Golden Temple / Harmandir Sahib Amritsar (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images, Aarti, Location & Phone)

Daily Routine of Golden Temple / Harmandir Sahib Amritsar

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Harmandir Sahib (or Golden Temple, as it’s popularly called) is the most revered gurudwara among the Sikhs. It’s a sacred pilgrimage place.

It’s a part of a complex that includes the sacred tank – Amrit Sarovar, Langar (community kitchen) hall and Akal Takht (throne of the timeless one), among other buildings. You’ll also notice Islamic-style minarets.

Gurudwara Harmandir Sahib is famous for its golden dome. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had it built with 400 kg of gold leaf.

Harmandir Sahib is indisputably one of the most exquisite attractions in the world. It’s open to everyone. The foundation stone was laid by a famous Sufi saint Mian Mir. The four entrances also symbolise openness towards all people and religions.

Another highlight of Golden Temple is the Langar Sewa (community kitchen service). It has the world’s largest kitchen that serves free meals to all visitors. People volunteer to cook, serve and clean the dishes.

Where is the Golden Temple of Amritsar?

Golden Temple (or Harmandir Sahib) is the focal point of Amritsar. It’s just south of the city centre. It’s an iconic monument known for its spiritual significance and architectural beauty. In fact, the Amrit Sarovar tank is the place around which the entire city settled.

History of Harmandir Sahib/Golden Temple

Guru Nanak, the first Sikh guru, is said to meditate at the holy site where Harmandir Sahib was built. The sacred tank Amrit Sarovar was founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh guru. And the construction of the gurudwara was initiated by the fifth Sikh guru – Guru Arjan.

Guru Arjan designed it to be built in the centre of the tank. The construction started in 1581 and took almost eight years to complete. Then, he installed the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism, inside the temple. The Akal Takht in the complex was constituted by the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind.

Guru Arjan was arrested by the Mughals after the construction. And Harmandir Sahib Amritsar fell into the hands of the enemy. Guru Gobind Singh liberated it later, in the 18th century. He was the tenth Sikh guru.

After Guru Gobind Singh’s death, Harmandir Sahib had been under attack by Islamic rulers. It was in 1762 when this religious heritage was blown away. Maharaja Ranjit Singh rebuilt it in 1809 and adorned it with gold foil. Thus, Harmandir Sahib came to be called the Golden Temple.

It was again destroyed in 1984 when the government wanted to capture militant Sikhs hidden inside. Later, from 1995 until 1999, it was rebuilt.

Image Gallery of Golden Temple / Harmandir Sahib Amritsar

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Architecture of Golden Temple at Amritsar

While the Golden Temple dome is made from pure gold, the inner walls and door panels also exhibit goldwork. Copper sheets have been engraved with delicate designs and then covered with gold leaves. Even the ceiling is adorned with precious stones and gold.

The first floor of the Golden Temple is set up at a lower level below the ground. It’s decorated with rare paintings and marble sculptures. The stairs to the shrine go downwards, signifying humble living.

It’s a blend of Indian and Mughal architectural styles. You’ll find symbolisms of life everywhere in Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar. They’re in paintings, in the form of birds, animals and flowers.

Things to do at Golden Temple

1. Get blessings from Guru Granth Sahib – Guru Granth Sahib is the religious scripture of Sikhism. It has been compiled by the Sikh gurus, and it’s regarded as the spiritual authority whose lessons are followed by everyone. Take its blessings when you enter the inner sanctum.

2. Listen to Gurbani hymns – In Harmandir Sahib, the Granthi (priest) sings the hymns from Guru Granth Sahib, adding to the charm of the gurudwara. These Gurbani hymns are sung throughout the day while performing different rituals.

3. Take part in the rituals – As per the Sikh tradition, Guru Granth Sahib is treated as a living person. Every day, at dawn, it’s taken out of Akal Takht, carried on the head, and placed in a palanquin. Devotees carry it to the sanctum. After ritual singing and worship, the holy scripture is placed on a raised seat. The Granthi reads aloud a hymn, as the thought of the day, also known as Hukamnama. A similar process is followed at night when the scripture is carried into the Akal Takht.

4. Have a seat at Langar Sewa – Langar Sewa is the free food served at Golden Temple Amritsar. It’s also called Guru ka Langar. People sit in a row (Pangat) and eat together. It promotes equality among everyone. Everyone is welcome to share the Langar, regardless of birth, gender, faith or status.

