Harmandir Sahib: Difference between revisions

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The main temple building is surrounded by a pool or [[Sarover]]. The building complex has 4 doors facing East, West, North and South. These 4 doors signify the warm welcome to this shrine of all different classes and types of people from all walks of life. People of all religions are welcomed to this temple.
The main temple building is surrounded by a pool or [[Sarover]]. The building complex has 4 doors facing East, West, North and South. These 4 doors signify the warm welcome to this shrine of all different classes and types of people from all walks of life. People of all religions are welcomed to this temple.


[[Image:Outer walls.jpg|thumb|An old photograph of the Outer Walls of Harimandir Sahib. The inscription above the entrance reads: "The Great Guru in His wisdom looked upon Maharaja Ranjit Singh as his chief servitor and Sikh, and in his benevolence, bestowed on him on the privilege of serving the Temple.|left]]
[[Image:Outer walls.jpg|thumb|An old photograph of the Outer Walls of Harimandir Sahib. The inscription above the entrance reads: "The Great Guru in His wisdom looked upon Maharaja Ranjit Singh as his chief servitor and Sikh, and in his benevolence, bestowed on him the privilege of serving the Temple.|left]]
During the 1400, this site was a small lake, surrounded by a thin forest. Travellers and holy people used the site for meditation and rest. These visitors recognised it for its special sense of tranquillity and its pure and sweet water.
During the 1400, this site was a small lake, surrounded by a thin forest. Travellers and holy people used the site for meditation and rest. These visitors recognised it for its special sense of tranquillity and its pure and sweet water.



Revision as of 02:09, 28 April 2005


Harimandir Sahib: Literally "Temple of God."; Punjabi

A gurdwara of historical, spiritual, and emotional significance to Sikhs, called Harimandir Sahib in Punjabi. It was first conceived of by Guru Amar Das, although construction did not begin until Guru Ram Das became the Guru. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the structure plated with gold in the early 19th century. In 1604, the recently compiled Adi Granth was housed here. It was attacked by the Indian army in June 1984.

The Golden Temple
Bird's eye view of Harimandir Sahib and Amritsar

Harimander Sahib is the most famous Sikh temple or Gurdwara. It is also called the Golden Temple in English because of the gold plating that covers most of its surface. This Gurdwara is found in the holy city of Amritsar in Punjab in North West India and is the sacred and the most visited of the many historic Sikhs shrines found in India and Pakistan. This beautiful building was built by the Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs.

The foundation stone of the historic building was laid by a non-Sikh. The Guru gave the task of initiating the building to a Muslim Saint Hazrat Mian Mir ji of Lahore in December 1588. This is like asking a Jew to lay the foundation stone of the Vatican in Rome! Thus the Guru showed the world the true message of religion, which is to promote Interfaith dialogue and interaction.

The main temple building is surrounded by a pool or Sarover. The building complex has 4 doors facing East, West, North and South. These 4 doors signify the warm welcome to this shrine of all different classes and types of people from all walks of life. People of all religions are welcomed to this temple.

An old photograph of the Outer Walls of Harimandir Sahib. The inscription above the entrance reads: "The Great Guru in His wisdom looked upon Maharaja Ranjit Singh as his chief servitor and Sikh, and in his benevolence, bestowed on him the privilege of serving the Temple.

During the 1400, this site was a small lake, surrounded by a thin forest. Travellers and holy people used the site for meditation and rest. These visitors recognised it for its special sense of tranquillity and its pure and sweet water.

The lake was enlarged and a small community was established during the leadership of the fourth Sikh Guru (Guru Ram Das, 1574-1581). It was during the leadership of the fifth Guru (Guru Arjan, 1581-1606), that the Golden Temple was built. It was completed in 1601.


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References

  • Nomination of Sri Harimandir Sahib for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List Vol.1 Nomination Dossier, India 2003