara and headed towards Pakistan (to Attari Boarder ????). After watching the most epic beating retreat, reached Amritsar by evening. Without wasting any time further, as we were starving, decided to hog on some authentic punjabi food. After doing some ask-around, entered a good street food restaurant and had “sarson ka saag with makki ki roti” (needless to say, it was just brilliant, filled both stomach and the soul). The we immediately proceeded to submit our bags & shoes at the cloakroom. As the night was freezing, we were barefoot, walking towards the entrance, I wasn’t certain on how long will I be able to manage it inside the gurudwara. But as we entered the holy place, looking at that most elegant, peaceful and sacred temple ever, no other thing had a place in my mind. The next three hours spent inside the Golden Temple are the most peaceful hours of my life. All the hymns and chants of Waheguru ji played all around the temple complex had set both my mind and soul free of all the other things going on in my life. By mid night, we came out of the temple complex and started our hunt for a cheap stay for the night. We were very lucky to have found a stay for just ₹300/-. Checked into the room, got freshen up, and decided to take a midnight walk around those streets. There were many street food stalls serving delicious desserts and steamy hot flavoured milk (kesar, pista milk) to help beat the cold nights. We hopped around a couple of those stalls eating/drinking some of interesting foods and reached back to our stay. After that hectic day, cold evening and night, we just crashed on the bed and dozed off within no time ???? The next morning, woke up early to catch the first light of the last day of 2018 from inside the Golden temple complex. Experiencing the same level of peacefulness inside the temple again, we were taking snaps, listening to the prayers, walked around the complex for more than a couple of hours. After all the walk, it’s time to eat epic langar in the gurudwara, which we had as brunch. Only after eating that food, I felt the fulfilment of the trip. As it was the 31st of December, with no further delay, we headed towards Delhi. . . New Year awaits! ????
Sri Harmandir Sahib/Golden Temple in Amritsar is the holiest gurdwara of Sikhism next to Akal Takht, a Sikh seat of power. Harmandir Sahib complex is also home to the Akal Takht, one of five takhts of the Sikhreligion in India Guru Ka Langar is the largest langar sewa in the world. It serves around a 100,000 devotees daily. While food is served, all the devotees sit together in rows on the floor, irrespective of their religion, caste. The gurudwara is open to everyone regardless of caste, gender, social status, nationality or any other biases. The queue to enter the main gurudwara might be long. However, the sight and experience inside the main temple is absolutely worth the wait. . . Waheguru- is the Gurumantra which the devotees enchants. Waheguru refers to the almighty God, the supreme soul, the creator in Sikhism - - Rules - - - On reaching the main gate, footwear and large pieces of luggage have to be deposited at the counters in exchange for a token. - Everyone needs to be dressed decently, cover their head and wash their feet as a sign of respect to God before entering the complex. -- History of Gold -- Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the one who covered it in gold in 1830. This took 162 kg of gold, then worth about Rs 65 lakh. --Less known fact-- The stairs that enter the temple go downwards. This is designed in this way to symbolise the humble way of living. Options to reach --> Rail/Bus/Flight/Car Nearest Station/Airport---> Amritsar Delhi <---- (470km/9hrs) -----> Amritsar - - Accomodation There are multiple options to stay nearby Golden temple & can be booked online by @oyorooms , @makemytrip @goibibo @trivago @tripoto or even on spot. . Tips:-- -- For travelling from Amritsar City/Hotel to Golden Temple, don't use Google Map, try to take help from locals. Google map doesn't show the best route. Trust me! -- Visit in the evening time as well to witness the beautiful Golden temple's golden view. -- After darshan, try paratha/amritsari kulcha's from "Brothers dabbha" which is beside Jallianwala bagh. It is walkable distance within the market area. -- Avoid visiting in peak summer as it will be very hot and won't be able to enjoy much.
We kept our luggage in the luggage room (free of cost) and footwear in jora ghar (shoe stands) and entered the temple complex. An artificial stream was flowing to wash one’s feet before entering. Make sure to cover your head properly before entering the holy complex. Anyone can take a dip in the holy sarovar but use of soap or shampoo is not allowed. It’s believed that one gets cured of the diseases by taking a bath in the sarovar. As soon as we entered, the grandness of the temple bowled us over. The temple has gold work done on major part of it including the dome. The carving work done on the walls is amazing.The katha and kirtan at the temple was melodious. It took us approx. 3 hours to get the darshan. There are separate queues for women with toddlers. Unlike other temples in India, the volunteers don't pester you to go out once you enter the Sanctum Sanctorum. The kadha Prasad is offered with cupped hands and it is touched with the tip of krippan before it is distributed. It was almost lunch time when we moved out of the temple complex and headed towards the langar hall. We were astonished to see hundreds of volunteers working there. The food served was fresh and hot, excellent Kheer, and a special mention of the unique way of serving drinking water. Everything was systematic and neat and clean. If you are not having the lunch there, still it’s a must to go and see the Langar area because you will be amazed how common people are providing their services to do activities like cutting vegetables, making rotis, washing used plates. Everything is very systematic. A perfect example of team work. (CEOs/Managers go have a look).
Amritsar is extremely famous for its Amritsar Kulcha, and I straight away headed to try it out at Monu Kulcha to satisfy my hunger pangs the minute I landed. One bite and you know whats all the hullaballoo about. After that my my first stop was the obvious Darbar Sahib also called as the Golden Temple. The minute you lay your eyes on the shimmering Golden Temple, you feel blessed. Never ever have I experienced such calm and composed atmosphere surrounding me. The sheer beauty of the place is the spiritual aura it creates around the visitors, that problems and tensions automatically take a back seat. As you climb up the stairs after washing your feet in the water at the entrance, the magnificent marvel comes in view. The stunning temple located in the lake makes you fall in love with it the moment you lay your eyes over it. While, there is no specific best time to visit this place, anytime you go is going to be best. I made it around late afternoon, while the sun was about to set, which helped me get a night lit view of the place too, and it is nothing short of breathtaking. The temple, like most other gurudwars offers langar and definitely give it a try. Also, no shame in saying that the kada prasad is heavenly and I went for a second helping. You can avail packets of prasad for relatives within the temple and each packet costs about 10 rupees. The area outside The Golden Temple has been developed and serves as a great market if you are looking to shop or get some quick bites.
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