Difference between revisions of "Harmandir Sahib" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{for|the Golden Pavilion Temple in Kyoto, Japan|Kinkaku-ji}}
 
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The '''Harmandir Sahib''' <ref>{{cite book |title=Encyclopedia of Sikhism|author=Harban Singh|coauthors=Punjabi University |year=1998|publisher=[http://www.punjabiuniversity.ac.in/pages/index.htm Punjabi University]|isbn=817380530X}}</ref>([[Punjabi]]: ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ) or '''Darbar Sahib'''<ref>Golden Temple, Punjabi University, Parm Barkshish Singh, Devinder Kumar Verma, ''ISBN 8173805695''</ref> ([[Punjabi]]: ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ), informally reffered to as  The '''Golden Temple''' or '''Temple of God''',<ref>{{cite book |title=Encyclopedia of Sikhism|author=Harban Singh|coauthors=Punjabi University |year=1998|publisher=[http://www.punjabiuniversity.ac.in/pages/index.htm Punjabi University]|isbn=817380530X}}</ref> is culturally the most significant shrine of the [[Sikhs]] and one of the oldest Sikh [[gurudwara]]. It is located in the city of [[Amritsar]], which was established by [[Guru Ram Das]], the fourth guru of the Sikhs and is known as "guru di nagri" meaning city of the Sikh Guru.
  
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The '''Golden Temple''' ''(informal name in Sikhism'')<ref>Harban Singh and Punjabi University. "Encyclopedia of Sikhism"(Punjabi University, 1998, ISBN 817380530X)</ref>, is the most sacred and holiest shrine of [[Sikhism]] ''(the holy-of-holies of Sikhism)''.  The official name of the Temple in Sikhism is: '''Harmandir Sahib'''<ref>''ibid.''</ref>or Darbar Sahib, ([[Punjabi]]: ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ) which means literally ''(Harmandir Sahib meaning: The Abode of God)''.<ref>Parm Barkshish Singh and Devinder Kumar Verma. ''Golden Temple''(Punjabi University, ISBN 8173805695)</ref> It is located in [[Amritsar]] ''(meaning: The Pool of the Nectar of Immortality)'', the holiest city in Sikhism, in the state of [[Punjab (India)|Punjab]], [[India]]. Sikh devotees, for whom the Temple is a symbol of infinite freedom and spiritual independence, come to the Temple from all over the world to enjoy its environs and offer their prayers.
 
 
{{Infobox Historic building
 
{{Infobox Historic building
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|image=Golden temple.jpg
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|image=
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|caption=The Harmandir Sahib informally known as the Golden Temple in Sikhism<ref>Harban Singh and Punjabi University. ''Encyclopedia of Sikhism''(Punjabi University, 1998, ISBN 817380530X)</ref><ref>http://www.sikhs.org/summary.htm "Introduction to Sikhism"]. Sikhs.org.</ref>
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|caption=The Harmandir Sahib ''(The abode of God)'',<br>informally known as the Golden Temple in Sikhism<ref>{{cite book |title=Encyclopedia of Sikhism|author=Harban Singh|coauthors=Punjabi University |year=1998|publisher=[http://www.punjabiuniversity.ac.in/pages/index.htm Punjabi University]|isbn=817380530X}}</ref><ref>[http://www.sikhs.org/summary.htm The Sikhism Home Page: Introduction to Sikhism<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>
 
|name=Harmandir Sahib
 
|name=Harmandir Sahib
 
|location_town=[[Amritsar]]
 
|location_town=[[Amritsar]]
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|client=[[Guru Arjan Dev]] & [[Sikh]]s
 
|client=[[Guru Arjan Dev]] & [[Sikh]]s
 
|engineer=
 
|engineer=
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|construction_start_date=December 1588 AD
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|construction_start_date=December 1585 AD
 
|completion_date=August 1604 C.E.
 
|completion_date=August 1604 C.E.
 
