Sunday 24 March 2013

Amritsar Golden Temple

Why Should You See Amritsar Golden Temple

" """" " Harmandir Sahib is one of the oldest and the most revered temples of India; it is the Mecca of the Sikh religion followers. The upper towers of the complex are covered with gold, so that’s why it is also known as the Amritsar Golden Temple. If you are interested in travelling to India, you’ll definitely have to visit this spectacular complex.

The history of the temple dates back to the year of 1577, when Guru Ram Das (the fourth Sikh Guru) digged the pond, named as Lake Amritsar, around which the city began to grow. In fact, the construction of the temple started in 1588, when the foundation stone in the middle of the lake was laid; in 1604 the building was completed. From this period the holy original scriptures of Sikhs - a collection of hymns and the practice guide of a prayer called “Adi Granth” written by the fifth Guru Arjan Dev are kept in in Harmandir Sahib.

Harmandir Sahib is the central temple of the Sikh religion in India. The road to the entrance to the temple lies through a narrow marble bridge across the pond, which waters are considered to be curative. Pilgrims believe that it consists of the elixir of immortality and the holy water. The road over the bridge symbolizes the path from sin to righteousness.

The temple is open for entry to all four sides of the world, which is quite symbolic; thus, the Golden Temple is available for all nationalities and religions. The temple welcomes a hundred thousand visitors daily; it is opened almost all the time of the day and closed only four hours at night, from 23.00 to 03.00 hours.

Majestic beauty and splendor of the Golden Temple can be considered to be its outstanding hallmark. Gold coating gives the impression that the temple is carved out of a huge chunk of gold. The interior finish also impresses with its precious inlays, ornaments, gilts.

Harmandir Sahib The Great
Harmandir Sahib is an amazing temple complex located in the Indian city of Amritsar; this is the main shrine of the Sikh religion followers.
In accordance with the legend, thousands of years ago here was the place of Buddha’s meditations; it is believed that he was attracted by an unusual calmness of waters of the lake. Perhaps, that's why the fourth Sikh Guru Ram Das decided to settle here in the year of 1574. He expanded the pond, giving it the shape of an almost perfect square. In the center of the lake a temple was erected, gradually occupying more and more space in the hearts of the followers of Sikhism. Building of the temple contributed to the rapid growth of the city. The construction of the complex ended in 1604.
The temple complex is scattered over a fairly large area and consists of dozens of buildings, however, Golden Temple Amritsar is its central and the main part. The temple is a small two-story building with a pergola on the roof that is occupied by the readers, who pronounce passages from the holy book.
The group of buildings along the perimeter of the pond completes the central complex so it resembles the walls of the fort. This sui generis fort has four entrances, which symbolizes the fact that the temple can be entered by and person, all the comers are welcomed to pray in the temple, regardless of the color of the skin or creed. The pilgrims can spend a night and even have a meal here for free. Thus, the Golden Temple attracts around 30,000 people willing to taste the food of the communal kitchen every day; however, during the holidays this number can be easily doubled. Despite the fact that the temple is opened for all the comers, several rules have to be followed: in this way eating meat, drinking alcohol and smoking is strongly prohibited.

Golden Temple

The Golden Temple To See
This grand building radiates universal tranquility, while the expertly seasoned balance between demonstrative luxury and sophisticated beauty captivates everyone who sees the Golden Temple for the first time. The name of the temple complex has been given due to the appearance of the facade, which is completely covered with a thin layer of gold plates - such design course of the old-world builders creates a feeling that Harmandir Sahib has been made exclusively of gold.
The temple is located to the north-west of India, Punjab, Amritsar city. The architecture of the sacred complex harmoniously combines the elements of Hindu and Muslim artistic styles, which is not surprising, because the Harmandir Sahib is a central temple of Sikhs, the representatives of unusual religious movement that arose in the medium of Islam and Hinduism, but not similar to any of the existing religions.
A large artificial lake by the temple is really stunning; on a clear day Golden Temple Amristar is incredibly beautiful: reflected in its mirrored surface it doubles the golden glow of the temple. Local folks believe that this is the holy lake and its water is nothing but nectar of immortality. In order to reach the entrance to the main part of the complex, you will have to pass the long, narrow marble bridge, which, like everything else in this sacred place, filled with deep symbolism: each person that overcomes this way makes a step from sin to righteousness.
In addition to the abundance of gold and gilded decoration, the temple is richly decorated with precious stones, and marble statues. The foundation for the future sanctuary was laid in the year of 1577 by the Sikh Guru Ram Das, who digged a pond, which was to become that “nectar of immortality”. The city grew around the lake, and 11 years later the foundation stone of Harmandir Sahib was laid. In 1604 the construction of the Golden Temple was completed.

