Sri
Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple, (on account
of its scenic beauty and golden coating for English speaking world), is named
after Hari(God) the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to
pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their
Ardas. Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Nanak, conceived the idea of creating a
central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture
of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Earlier the planning to excavate the holy tank
(Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar ) was chalked out by Guru Amardas Sahib, the Third
Nanak, but it was executed by Guru Ramdas Sahib under the supervision of Baba
Budha ji.
The land for the site was acquired by the earlier Guru Sahibs on
payment or free of cost from the Zamindars (landlords) of native villages. The
plan to establish a town settlement was also made. Therefore, the construction
work on the Sarovar(the tank) and the town started simultaneously in 1570. The
work on both projects completed in 1577 A.D.
Guru
Arjan Sahib got its foundation laid by a muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir ji of
Lahore on 1st of Magh, 1645 Bikrmi Samvat(December,1588). The construction work
was directly supervised by Guru Arjan Sahib himself and he was assisted by the
prominent Sikh personalities like Baba Budha ji, Bhai Gurdas ji, Bhai Sahlo ji
and many other devoted Sikhs. Unlike erecting the structure on the higher
level(a tradition in Hindu Temple architecture), Guru Arjan Sahib got it built
on the lower level and unlike Hindu Temples having only one gate for the
entrance and exit, Guru Sahib got it open from four sides. Thus he created a symbol
of new faith, Sikhism. Guru Sahib made it accessible to every person without
any distinction of Caste, creed, sex and religion.
The
building work completed in 1601 A.D. on Bhadoon Sudi 1st, 1661 Bikrmi Samvat
(August/September,1604). Guru Arjan Sahib installed newly created Guru Granth
Sahib, in Sri Harmandir Sahib and appointed Baba Budha ji as its first Granthi
i.e. the reader of Guru Granth Sahib.
After this event it attained the status
of ‘Ath Sath Tirath’. Now the Sikh Nation had their own Tirath, a pilgrimage
center. Sri Harmandir Sahib, is built on a 67ft. square platform in the centre
of the Sarovar(tank). The temple itself is 40.5ft. square. It has a door each
on the East, West, North and South. The Darshani Deori (an arch) stands at the
shore end of the causeway. The door frame of the arch is about 10ft in height
and 8ft 6inches in breath. The door panes are decorated with artistic style. It
opens on to the causeway or bridge that leads to the main building of Sri
Harmandir Sahib. It is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width.
The
bridge is connected with the 13 feet wide ‘Pardakshna’ (circumambulatory path).
It runs round the main shrine and it leads to the ‘Har ki Paure’ (steps of
God). On the first floor of ‘Har ki Paure’, there is continuous reading of Guru
Granth Sahib. The main structure of Sri Harmandir Sahib, functionally as well
as technically is a three-storied one. The front, which faces the bridge, is
decorated with repeated cusped arches and the roof of the first floor is at the
height of the 26 feet and 9 inches.
At the
top of the first floor 4 feet high parapet rises on all the sides which has
also four ‘Mamtees’ on the four corners and exactly on the top of the central
hall of the main sanctuary rises the third story. It is a small square room and
have three gates. A regular recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is also held there.
On the top of this room stands the low fluted ‘Gumbaz’(dome) having lotus petal
motif in relief at the base inverted lotus at the top which supports the
‘Kalash’ having a beautiful ‘Chhatri’ at the end.Its
architecture represents a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus way
of construction work and this is considered the best architectural specimens of
the world. It is often quoted that this architecture has created an independent
Sikh school of architecture in the history of art in India.
The
Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) is not only a
central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood
and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual
solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the
distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. To pen-down the philosophy,
ideology, the inner and outer beauty, as well as the historical legacy of Sri
Harimandir Sahib is a momentous task. It is a matter of experience rather than
a of description.
As
advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji (3rd Sikh Guru), Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji (4th
Sikh Guru) started the digging of Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank) in 1577 A.D., which
was later on brick-lined by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5th Sikh Guru) on December
15, 1588 and He also started the construction of Sri Harimandir Sahib. Sri Guru
Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs), after its compilation, was first
installed at Sri Harimandir Sahib on August 16, 1604 A.D. A devout Sikh, Baba Budha
Ji was appointed its first Head Priest.
The
Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar) has a unique Sikh
architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding land level, The
Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances
of this holy shrine from all four directions, signify that people belonging to
every walk of life are equally welcome.
The Harmandir Sahib Complex and
areas in its vicinity
The
Gurdwara is surrounded by a large lake or holy tank, known as the Sarovar,
which consists of Amrit ("holy water" or "immortal
nectar"). There are four entrances to the Gurdwara, signifying the
importance of acceptance and openness. Inside the Gurdwara complex there are many
shrines to past Sikh Gurus, saints and martyrs (see map). There are three holy
trees (bers), each signifying a historical event or Sikh saint. Inside the
Gurdwara there are many memorial plaques that commemorate past Sikh historical
events, saints, martyrs and includes commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh
soldiers who died fighting in World Wars I and II.
In
keeping with the rule observed at all Sikh Gurdwaras worldwide, the Harmandir
Sahib is open to all persons regardless of their religion, colour, creed, or
sex.
The only restrictions on the
Harmandir Sahib's visitors concern their behavior when entering and while
visiting:
Maintaining the purity of the
sacred space and of one's body while in it:
Upon
entering the premises, removing one's shoes (leaving them off for the duration
of one's visit) and washing one's feet in the small pool of water provided;
Not
drinking alcohol, eating meat, or smoking cigarettes or other drugs while in
the shrine
Dressing appropriately:
Wearing
a head covering (a sign of respect) (the Gurdwara provides head scarves for
visitors who have not brought a suitable covering);
Not
wearing shoes (see above).
How to act:
One
must also sit on the ground while in the Darbar Sahib as a sign of deference to
both the Guru Granth Sahib and God.
First-time visitors are advised to begin their visit
at the information office highlighted in the map and then proceed to the
Central Sikh Museum near the main entrance and clock tower.
Map:
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