|date_demolished=
 
|date_demolished=
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{{Sikhi}}
 
{{Sikhi}}
 
{{coor title dms|31|37|12|N|74|52|37|E|}}
 
{{coor title dms|31|37|12|N|74|52|37|E|}}
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==Introduction==
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===General===
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The Harmandir Sahib is considered holy by Sikhs because the eternal Guru of Sikhism, the [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]], is always present inside in it and its construction was mainly intended to build a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religion to come and worship God equally. <ref>[http://www.sikhs.org/granth.htm The Sikhism Home Page: Sri Guru Granth Sahib<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Encyclopedia of Sikhism|author=Harban Singh|coauthors=Punjabi University |year=1998|publisher=[http://www.punjabiuniversity.ac.in/pages/index.htm Punjabi University]|isbn=817380530X}}</ref> The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the holiest literature in the Sikh religion <ref>[http://www.sikhs.org/granth.htm The Sikhism Home Page: Sri Guru Granth Sahib<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>, the tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh on [[7th October]] [[1708]] made it the eternal Sikh Guru and the leader of Sikhism. <ref>[http://www.sikhs.org/granth.htm The Sikhism Home Page: Sri Guru Granth Sahib<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref> Anywhere in the world where the Guru Granth Sahib is present is equally holy and precious to Sikhs. [[Amritsar]] is the location of Harmandir Sahib.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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The fourth Guru of Sikhism, [[Guru Ram Das]], excavated a tank (1577 [[AD]]) which subsequently became known as Amritsar ''(meaning: Pool of the Nectar of Immortality)''<ref>Singh and Verma</ref> and gave its name to the city that grew around it. In due course, a splendid Sikh edifice, Harmandir Sahib ''(meaning: The Abode of God)''<ref>Singh and Verma</ref>, rose in the middle of this tank and became the supreme centre of [[Sikhism]]. Its sanctorum came to house the adi granth confining compositions of Sikh Gurus and other saints considered to have Sikh values and philosophies e.g. [[Baba Farid]], [[Kabir]], etc. The compilation of the [[Adi granth]] was started by the fifth Guru of Sikhism, [[Guru Arjun Dev]].
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Its name literally meaning, House of God. The fourth Guru of Sikhism, [Guru Ram Das], excavated a tank in 1577 C.E. which subsequently became known as ''Amritsar'' (meaning: Pool of the Nectar of Immortality) <ref>Golden Temple, Punjabi University, Parm Barkshish Singh, Devinder Kumar Verma ISBN 8173805695</ref>, giving its name to the city that grew around it. In due course, a splendid Sikh edifice, Harmandir Sahib ''(meaning: The abode of God)'' <ref>Golden Temple, Punjabi University, Parm Barkshish Singh, Devinder Kumar Verma, ''ISBN 8173805695''.</ref>, rose in the middle of this tank and became the supreme centre of [[Sikhism]]. Its sanctum came to house the [[Adi Granth]] comprising compositions of Sikhi Gurus and other saints considered to have Sikh values and philosophies e.g. [[Baba Farid]], [[Kabir]], ''etc.'' The compilation of the Adi Granth was started by the fifth Guru of Sikhism, [[Guru Arjan Dev]].
  
 
===The Amritsar area===
 
===The Amritsar area===
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Amritsar is located in the [[Majha]] region of the Punjab. Majha is also known as the [[Bari Doab]], since it is the [[Doab]] ''(Do = two, ab = rivers)'' or the ''(fluvial)'' tract of land which lies between two of the five great rivers of the province, the [[Ravi River|Ravi]] and the [[Beas]]. As such, Majha lies in the heart of the ancient Punjab region, besides Amritsar it comprises [[Gurdaspur]], [[Batala]] and [[Tarn Taran Sahib]].
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Amritsar is located in the [[Majha]] region of the Punjab. Majha is also known as the [[Bari Doab]], since it is the [[Doab]] (Do = two, ab = rivers) or the ''(fluvial)'' tract of land which lies between two of the five great rivers of the province, the [[Ravi River|Ravi]] and the [[Beas]]. As such, Majha lies in the heart of the ancient Punjab region, comprised of [[Gurdaspur]], [[Batala]] and [[Tarn Taran Sahib]] as well as Amritsar.  
  