Amritsar Golden Temple

Amritsar Golden Temple – Everyone Should See It!
Amritsar is the sacred city of Sikhs, founded by the fourth Guru Ram Das in 1577. The city got its name from the holy pond in the center of which Harmandir Sahib, often called Amritsar Golden Temple, is located. In accordance with the Sikhs’ creed, serving people and true worshipping the god are the main aspects of life of a man; work in the community and active life are also honored.
Sikh religious practices are committed by the priests, not by the warriors, and according to Sikh faith, communion with God lies through the soul of a man and does not need any intermediaries. The Sikh religion has been founded by Guru Nanak (1469-1539), who spent almost a quarter-century wandering, promoting a new religion and proclaiming the ideals of work, equality, active life and mutual support. In process of time, the well-organized Sikh community has managed to resist the external enemies, led by the Guru it was turning into a cohesive paramilitary organization.
In the year of 1699 a general congress of the Sikhs was held, where the community was announced to be equal (which is called Khalsa) and the general meeting – the highest authority. In the early eighteenth century Khalsa led the struggle of the peoples of Punjab against the Mughal empire, which resulted in creation of an independent state in the year of 1765. The state lasted until 1849, until the British troops invaded the region.
Undoubtedly, the greatest attraction of Amritsar and the main shrine of the Sikhs is The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), which houses the holy book of “Guru Granth Sahib”. It sets out the teachings of ten gurus, involved in the creation of Sikhism. It is rumored that about 400 kg of gold was used to cover the dome. The temple is surrounded by the artificial lake, which waters are believed to be sacred – it heals both physical and mental wounds and gives enlightenment.

The Beauty Of The Golden Temple Among a numerous number of attractions in India, many of which can be truly considered to be miracles, an outstanding Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib, which is located in the city of Amritsar, should be pointed out separately. This temple is the main sacred place of the Sikh religion – and yes, we do mean those men in turbans, which are often associated in some people with the Indians in general. The Golden Temple was built in the late sixteenth century, shortly after the founding of the city of Amritsar, which, by the way, is named after the lake, in the center of which was built the Golden Temple. Harmandir Sahib is amazingly beautiful and spellbinding. The fact should be underlined that Amritsar Golden Temple got its name not by accident – its top is covered with pure gold, so that’s why the towers shine in the sun like precious stones from an oriental tale. The Golden Temple is a breathtaking luxury in the middle of the pond, and to reach it, one should go on the marble bridge, which adds charm and excitement to the trip – the reflection of the temple in the water is a sight no less worthy of admiration than the temple itself. But the appearance of the temple is not the only thing that makes it stand out from the crowd. It is also extraordinarily beautiful inside, as it is decorated with beautiful ornaments and elegant inlays. The pilgrims in the Golden Temple have the status of the highly respected guests: they can always spend a night and have some food here for absolutely free. By the way, any pilgrim can join to the preparation of the food, since the process doesn’t involve chefs’ labor. Sikhs preaching universal equality, so the temple is open for all comers, you just have to take off your shoes, rinse your feet in a special reservoir of water and be sure to cover the head.

The Most Splendid Temple Of The World Harmandir Sahib is the central temple of the Sikhs in Amritsar, north-west India. This is one of the oldest and most revered temples of India. Golden Temple Amritsar sanctuary is the spiritual center for the millions of Sikhs around the world. Amritsar city, one of the worldwide-known religious centers, was founded in the sixteenth century around the so-called Lake of Immortality (its waters are considered to be sacred, and anyone can wash away his sins with a dip in it). The temple itself consists of bronze, gold leaf and marble. The dome and the walls are made from copper plates, and the top is coated with gold. It is believed that more than 400kg of pure gold was needed to create a dome. The architecture of the temple contains both Hindu and Muslim elements. The sanctuary has four entrances on each side of the four sides. Thus, the temple symbolizes openness to all people, regardless of their social status or religious preferences. The temple complex is an area with an artificial lake in the center of which stands the temple. Its first floor is made of white marble, and the second one as well as all the domes are made of gold. The walls are decorated with stunning stucco, mosaics and carvings. The tourists have a unique chance to listen to the sacred hymns performed by the temple’s musicians. A lot of comers throw them coins, which are then collected by officers of the temple with a mop, to avoid formation of coin mountains, as the temple is visited by 30,000 people daily. One will also notice temple’s readers sitting on each floor of the Temple in front of the “Adi Granth Sahib” book and quietly reciting the scriptures. By the way, orisons’ chanting continues day after day, without stopping even for a minute.

Golden Temple Amritsar

sikhamritsar

Golden Temple Amritsar: Golden Temple Amritsar is hub of Sikhism. It's Shrine place. It's an important seat of Sikh history and culture. It's foundation by was laid Sai Mian Mir Ji.Golden Temple is also known as Hari Mandir meaning Temple of God. Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple.

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