• A brief write-up on a family visit to Hari Mandir, Amritsar.

The city of Amritsar, where the Golden Temple is located, was founded by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, in 1577. Originally, the area around the lake was called Ramdaspur. The Holy Pool (Amrit Sarovar) or "Pool of Nectar", which surrounds the Golden Temple, predates the temple structure itself. Guru Ram Das initiated the excavation of this holy tank. Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, played a crucial role in the temple's construction. He designed the Harmandir Sahib and oversaw its building.   

In 1604, Guru Arjan installed the Adi Granth (the Sikh holy scripture) in the Harmandir Sahib, which solidified its importance as a central place of worship.  

The Golden Temple is the most sacred shrine in Sikhism and a major pilgrimage destination for Sikhs worldwide.  It represents the spiritual and historical heart of the Sikh community and is a powerful symbol of Sikh identity.

The Harmandir Sahib's architecture reflects a blend of Hindu and Islamic influences, symbolizing the Sikh principles of openness and acceptance. Its four entrances signify that people from all walks of life are welcome. Throughout history, the Golden Temple has faced repeated attacks and destruction, particularly during the Mughal era and subsequent periods of conflict. Each time, it was rebuilt with even greater fervor, symbolizing the resilience of the Sikh community.  Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the 19th-century Sikh ruler, played a significant role in embellishing the temple with gold leaf, which gave it the name "Golden Temple."   

The marvellous statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Heritage Street. It connects all the important places of Amritsar - Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh etc.

In recent years, significant efforts have been made to improve the flow of pilgrims and tourists around the Golden Temple, making the experience more comfortable and organized. The area surrounding the Golden Temple, once congested and chaotic, has been significantly renovated. The market areas have been reorganized, with wider walkways and better management of vendors. Designated pedestrian zones have been created to separate foot traffic from vehicles, enhancing safety and allowing for a more peaceful experience and manage the queues of pilgrims waiting to enter the Harmandir Sahib, reducing waiting times and ensuring a smoother flow. The Information centers provide guidance to visitors, helping them navigate the complex and understand the customs and protocols. Improved facilities, such as restrooms and cloakrooms, have been added to cater to the needs of the large number of visitors.

The main entrance to the Golden Temple complex is called the Darshani Deorhi (meaning "gateway to the vision"). It's a grand archway that serves as both a physical and symbolic threshold. The Darshani Deorhi is a beautiful structure in itself, often adorned with intricate carvings and designs. It sets the tone for the spiritual journey within. Passing through the Darshani Deorhi signifies leaving the outside world behind and entering a space of devotion and peace. The entrance is designed to offer a gradual reveal of the Golden Temple, building anticipation as you approach the central shrine.

A Family's Pilgrimage to Amritsar's Heart

The September air, thick with the scent of incense and the murmur of prayers, enveloped us as we approached the Golden Temple, Sri Harmandir Sahib, in Amritsar. Our family, including the wide-eyed grandkids, were about to step into a world of profound spirituality and selfless service.

As we passed through the majestic Darshani Deorhi, the sight before us was breathtaking. The Golden Temple, a vision in shimmering gold, rose from the serene Amrit Sarovar like a divine mirage. Its reflection in the still water doubled its splendor, creating an image that etched itself into our memories.

The Golden Temple reflected in the Amrit Sarovar

The temple's four entrances, open to all directions, symbolized the Sikh principle of inclusivity. The air thrummed with the soothing cadence of Gurbani kirtan, drawing us into a state of quiet reverence. Pilgrims, their faces illuminated by devotion, moved in a slow, meditative Parikrama around the holy pool.

Inside the Harmandir Sahib, the Guru Granth Sahib, the living Guru of the Sikhs, was enshrined. The continuous recitation of hymns filled the space with a palpable sense of peace. We bowed our heads in respect, feeling a connection to the centuries of devotion that had permeated these sacred walls.

Inside Harmandir Sahib

But the Golden Temple is more than just a place of worship; it's a living, breathing testament to the Sikh ethos of seva (selfless service). We were fortunate to be given a detailed tour of the langar, the communal kitchen that feeds tens of thousands of people every day, regardless of their background and is a remarkable example of selfless service and community spirit. The langar embodies core Sikh values of compassion, equality, and service.

The langar serves food to everyone, regardless of religion, caste, gender, or economic status. All sit together on the floor to eat, symbolizing equality. The entire operation is run by volunteers (sevadars) who dedicate their time and energy to preparing and serving food. The langar operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

The langar serves an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 people daily, with numbers increasing significantly on religious holidays and weekends. The kitchen operates with remarkable efficiency, using large-scale cooking equipment and a well-organized system of volunteers. Massive amounts of ingredients are used daily, including flour, lentils, vegetables, and ghee. Food is continuously being prepared and served, ensuring that no one goes hungry.

The dedication of the sevadars is the backbone of the langar. Strict hygiene standards are maintained throughout the process. The food served is typically simple, vegetarian, and nutritious. The sheer scale of the operation was astonishing. Huge cauldrons bubbled with dal and vegetables, mountains of rotis were being prepared, and the air was thick with the aroma of spices and the murmur of volunteers working in perfect harmony.

Our grandkids, their eyes wide with wonder, were invited to participate. After a ritualistic cleansing of their hands and arms, and their heads covered with scarves, they were mentored by experienced sevadars in the delicate art of applying ghee to freshly baked rotis.

This wasn't just a cooking lesson; it was a lesson in humility and compassion. They learned that the food they were preparing would be shared with everyone, regardless of caste or creed, fostering a sense of unity and equality.

Leaving the Golden Temple, the echoes of Gurbani kirtan lingered in our ears. We carried with us not just memories of a beautiful place, but a profound understanding of the Sikh spirit – a spirit of devotion, service, and unwavering equality. It was a pilgrimage that touched our souls and left an indelible mark on our family.

Some Useful Insights

1. Langar's 24/7 Service: A testament to continuous service, feeding 50,000-100,000 people daily.

2. Volunteer-Driven: The entire operation is run by dedicated sevadars.

3. Equality in Dining: Everyone sits on the floor to eat, symbolizing humility.

4. Akal Takht: A symbol of Sikh temporal authority within the complex.

5. Nishan Sahib: The Sikh flag, visible from afar, representing sovereignty.

6. Kar Seva: The ongoing voluntary maintenance of the temple.

Visiting Details

1. Dress modestly and cover your head.

2. Maintain silence and respect within the complex.

3. Consider taking a dip in the Amrit Sarovar.

4. The temple is particularly beautiful at night.

Also see albums

1. Golden Temple

2. Durgiana Mandir

3. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorma Amritsar

4. Eating out Amrtisar

5. Best Places to eat and shop, Amritsar

6. Langars in Temples of Karnataka, called Annakshetras there

7. Jallianwala Bagh