 
===Construction of the Harmandir Sahib===
 
===Construction of the Harmandir Sahib===
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[[Image:Amritsar-golden-temple-00.JPG|left|280px|thumb|The Golden Temple at night]]
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[[Image:Amritsar-golden-temple-00.JPG|left|280px|thumb|The Harmandir Sahib at night]]
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Originally during 1574 C.E., a small lake in a thin forest, surrounded the site of the temple. The third of the six grand [[Mughals]], emperor [[Akbar]], who visited the third Sikh Guru, [[Guru Amar Das]] at the neighboring town of [[Goindval]], was so impressed by the way of life in the town that he gave a [[jagir]] ''(the land and the revenues of several villages in the vicinity)'' to the Guru's daughter, Bhani as a gift on her marriage to Bhai Jetha, who later became the fourth Sikh Guru, [[Guru Ram Das]]. Guru Ram Das enlarged the lake and built a small township around it. The town was named after Guru Ram Das as ''"Guru Ka Chak"'', ''"Chak Ram Das"'' or ''"Ram Das Pura"''. It was during the leadership of the fifth Guru, [[Guru Arjan Dev]] (1581-1606), that the full-fledged Temple was built. In December 1588, the great [[Muslim Sufi]] saint of [[Lahore]], [[Hazrat Mian Mir]], who was a close friend of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, initiated the construction of the temple by laying the first foundation stone (December 1588 C.E.).<ref>[http://allaboutsikhs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11 "All about Sikhs"]. AllAboutSikhs.com</ref><ref>Singh and Punjabi University</ref> A mason then straightened the stone but Guru Arjan Dev told him that, as he had undone the work just completed by the holy man that a disasters might come to the Harmandir Sahib, it was later attacked by the [[Mughal]]s. The temple was completed in 1604, Guru Arjan Dev, installed the [[Guru Granth Sahib]] in it and appointed [[Baba Buddha]] Ji as the first [[Granthi]] ''(Reader)'' of it on August 1604 [[AD]]. In the mid 18th century it was attacked by the [[Demographics of Afghanistan|Afghans]], by one of [[Ahmed Shah Abdali]]'s Generals Jahan Khan and had to be substantially rebuilt in the 1760s. However, in response a Sikh Army was sent to hunt down the Afghan force. They were under orders to show no mercy and historical evidence suggests none was shown. Both forces met each other 5 miles outside Amritsar; Jahan Khan's army was destroyed.<ref>Hari Ram Gupta. ''Evolution of Sikh Confederacies, 1708-1769''(New Delhi: Munshiram Monoharlal, 1978, OCLC 5650761</ref> He himself had his head [[Decapitation|decapitated]] by commander ''[[Sardar]]'' Dayal Singh.<ref>''ibid.''</ref>
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Originally built during 1574 C.E., the site of the temple was surrounded by a small lake in a thin forest. The third of the six grand [[Mughals]], emperor [[Akbar]], who visited the third Sikh Guru, [[Guru Amar Das]], at the neighbouring town of [[Goindval]] was so impressed by the way of life in the town that he gave a [[jagir]] (the land and the revenues of several villages in the vicinity) to the Guru's daughter Bhani as a gift on her marriage to Bhai Jetha, who later became the fourth Sikh Guru, [[Guru Ram Das]]. Guru Ram Das enlarged the lake and built a small township around it. The town was named after Guru Ram Das as ''"Guru Ka Chak"'', ''"Chak Ram Das"'' or ''"Ram Das Pura"''.  
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During the leadership of the fifth Guru, [[Guru Arjan Dev]] (1581-1606), the full-fledged Temple was built. In December 1588 the great [[Muslim Sufi]] saint of [[Lahore]], [[Hazrat Mian Mir]], who was a close friend of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, initiated the construction of the temple by laying the first foundation stone (December 1588 C.E.).<ref>[http://allaboutsikhs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11 A Gateway to Sikhism | The Sikh Saints:Mian Mir - A Gateway to Sikhism<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Encyclopedia of Sikhism|author=Harban Singh|coauthors=Punjabi University |year=1998|publisher=[http://www.punjabiuniversity.ac.in/pages/index.htm Punjabi University]|isbn=817380530X}}</ref> A mason then straightened the stone but Guru Arjan Dev told him that, as he had undone the work just completed by the holy man, a disaster might come to the Harmandir Sahib. It was later attacked by the [[Mughal]]s.  
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The temple was completed in 1604. Guru Arjan Dev, installed the [[Guru Granth Sahib]] in it and appointed [[Baba Buddha]] Ji as the first [[Granthi]] ''(Reader)'' of it on August 1604 [[AD]]. In the mid 18th century it was attacked by the [[Demographics of Afghanistan|Afghans]], by one of [[Ahmed Shah Abdali]]'s Generals, Jahan Khan, and had to be substantially rebuilt in the 1760s. However, in response a Sikh Army was sent to hunt down the Afghan force. They were under orders to show no mercy and historical evidence suggests none was shown. Both forces met each other 5 miles outside Amritsar; Jahan Khan's army was destroyed.<ref>Volume 2: Evolution of Sikh Confederacies (1708-1769), By Ram Gupta.</ref> He himself was [[Decapitation|decapitated]] by commander ''[[Sardar]]'' Dayal Singh.<ref>Volume 2: Evolution of Sikh Confederacies (1708-1769), By Ram Gupta.</ref>
  
