Amritsar - the Golden Temple

The holiest of holy Sikh shrine, Sri Harmander Sahib, or the Golden Temple had a humble beginning as a mud and thatch roof construction in the fourteenth century. Today the imposing structure with Golden roof and a Sarovar around it is the cynosure of the city of Amritsar. The temple has four entrances with Darshani Deori, in the North being the main entrance. The entrance has an ornate archway with inscriptions from Granth Sahib, the Holy book of Sihks, on the intricately designed doorway. The temple has been constructed with the finest marble. The stone signifies purity and is believed to have a soothing effect on the pilgrims. The Temple is the best example of the Sikh-Hindu-Mughal architecture. It is believed that the foundation stone of this shrine was laid by a Muslim Sufi from Lahore, Hazrat Mian Mir. The dome with the shape of a reversed lotus has been covered with one hundred kilos of pure gold plates. The roof of the dome and the walls of the Sanctum Santorum, the Akal Takht have intricate designs with murals and golden inlay work depicting the sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus. The throne with Guru Granth Sahib is placed under a canopy studded with precious stones and jewels. The Gurbani, verses from the holy book are continually recited by the Sikh priests. The community kitchen or Guru ka Langar serves food to the pilgrims. The food is prepared by the devotees or volunteers. The food is simple vegetarian meal of wheat flour pancakes and various lentils cooked in water. The food is considered as a blessing from God. You also get a sweet preparation made of wheat flour and clarified butter with small quantity of raisins. The Temple is run by volunteers and very few are on the payroll of the Temple. They man the place where the footwear is deposited; they clean and broom the temple premises; they also cook and serve you the food. The community service is called the Kar Seva. The temple is a Sarv Dharam place welcoming devotees from all religions. All must follow the rules of the temple; remove footwear, cover your head and do not smoke in the temple area. The darshans or temple visit is conducted in a disciplined and ritualistic manner. The devotees are more than helpful in guiding you and even explaining the history and significance of various rituals and ceremonies. You can also request for a guide if you so desire. This temple has had a moment of ignominy too when all the precepts of the Sikh religion were sacrificed by a few mischief mongers. The sacred temple was taken over by terrorists wearing turbans. Yes they were not true Sikhs. A Sikh is known by another name Khalsa or the Pure. The Indian security forces including devout Sikh soldiers, entered the Temple without shoes, abiding by the rules of the temple and librated it from Bhinderanwale and his trigger happy cohorts. The temple was then washed with tons of milk and restored to its previous glory. The spirit of equality, oneness of God and the faith that only pure rule the world and sinners will be eliminated as portrayed in the Sikh prayers have been truthfully demonstrated. The spirit of the temple will live on forever.