India is a country rich in culture and heritage. Known as India’s prominent heritage building, The Golden Temple is one of the oldest worship places for the Indian Sikh community. Also called “Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib”, “Sri Darbar Sahib”, “Sri Amritsar” or “Sri Harmandir Sahib” (Temple of God) at Amritsar, the top of the beautiful temple is made of pure gold. A man-made lake or tank called Amrit Sarovar which is translated into “pool of nectar” surrounds the temple. The lake is filled with a variety of fishes. India’s Golden Temple is unique as it lies on water. Visitors would have to get across the water to get to the holy ground.
The Golden Temple is well known as a religious place for the Sikhs and also a symbol of brotherhood and equality. Besides, the place also represents the Sikhs’ identity and heritage. The temple is inspired by Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. History has it that the fifth Guru Nanak, Guru Arjan Sahib decided to create a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he designed the architecture of the temple and also supervised the construction. In the 19th century, during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the temple was lavished with gold.
The temple is built on a 67 feet square marble and is a two-storey structure with its second story made of gold plating and also the first storey made of white marble. It has four different entrances which signify openness and acceptance of people from every race and culture. A circumambulatory path was built around the main shrine. Within the temple lies the Grant Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs. The book is kept in the temple during the day and “put to bed” at the Akal Takht or Eternal Throne by four men carrying the book on an embroidered pillow while chanting prayers at night.
Thousands of followers, pilgrims and tourists come to this sacred site. It also serves daily free meals to those who show up. Langar, a free communal kitchen is filled with huge rooms with cooking vats and tons of people (mainly volunteers) cooking and prepping for visitors. A traditional vegetarian meal made from rotis, rice, lentils and vegetables is served in two large dining halls that could fit around 5,000 people. Visitors would sit in long rows on the floor while the food is being served.