 
==The Harmandir Sahib Complex and areas in its vicinity==
 
==The Harmandir Sahib Complex and areas in its vicinity==
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[[Image:The Golden temple map.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The Map of the Golden temple]]
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[[Image:The Golden temple map.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The Map of the Harmandir Sahib]]
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The temple is surrounded by a large lake of water, known as the Sarovar which consists of Amrit ''(Holy Water or Immortal Nectar)''. There are four entrances to the temple, signifying the importance of acceptance and openness; ostensibly, this concept is reminiscent of the tent of Abraham in the Old Testament — his tent was open on all four sides in order to be able to welcome travelers from all directions. Inside the temple complex there are many shrines to past Sikh Gurus, Saints and martyrs ''(see map)''. There are three holy trees ''(Bers)'' each signifies a historical event or Sikh saint. Inside the temple there many memorial plaques that commemorate past Sikh historical events, saints, martyrs and includes commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died fighting in [[World war]] one and two. For a new visitor the first recommended place to visit is the information Office highlighted in the map and followed by visiting the Sikh Central museum near the main entrance and clock tower. Anyone who wants to enter the Harmandir Sahib may do so, irrespective of religion, color, creed or sex. The only restrictions are that the person must not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke cigarettes or other drugs while in the shrine. Visitors are, as well, expected to dress appropriately and everyone must cover their heads as a sign of respect, remove their shoes and wash their feet in the small pool of water as they enter the Harmandir Sahib premises. Head scarves are provided. All Sikh temples ([[Gurdwara]]s) in the world follow this traditional rule that everyone is welcome to enter. There are four doors to get into the Harmandir Sahib, meaning that Harmandir sahib is open to anyone.[[Image:100 1186d.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The East entrance gate to Golden temple ''(see map)'']]In 1988, after [[Operation Black Thunder]], a narrow peripheral strip of land (including buildings) was acquired by the government essentially to create a security belt. A large number of people were displaced and rehabilitated in the process. [[Image:100 1194.jpg|thumb|260px|right|Wideview of Harmandir Sahib]] However, the project met with a strong resistance from the moderate as well as militant Sikh organisations and the project had to be abandoned, after a senior Government engineer, connected with the project, was killed. The project was revived only in 1993 by the Deputy Commissioner Karan Bir Singh Sidhu, who was also appointed as the Project Director of what was popularly described as the ''Galliara'' Project. He changed the concept of the periphery from that of a security belt to that of a second ''parikarma'' and created a serene landscape that was fully consistent with the ethereal beauty of the Golden Temple. This was done in quiet consultation with the [[Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee|SGPC]]. The pilgrims today can travel by foot in the ''Galliara''; no vehicles are permitted.
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The temple is surrounded by a large lake of water, known as the Sarovar which consists of Amrit ''(Holy Water or Immortal Nectar)''. There are four entrances to the temple, signifying the importance of acceptance and openness; ostensibly, this concept is reminiscent of the tent of Abraham in the Old Testament — his tent was open on all four sides in order to be able to welcome travelers from all directions. Inside the temple complex there are many shrines to past Sikh Gurus, Saints and martyrs ''(see map)''. There are three holy trees ''(Bers)'' each signifiying a historical event or Sikh saint. Inside the temple there many memorial plaques that commemorate past Sikh historical events, saints, martyrs and includes commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died fighting in World wars one and two. For a new visitor the first recommended place to visit is the information Office highlighted in the map and followed by visiting the Sikh Central museum near the main entrance and clock tower. Anyone who wants to enter the Harmandir Sahib may do so, irrespective of religion, colour, creed or sex. The only restrictions are that the person must not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke cigarettes or other drugs while in the shrine. Visitors are, as well, expected to dress appropriately and everyone must cover their heads as a sign of respect, remove their shoes and wash their feet in the small pool of water as they enter the Harmandir Sahib premises. Head scarves are provided. All Sikh temples ([[Gurdwara]]s) in the world follow this traditional rule that everyone is welcome to enter. There are four doors to get into the Harmandir Sahib, meaning that Harmandir sahib is open to anyone.[[Image:Golden_Temple_1186.jpg|250px|thumb|left|The East entrance gate to Harmandir Sahib ''(see map)'']]In 1988, after [[Operation Black Thunder]], a narrow peripheral strip of land (including buildings) was acquired by the government essentially to create a security belt. A large number of people were displaced and rehabilitated in the process. [[Image:Golden_Temple_1194.jpg|thumb|260px|rigth|Wideview of Harmandir Sahib]] However, the project met with a strong resistance from the moderate as well as militant Sikh organisations and the project had to be abandoned, after a senior Government engineer, connected with the project, was killed. The project was revived only in 1993 by the Deputy Commissioner Karan Bir Singh Sidhu, who was also appointed as the Project Director of what was popularly described as the ''Galliara'' Project. He changed the concept of the periphery from that of a security belt to that of a second ''parikarma'' and created a serene landscape that was fully consistent with the ethereal beauty of the Harmandir Sahib. This was done in quiet consultation with the [[Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee|SGPC]]. The pilgrims today can travel by foot in the ''Galliara''; no vehicles are permitted.
  
 
==Artwork and monument sculptures==
 
==Artwork and monument sculptures==
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[[Image:100 1202f.jpg|210px|thumb|North Entrance gate near Ath-sath Tirath (68 Sacred Places) ''(Point 15 on map)'']]
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[[Image:Golden_Temple_1202.jpg|210px|thumb|North Entrance gate near Ath-sath Tirath (68 Sacred Places) ''(Point 15 on map)'']]
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Much of the present decorative gilding and marblework date from the early 1800s. All the gold and exquisite marble work were conducted under the patronage of [[Ranjit Singh|Emperor Ranjit Singh]], Maharaja of the [[Sikh Empire]] of the Punjab. The Darshani Deorhi Arch stands at the beginning of the [[causeway]] to the Golden Temple, it is {{convert|202|ft|m|0}} high and {{convert|21|ft|m|0}} in width. The Gold plating on the Golden temple was began by Emperor Ranjit Singh and was finished in 1830 [[AD]]. The ''Sher-e-Punjab'' (Lion of the Punjab), was a heavy donor of wealth and materials for the shrine and is remembered with much affection by the [[Punjabi people]] in general and the Sikh community in particular. Maharaja Ranjit Singh also built two of the other most sacred temples in Sikhism. This was due to Maharaja Ranjit Singh having a deep love for the tenth Guru of Sikhism [[Guru Gobind Singh]]. The other two most sacred temples in Sikhism, which he built, are [[Takht Sri Patna Sahib]] ''(initiation or birth place of Guru Gobind Singh)'' and [[Takht Sri Hazur Sahib]] the place of Guru Gobind Singh's Sikh ascension into heaven.  
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Much of the present decorative gilding and marblework dates from the early 1800s. All the gold and exquisite marble work were conducted under the patronage of Hukam Singh Chimni and [[Ranjit Singh|Emperor Ranjit Singh]], Maharaja of the [[Sikh Empire]] of the Punjab. The Darshani Deorhi Arch stands at the beginning of the [[causeway]] to the Harmandir Sahib; it is {{convert|202|ft|m|0}} high and {{convert|21|ft|m|0}} in width. The gold plating on the Harmandir Sahib was begun by Emperor Ranjit Singh and was finished in 1830 [[AD]]. The ''Sher-e-Punjab'' (Lion of the Punjab), was a heavy donor of wealth and materials for the shrine and is remembered with much affection by the [[Punjabi people]] in general and the Sikh community in particular. Maharaja Ranjit Singh also built two of the other most sacred temples in Sikhism. This was due to Maharaja Ranjit Singh having a deep love for the tenth Guru of Sikhism [[Guru Gobind Singh]]. The other two most sacred temples in Sikhism, which he built, are [[Takht Sri Patna Sahib]] ''(intiation or birth place of Guru Gobind Singh)'' and [[Takht Sri Hazur Sahib]] the place of Guru Gobind Singh's Sikh ascension into heaven.
  
