The Golden Temple, also known as the Harmandir Sahib, or the Darbar Sahib, is a gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India. It is the most significant spiritual site of Sikhism.
The temple is earthly representation of Milk Ocean of Vishnu/Hari. The word Harmandir means Hari’s House. The man made pool (sarovar) represents Milk Ocean was completed by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, in 1577. In 1604, Guru Arjan placed a copy of the Adi Granth in Harmandir Sahib. The Gurdwara was repeatedly rebuilt by the Sikhs after it became a target of persecution and was destroyed several times by the Mughal and invading Afghan armies. Maharaja Ranjit Singh, after founding the Sikh Empire, rebuilt it in marble and copper in 1809, and overlaid the sanctum with gold leaf in 1830. This has led to the name the Golden Temple.
The Golden Temple is an open house of worship for all people, from all walks of life and faiths.
Harmandir Sahib complex has a Langar, a community-run free kitchen and dining hall. Food is served free to all visitors who want it, regardless of faith, gender or economic background. Vegetarian food is served and all people eat together as equals. Everyone sits on the floor in rows. The meal is served by volunteers.
Rippling waters, hymns in the background, milling people, and a magnificent gilted monument, this is the Golden Temple. Beautiful, regal, and a symbol of equality of all religions.
