Sri Harmandir Sahib
Also known as Darbar Sahib, Golden Temple
The preeminent spiritual site of Sikhism. The gilded Harmandir sits amid the sacred Amrit Sarovar and welcomes visitors of every faith.
Photos of Sri Harmandir Sahib
Sri Harmandir Sahib at a Glance
| Location | Amritsar, Punjab |
|---|---|
| Established | 1604 CE |
| Architecture | Sikh–Indo-Islamic |
| Timings | Open 24 hours |
| Best time to visit | October to March for cooler weather; the temple is most beautiful at dawn and after dark. |
| Address | Golden Temple Rd, Amritsar 143006 |
About Sri Harmandir Sahib
Sri Harmandir Sahib, known to the world as the Golden Temple, is the holiest shrine of Sikhism. It sits in the middle of the Amrit Sarovar, the pool from which the city of Amritsar takes its name, and is reached by a causeway. The fourth Guru, Guru Ram Das, had the pool dug in the 1570s, and the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan, built the shrine and installed the Adi Granth in 1604.
It is open to people of every faith and background. Its four doors, open to all four directions, are a deliberate statement of welcome, and it asks only that visitors cover their heads and remove their shoes.
History of Sri Harmandir Sahib
Foundation stone laid by the Muslim Sufi saint Sai Mian Mir at the request of Guru Arjan Dev in 1588. The Adi Granth was installed inside in 1604. The gold plating was added by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 1830s.
Architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib
The shrine blends Hindu and Islamic design elements into a style that is distinctly Sikh. The lower floors are of white marble inlaid with floral patterns in semi-precious stones, while the upper floors and dome are covered in gold leaf, added in the early 19th century under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
The Akal Takht, the highest seat of Sikh temporal authority, faces the causeway. Around the sarovar runs a marble walkway, with the large Guru Ram Das Langar hall on one side and the Sikh Reference Library and museum nearby.
Rituals and Worship at Sri Harmandir Sahib
Continuous recital of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture, goes on from early morning until late at night. The Palki Sahib ceremony, in which the scripture is carried in a palanquin to rest at night, takes place after the evening service and draws large crowds.
The community kitchen (langar) feeds tens of thousands of people free of charge every day, with volunteers preparing and serving simple vegetarian meals. Vaisakhi and Guru Nanak Jayanti are the largest festivals, and the shrine is lit with lamps at Diwali (Bandi Chhor Divas).
Festivals Celebrated at Sri Harmandir Sahib
- Vaisakhi
- Guru Nanak Jayanti
- Maghi
Visiting Sri Harmandir Sahib: Planning Your Trip
Cover your head with a scarf or bandana (available at the entrance), remove your shoes, wash your feet at the entrance, and do not bring tobacco or alcohol. The queue for the inner sanctum can take an hour or more at busy times, but moves steadily.
Eat at the langar at least once, and walk around the sarovar in the evening. The Jallianwala Bagh memorial is a short walk away, and the Wagah border ceremony is about 30 km away by road.
How to Reach Sri Harmandir Sahib
Amritsar has an international airport and is well connected by train. The temple is at the heart of the walled city.
Temples Near Sri Harmandir Sahib
- Masroor Rock-cut TempleHimachal Pradesh · about 129 km in a straight line
- Mata Baglamukhi TempleHimachal Pradesh · about 131 km in a straight line
- Shri Jwalamukhi Mata ShaktipeethHimachal Pradesh · about 140 km in a straight line
- Shri Brajeshwari Devi TempleHimachal Pradesh · about 142 km in a straight line
- Param Dham, Shree Ram Sharnam Mandir, DalhousieHimachal Pradesh · about 146 km in a straight line
- Jai Pohlani Mata TempleHimachal Pradesh · about 148 km in a straight line
Frequently Asked Questions about Sri Harmandir Sahib
Where is Sri Harmandir Sahib located?
- Sri Harmandir Sahib is located at Golden Temple Rd, Amritsar 143006, in Amritsar, Punjab, India.
What are the timings of Sri Harmandir Sahib?
- Sri Harmandir Sahib is generally open Open 24 hours. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Sri Harmandir Sahib built?
- Sri Harmandir Sahib was established 1604 CE. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Sri Harmandir Sahib?
- Sri Harmandir Sahib is built in the Sikh–Indo-Islamic style.
Which festivals are celebrated at Sri Harmandir Sahib?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Sri Harmandir Sahib include Vaisakhi, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Maghi. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Punjab and beyond.
How can I reach Sri Harmandir Sahib?
- Amritsar has an international airport and is well connected by train. The temple is at the heart of the walled city.
Why is Sri Harmandir Sahib significant?
- The preeminent spiritual site of Sikhism. The gilded Harmandir sits amid the sacred Amrit Sarovar and welcomes visitors of every faith.
What is the best time to visit Sri Harmandir Sahib?
- October to March for cooler weather; the temple is most beautiful at dawn and after dark.