 
==In film and television==
 
==In film and television==
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[[Image:Akal takhat amritsar.jpg|190px|thumb|The Sri Akal Takhat Sahib at the Golden Temple ''(Point 6 on map)'']]
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*The Temple is one of the locations of the movie [[Gandhi (film)|Gandhi]] ''(1982)''.
 
*The Temple is one of the locations of the movie [[Gandhi (film)|Gandhi]] ''(1982)''.
 
*The Temple is one of the locations of [[Bride and Prejudice]] ''(2004)''.
 
*The Temple is one of the locations of [[Bride and Prejudice]] ''(2004)''.
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==Notable visits==
 
==Notable visits==
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[[Image:1s00 1189.jpg|280px|thumb|The [[Causeway]] to the Golden temple ''(Point 10 on map)'']]
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[[Image:1s00 1189.jpg|280px|thumb|The [[Causeway]] to the Harmandir Sahib ''(Point 10 on map)'']]
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*[[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth II]] and [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|Prince Philip]] of the [[United Kingdom]] — October 14, 1997
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*[[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Queen Elizabeth II]] and [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|Prince Philip]] of the [[United Kingdom]] &mdash; October 1997
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*Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs — [[John Manley (politician)|John Manley]] —January 2002
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*Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs &mdash; [[John Manley (politician)|John Manley]] &mdash;January 2002
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*Former Prime Minister of Canada — [[Jean Chrétien]] —October 2003
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*Former Prime Minister of Canada &mdash; [[Jean Chrétien]] &mdash;October 2003
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*Television Presenter and Actor —  [[Michael Palin]] 2004
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*Indian President &mdash; [[A.P.J. Abdul Kalam]] &mdash;August 2004
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*Indian President — [[A.P.J. Abdul Kalam]] —August 2004
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*Indian Prime Minister &mdash; [[Manmohan Singh]] &mdash;September 2004
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*Indian Prime Minister — [[Manmohan Singh]] —September 2004
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*British Foreign Secretary &mdash; [[Jack Straw (politician)|Jack Straw]] &mdash;February 2005
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*British Foreign Secretary — [[Jack Straw (politician)|Jack Straw]] —February 2005
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*Dalai Lama &mdash; [[The 14th Dalai Lama|Tenzin Gyatso]] &mdash;November 2007
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*Ambassador Ernesto Carlos Alvarez — ''Ambassador of [[Argentina]] (October 2007).''
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*Ernesto Carlos Alvarez &mdash; Ambassador of Argentina in India
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*Ambassador Miguel Angel Ramirez — ''Ambassador of [[Cuba]] (October 2007).''
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*Mr. & Mrs. Miguel Angel Ramirez &mdash; Ambassador of Cuba in India
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*Ambassador Carlos Abad — ''Ambassador of [[Ecuador]] (October 2007).''
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*Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Abad &mdash; Ambassador of Ecuador in India
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*Ambassador Rogelio Granguillhome — ''Ambassador of [[Mexico]] (October 2007).''
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*Mr. & Mrs. J.Ronald Gajraj &mdash; High Commissioner of Guyana in India
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*Ambassador Hans Dannenberg — ''Ambassador of [[Dominican Republic]] (October 2007).''
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*Mr. & Mrs. Rogelio Granguillhome &mdash; Ambassador of Mexico in India
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*Ambassador Milena Santana Ramirez — ''Ambassador of [[Venezuela]] (October 2007).''
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*Hans Dannenberg &mdash; Ambassador of Dominican Republic in India
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*Mr. J.[[Ronald Gajraj]] — ''High Commissioner of [[Guyana]] (October 2007).''
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*Milena Santana Ramirez &mdash; Ambassador of Venezuela in India
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*Mr. Ricardo Leon — ''Charge De Affairs (CDA) of [[Chile]] (October 2007).''
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*Ricardo Leon &mdash; Charge De Affairs(CDA) of Govt. of Chile
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*Mr. Minister Genaro Pappalardo — ''Charge De Affairs (CDA) of [[Paraguay]] (October 2007).''
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*Minister Genaro Pappalardo &mdash; Charge De Affairs(CDA) of Govt. of Paraguay
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*Mr. Carlos Alberto Yrigoyen — ''Charge De Affairs (CDA) of [[Peru]] (October 2007).''
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*Carlos Alberto Yrigoyen &mdash; Charge De Affairs(CDA) of Govt. of Peru
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*[[Ken Livingstone|Mayor Ken Livingstone]] — ''[[Mayor of London]] (November 2007).''
 
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*[[Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama|Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso]] — ''[[Dalai Lama|The 14th Dalai Lama]] (November 2007).''
 
