A temple or Gurudwara where not only Sikh people worship but also a place that is open for all, the true symbol of unity, care, and equality. Golden Temple is located in the center of Amritsar, Punjab where people seek spiritual solace without differentiating in cast, race, and creed. This proud temple is also an honorific building that had suffered many difficulties.
Below are some interesting facts about Golden Temple:
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1. Meaning of Golden Temple
The actual name of Golden Temple or Gurudwara is Shri Harminder Sahib or Darbar Sahib, an abode of God. Moreover, Harminder is composed of two words “Har” and “Mandir” means God and god’s house respectively.
2. When the foundation was laid
Amritsar means “The tank of Nectar” was established in 1577 by Guru Ram Das (4th Sikh Guru) and the Temple was designed by Guru Arjan (5th guru) to be built at the center of the Tank.
3. The actual construction of Gurudwara was started in 1581
4. Golden Temple timing
The temple is open 24 hours for visitors and devotees. Though you can visit the temple between 3 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the best experience.
5. The Sacred place where Guru Nanak used to meditate
Initially, the first guru of Sikhs, Guru Nanak used to meditate at the place where the temple was built. It is the epitome of courage and sanctity.
6. Lord Buddha meditated here
Records show that at one point in time when the spot was a lake surrounded by thick forests, Lord Buddha stayed at the sacred site of the Golden Temple for a long time. The sacred site was declared as an ideal meditation ground for sadhus and saints by Buddha.
7. Akal Takht
The temple is also home to a “throne of the timeless one” means Akal Takht comprised by Guru Hargobind. It is the seat of God’s temporal authority.
8. People from all religions can worship there
No one is barred here from worshipping, everyone is welcome here including rich and poor, irrespective of gender, caste, and community.
9. 35% of all visitors to the Golden Temple are non-Sikh
Though many Sikhs make a pilgrimage to the Golden Temple, the temple is visited by non-Sikhs in large numbers from all around the world every year.
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10. Golden Temple is the ‘most visited place of the world’
The ‘World Book of Records’ (WBR) has awarded Golden Temple as the ‘most visited place of the world’. Golden temple records a huge footfall, more than one lakh devotees visit the Golden Temple every day.
11. Symbol of equality
A Muslim Saint, Hazrat Mian Mir had laid the foundation stone of this temple at the request of Guru Arjan.
12. Four entrances- four meanings
The four entrances of the Golden temple in four directions represent the openness to all religions. The Sikh community is the most liberal of them and they respect all communities.
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13. Volunteers work for free in the community kitchen
More than one lakh people visit the shrine every day; also take part in the community kitchen as a volunteer. Everyone from rich to poor can be a volunteer, they help in keeping the temple clean and tidy.
14. Is Golden Temple made of real gold?
Earlier in the 19th century at the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule, he secured the temple from outside attack and covered the Gurudwara’s top with 750Kg gold.
15. Interesting fact about the stairs of the temple
The stairs of the Golden temple go downwards. This has been designed in such a manner to symbolize the humble way of living.
16. The level of the temple
The temple is also at a lower level than the rest of the city to emphasize humility and efface the ego before meeting the Guru.
17. Location of Sanctum
The Sanctum is at the center of the pool and that emphasizes the end goal is only one. It covers 12.25 Sq. Mt area with marble flooring.
18. Final inauguration of Golden Temple
On 16 August 1604, the temple was completed and was placed with a copy of Adi Granth in the Gurudwara.
19. Baba Buddha
Baba Buddha Sahib was the first Granthi or head priest in the Golden Temple who was also one of the first disciples of Guru Nanak.
20. Baba Deep Singh Died in the Golden Temple
21. Belief of Guru Arjan
It was believed by Guru Arjan that visiting this temple is equal to visit of 68 Hindu tirths combined.
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22. Attacks on Golden Temple
From 1709 to 1762, Mughals always tried to destroy the Golden Temple to downgrade Sikhism but Sikhs always fought back and rebuilt it to show their belief.
23. Rebuilding with marbles
At the age of 22 in 1802, Maharaja Ranjeet Singh paid homage to this, announced to renovate it, and rebuilt it with marble in 1809.
24. The unique architecture
The architecture is a mixture of Indo-Islamic Rajput and Mughal art.
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25. Guru Granth Sahib and its Timing
The Guru Granth Sahib is placed on the lower floor of the sanctum for 20 hours every day and the rest for 4 hours, it is placed in a bedroom within Akal Takht for Prakash and Sukhasana.
26. Surrounded by a man-made sacred lake
The temple is located in the mid of a man-made lake where you can find various fishes. You have to walk around the water to reach the sanctum. It is called Amrit Sarovar means Pool of Holy Nectar.
27. Langar at Golden Temple
The Langar of the temple almost serves 1 lakhs people daily and the number gets double during any festival. This “Guru Ka Langar” is the largest langar sewa in the world.
28. Golden Temple has a Sikh museum
The Gurudwara is also a house of the Central Sikh Museum that preserves the arts and ruins of the Sikh community, its saints, and fighters.
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29. During the British reign
The British government used to do Akhand Path for victory during the 1st World War.
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Golden temple is the most visited place according to BBC, people all over the world visit here to witness its beauty, eminence, and peaceful environment.
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