5. Volunteer for community service – Activities at Golden Temple are all carried out by volunteers. Several people volunteer to provide and prepare the Langar. They also serve the food and wash the dishes. People of all ages and genders can contribute their service to the gurudwara.

Other places inside Harmandir Sahib complex

1. Darshani Deori – It’s the main entrance leading to Harmandir Sahib. It’s on the side that has the pathway to the sanctum. It’s decorated with beautiful frescos and works on marble stones. The doors are decorated with ivory work and silver sheets.

2. Akal Takht – Akal Takht is an impressive building directly in front of the pathway leading to Golden Temple/Harmandir Sahib. Harmandir Sahib and the Akal Takht are the two places with spiritual significance. Apart from housing Guru Granth Sahib at night, it also has the ancient weapons used by the Sikh warriors.

3. Ramgarhia Bunga – Ramgarhia Bunga was the place of accommodation for Sikh Generals, royal families and Golden Temple visitors. It also has two minarets used for surveillance.

4. Toshakhana – Toshakhana is a Persian word meaning storage space for food or provisions. Here, it means a secured storehouse for valuables. It houses the items offered or donated to Harmandir Sahib and Akal Takht.

5. Har Ki Pauri – It’s on the back side of the main temple. Here, devotees can descend the steps and bow down to take a handful of Amrit (nectar) from Harmandir Sahib Sarovar.

6. Sikh museum and reference library – The museum at Harmandir Sahib Amritsar exhibits paintings of Sikh gurus, saints, Sikh warriors and other prominent Sikh leaders. It also has a collection of coins, arms and ancient manuscripts, along with Guru Gobind Singh’s wooden comb (kangha). You’ll also find a small library with Sikh literature.

7. Dukh Bhanjani Beri tree – The Dukh Bhanjani Beri tree is considered to be a sacred tree, having miraculous power. The temple complex also has a Lachi Beri tree that bears small fruits. Guru Arjan Dev sat under its shade and supervised the construction of the Golden Temple.

Golden Temple/Harmandir Sahib Timings and Entry Fees

Golden Temple Amritsar visiting hours change from season to season. The usual darshan timings are between 4 AM to 10 PM.

The doors to Harmandir Sahib open at around 3 AM. Devotees come together to carry the palanquin to the Golden Temple sanctum. Then, daily rituals like Ardas, Gurbani singing and Hukamnama are carried out. The doors close around 11 PM, with the palanquin carried back to Akal Takht.

Darshan is free for everyone.

Best time to visit Golden Temple Amritsar

Winter is the best time to go for a Golden Temple tour. Winter sets in from November and lasts until March. It’s the ideal time for outdoor sightseeing and other activities. You might also witness festivities like Guru Nanak Jayanti. It’s one of the occasions when Harmandir Sahib puts a display of valuables and jewellery it has.

Time to explore Golden Temple Amritsar

It takes around 2-3 hours to visit Golden Temple and explore the entire complex. You can see the sanctum, walk around the museum and library, and feel a spiritual awakening. If you wish to, you can enjoy Langar sitting in the Pangat with others.

Things to keep in mind when visiting Golden Temple

• Walk clockwise around the pool and temple.
• Cover your head with a scarf.
• Deposit your shoes and luggage at security.
• Wash your feet before entering the temple.
• Switch off your mobile before entering.
• Tobacco and other intoxicants are prohibited.
• Photography is allowed only in the outer periphery.
• Use of soap or shampoo in Amrit Sarovar isn’t allowed.
• Swimming is strictly prohibited.

How to reach Golden Temple Amritsar?

Golden Temple is close to the city centre. It’s only 2 km away from the Amritsar bus stop and railway station. Golden Temple Amritsar to airport distance is 13 km. And following are the different ways to reach this gurudwara –

By bus – Golden Temple Trust operates a free bus service to Harmandir Sahib. You can take it from different parts of the city.

By auto/rickshaw – Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are readily available in Amritsar. You can get them all around the city and visit Harmandir Sahib.

By taxi/cab – You can also book taxis or cabs to Amritsar Golden Temple from the top car rentals in Amritsar. They’re the most comfortable way to visit the place. You can hire them for the whole day and see all the tourist places in Amritsar.

FAQs about Golden Temple/Harmandir Sahib

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Location Map for Golden Temple / Harmandir Sahib Amritsar