  
 
==Celebrations at Harmandir Sahib==
 
==Celebrations at Harmandir Sahib==
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[[Image:Goldentemple (82).JPG|210px|thumb|right|The Golden Temple Watch Towers ''(Point 17 on map)'']]
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[[Image:Goldentemple (82).JPG|210px|thumb|rigth|The Harmandir Sahib Watch Towers ''(Point 17 on map)'']]
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One of the most important festivals is [[Vaisakhi]], which is celebrated in the second week of April ''(13th usually)''. Sikhs celebrate the founding of the Khalsa on this day and it is celebrated with fervor in the Harmandir Sahib. Other important Sikh religious days such as the martyrdom day of [[Guru Teg Bahadur]], birthday of [[Guru Nanak]] etc, are also celebrated with religious piety. Similarly Diwali is one of the festivals which sees the Harmandir Sahib beautifully illuminated with Divas/Diyas ''(lamps)'' and fireworks are discharged. During these special occasions and dates there are an estimated 1-2 million pilgrims visiting the Holy shrine.
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One of the most important festivals is [[Vaisakhi]], which is celebrated in the second week of April ''(13th usually)''. Sikhs celebrate the founding of the Khalsa on this day and it is celebrated with fervour in the Harmandir Sahib. Other important Sikh religious days such as the martyrdom day of [[Guru Teg Bahadur]], birthday of [[Guru Nanak]] etc, are also celebrated with religious piety. Similarly Diwali is one of the festivals which sees the Harmandir Sahib beautifully illuminated with Divas/Diyas ''(lamps)'',lights and fireworks are discharged. During these special occasions 1-2 million pilgrims visit the Holy shrine named Harmandir Sahib.
  
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Most Sikh people visit Amritsar and the Harmandir Sahib at least once during lifetime, particularly during special occasions in their life.
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Most Sikh people visit Amritsar and the Harmandir Sahib at least once during lifetime, particularly during special occasions in their life such as birthdays,marriages or birth of their children etc.
  
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==Reaching the Golden Temple from abroad==
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==Reaching the Harmandir Sahib from abroad==
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[[Image:Header1.jpg|167px|thumb|rigth|[[Raja Sansi International Airport|Amritsar International Airport]]]]
  
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For the global Sikh pilgrim or international tourist visitor the fastest way to reach the Golden Temple is by air-travel. The holy city of Amritsar, where the Golden Temple is located, has a rapidly expanding modern Airport called, [[Raja Sansi International Airport|Amritsar International Airport]]. The airport can be reached direct, by the international traveler, from most major cities of the world including, [[London]], [[New York]] and [[Toronto]]. Moreover, there is a rapidly expanding array of international hotels in the holy city that can be booked for overnight stays. [[Lonely Planet]] Bluelist 2008 has voted the Golden Temple as one of the world’s best spiritual sites.<ref>[http://www.ptinews.com/pti/ptisite.nsf/0/03d3a18aa4bdceae6525738e00199bff?OpenDocument "Lonely Planet tips Mumbai as a must-see destination in 2008"]. PtiNews.com</ref>
+
For the global Sikh pilgrim or international tourist visitor the fastest way to reach the Harmandir Sahib is by air-travel. The holy city of Amritsar, where the Harmandir Sahib is located, has a rapidly expanding modern Airport; [[Raja Sansi International Airport|Amritsar International Airport]]. The airport can be reached direct, by the international traveler, from most major cities of the world including, [[London]] and [[Toronto]]. Moreover, there is a rapidly expanding array of international hotels in the holy city that can be booked for overnight stays. [[Lonely Planet]] Bluelist 2008 has voted the Harmandir Sahib as one of the world’s best spiritual sites.<ref>http://www.ptinews.com/pti/ptisite.nsf/0/03d3a18aa4bdceae6525738e00199bff?OpenDocument</ref>
  
 
==Recent events==
 
==Recent events==
 
*On [[July 6]], [[2005]] the [[SGPC]] decided to install [[Closed-circuit television|closed circuit television cameras]] around the Harmandir Sahib Complex and will be adding more security due to other [[Terrorism in India#Northern India#Uttar Pradesh#Ayodhya Crisis|attacks in India on other religious areas]].
 
*On [[July 6]], [[2005]] the [[SGPC]] decided to install [[Closed-circuit television|closed circuit television cameras]] around the Harmandir Sahib Complex and will be adding more security due to other [[Terrorism in India#Northern India#Uttar Pradesh#Ayodhya Crisis|attacks in India on other religious areas]].
−
 
 
*[http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/6031/92/ Latin American and Caribbean Ambassadors visit Golden Temple]
 
*[http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/6031/92/ Latin American and Caribbean Ambassadors visit Golden Temple]
 
*[http://www.sikhsangat.org/news/publish/asia/London_mayor_visits_Sikh_Gurudwara_Sri_Harmander_Sahib_1123077.shtml London Mayor visits Golden Temple]
 
*[http://www.sikhsangat.org/news/publish/asia/London_mayor_visits_Sikh_Gurudwara_Sri_Harmander_Sahib_1123077.shtml London Mayor visits Golden Temple]
−
 
 
*[http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=1229 The Dalai Lama visits Golden Temple]
 
*[http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=1229 The Dalai Lama visits Golden Temple]
  
 
==Operation Blue Star==
 
==Operation Blue Star==
 +
{{main|Operation Blue Star}}
 +
[[Image:Blue star akal takht.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Damage to the [[Akal Takht]] from [[Operation Blue Star]]]]
 +
 +
Between June 3 and June 6, 1984, the [[Indian Army]] led by General Kuldip Singh Brar brought troops into the Harmandir Sahib to arrest  [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale]]. He and some followers had taken refuge in the Harmandir Sahib, and resisted the police who sought to arrest him for suspected acts of terrorism.
 +
 +
By 1983, the Harmandir Sahib became a shelter for a large number of militants. Mark Tully and Satish Jacob wrote<ref>Mark Tully and Satish Jacob, Amritsar -Mrs. Gandhi's Last Battle (Calcutta: Rupa & Co. by arrangement with Pan Books, London, 1985)</ref>: "All ... [Bhindranwale's] terrorists were known by name to the shopkeepers and the householders who live in the narrow alleys surrounding the Golden Temple ... The Punjab police must have known who they were also, but they made no attempt to arrest them. By this time Bhindranwale and his men were above the law."
  
−
Between June 3 and June 6, 1984, the [[Indian Army]] led by General Kuldip Singh Brar brought troops into the Golden Temple to arrest a separatist militant named [[Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale]], who sought to establish an independent Sikh state in the Punjab province. He and some followers took refuge in the Golden Temple, and resisted the police who sought to arrest him for suspected acts of terrorism. [[Indira Gandhi]] and President [[Zail Singh]] ordered the army to arrest him. The code name for this operation was [[Operation Blue Star]].  
+
The Harmandir Sahib compund and some of the surrounding houses were fortified. The Statesman reported on July 4 that light machine-guns and sophisticated self-loading rifles were known to have been brought into the compound.
  
−
After fierce fighting between Bhindranwale's side and the soldiers. Bhindranwale's side were killed in the fighting along with many soldiers. An official account tallies the deaths of 83 soldiers and 492 civilians<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070320/punjab1.htm "Punjab Stories"]. TribuneIndia.com</ref>. However, many journalists abroad and in India consider the [[pilgrim]] dead toll to be much higher up to 2000. The Golden Temple complex also suffered much damage due to the fighting, especially the holy Sri Akal Takhat Sahib.
+
[[Indira Gandhi]] ordered the army to launch [[Operation Blue Star]], leading to fierce fighting ensued between Bhindranwale's supporters and the soldiers, in which many of Bhindranwale's supporters were killed along with many soldiers. An official account tallies the deaths of 83 soldiers and 492 civilians<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070320/punjab1.htm   Varinder Walia, "Army reveals startling facts on Bluestar: Says Longowal surrendered", The Tribune, Chandigarh (March 20, 2007)]</ref>. The Harmandir Sahib complex also suffered much damage due to the fighting, especially the holy Sri Akal Takhat Sahib.
  
−
Many Sikhs regarded the attack as a desecration of their holiest shrine, and their alienation had deep and dramatic consequences: on [[October 31]], [[1984]], [[Indira Gandhi]] was assassinated by two of her Sikh bodyguards, [[Beant Singh]] and [[Satwant Singh]]. The chief of the Indian Army, General [[Arun Shridhar Vaidya]] and most other officers involved in the planning or assault on the Golden Temple were also killed and assassinated. The assassination of Mrs Gandhi gave rise to the [[Delhi]] anti-Sikh riot with estimates of up to 4,000 innocent Sikhs being murdered. [[Amnesty International]] is one of the Global [[Human rights]] bodies that is pursuing and trying to bring to trial of any Delhi police or politicians that were involved in planning of the murders.<ref>[http://thereport.amnesty.org/eng/Regions/Asia-Pacific/India "India"]. TheReport.Amnesty.org</ref> Most expect future cases to be tried at [[The Hague]] similar to [[Slobodan Milosevic]] trials held on [[crimes against humanity]] charges.
+
Many Sikhs regarded the attack as a desecration of their holiest shrine, and their alienation had deep and dramatic consequences. Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her bodyguards, both Sikhs, the following October.
  
−
[[Sonia Gandhi]] in [[1998]] officially apologized for the assault on the holy Golden temple, as a great mistake.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/s/w_asia/50469.stm "Sonia Gandhi apologizes for raid on Sikh temple"]. BBC News.</ref>
+
[[Sonia Gandhi]] in [[1998]] officially apologized for the assault on the holy Harmandir Sahib, as a great mistake.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/s/w_asia/50469.stm BBC News | S/W ASIA | Sonia Gandhi apologises for raid on Sikh temple<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>
  
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In 1986 the repairs performed on the holy Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, which the [[Rajiv|Rajiv Gandhi]] Government had undertaken without consultation, were removed. A new Sri Akal Takhat Sahib was completed in 1999 by [[Kar Seva]] ''(free pilgrim service & work)''.
+
In 1986 the repairs performed on the holy Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, which the [[Rajiv Gandhi]] Government had undertaken without consultation, were removed. A new Sri Akal Takhat Sahib was completed in 1999 by [[Kar Seva]] ''(free pilgrim service & work)''.
  
 
==Photo gallery==
 
==Photo gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:Golden temple Akal Takhat.JPG|Golden Temple main Building with [[Akal Takht]] Sahib
+
Image:Golden temple Akal Takhat.JPG|Harmandir Sahib main Building with [[Akal Takht]] Sahib
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Image:Golden Temple West Entrace.JPG|Golden Temple from the North Entrance gate near Ath-sath Tirath (68 Sacred Places) ''(Point 15 on map)''
+
Image:Golden Temple West Entrace.JPG|Harmandir Sahib from the North Entrance gate near Ath-sath Tirath (68 Sacred Places) ''(Point 15 on map)''
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Image:Baba Atal Amritsar.JPG|[[Gurdwara Baba Atal]], Golden Temple complex [[Amritsar]] ''(Point 25 on map)''
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Image:Baba Atal Amritsar.JPG|[[Gurdwara Baba Atal]], Harmandir Sahib complex [[Amritsar]] ''(Point 25 on map)''
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Image:Nishan sahib golden temple.JPG|Nishaan Sahib (Flagstaffs) ''(Point 7 on map)''
+
Image:Nishan sahib golden temple.jpg|Nishaan Sahib (Flagstaffs) ''(Point 7 on map)''
 
Image:Golden Temple 1.jpg|Harmandir Sahib Complex
 
Image:Golden Temple 1.jpg|Harmandir Sahib Complex
 
Image:Golden-Temple-Jan-07.jpg|Harmandir Sahib
 
Image:Golden-Temple-Jan-07.jpg|Harmandir Sahib
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Image:DSC00009.JPG|The Entrance to the Golden Temple as seen from the inside of the complex
+
Image:Golden_Temple_00009.jpg|The Entrance to the Harmandir Sahib as seen from the inside of the complex
 +
Image:Harmandir_Sahib-2995.jpg|Corridor, Harmandir Sahib, [[Amritsar]].
 
Image:GoldenTemplePanorama.jpg|Panorama of the main building and Sarovar
 
Image:GoldenTemplePanorama.jpg|Panorama of the main building and Sarovar
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Image:100 1202f.jpg|North Entrance gate near Ath-sath Tirath (68 Sacred Places) ''(Point 15 on map)''.
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Image:Golden_Temple_1202.jpg|North Entrance gate near Ath-sath Tirath (68 Sacred Places) ''(Point 15 on map)''.
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Image:1s00 1189.jpg|The Causeway to the Golden temple ''(Point 10 on map)''
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Image:1s00 1189.jpg|The Causeway to the Harmandir Sahib ''(Point 10 on map)''
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Image:100 1194.jpg|
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Image:Golden_Temple_1194.jpg|
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Image:100 1186d.jpg|The East entrance gate to Golden temple ''(see map)''
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Image:Golden_Temple_1186.jpg|The East entrance gate to Harmandir Sahib ''(see map)''
 
Image:HarmindarSahib.jpg|Harmandir, circa 1870
 
Image:HarmindarSahib.jpg|Harmandir, circa 1870
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Image:Golden_Temple_Amritsar_1987.JPG|Golden Temple Amritsar 1987, [[Amritsar]].
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Image:Golden_Temple_Amritsar_1987.JPG|Harmandir Sahib Amritsar 1987, [[Amritsar]].
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Image:Guarding the Golden Temple, 1973.JPG|Guarding the Golden Temple, [[Amritsar]].
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Image:Guarding the Golden Temple, 1973.JPG|Guarding the Harmandir Sahib, [[Amritsar]].
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Image:Langar Canteen, Inside Golden Temple.JPG|Langar Canteen, inside Golden Temple.
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Image:Langar Canteen, Inside Golden Temple.JPG|Langar Canteen, inside Harmandir Sahib.
 +
Image:Harminder sahib5.jpg|Harmandir Sahib.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
==Other gurdwaras==
 
==Other gurdwaras==
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*[[Akal Takht]], Amritsar, India
+
*[[Akal Takht]], Amritsar, India Dhan Dhan Baba Jarnail Singh Ji, Dhan Dhan Baba Gen. Shahbeg Singh Ji
 
*[[Panja Sahib]], Hasan Abdal, Pakistan
 
*[[Panja Sahib]], Hasan Abdal, Pakistan
 
*[[Bangla Sahib]], Delhi, India
 
*[[Bangla Sahib]], Delhi, India
Line 129: Line 143:
 
*[[Patna Sahib]], Patna, India
 
*[[Patna Sahib]], Patna, India
 
*[[Damdama Sahib]], Bathinda, India
 
*[[Damdama Sahib]], Bathinda, India
−
*[[Keshgarh Sahib]], Anandpur, India
+
*[[Keshgarh Sahib]], Anandpur Sahib, India
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*[[Sri Hemkunt Sahib]],
+
*[[Sri Hemkunt Sahib]], Chamoli, India
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
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*[[Most holy place]]
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*[[Most sacred sites]]
  
−
==Notes==
+
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 +
{{commons|Harmandir Sahib}}
 +
{{portal|Sikhism}}
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*[http://www.amritsarovar.com/livekirtan.htm Listen to Live Radio From Golden Temple]
 +
*[http://www.amritsarovar.com AmritSarovar.com]
 +
*[http://www.amritsar.com/ Amritsar Portal]
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*[http://www.amritsar.org/ Amritsar Paath]
 +
*[http://www.harmandirsahib.com Sri Harmandir Sahib]
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*[http://www.sikhnet.com/GoldenTemple Sikhnet.com]
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*[http://www.sacredsites.com/asia/india/amritsar.html SacredSites.com]
 +
*[http://www.sgpc.net/golden-temple/index.asp Sgpc.net]
 +
*[http://www.srigurugranthsahib.org/featured/harmandir.htm SriGuruGranthSahib.org]
 +
*[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060624/saturday/main1.htm A journalist’s report on his short tourism experience of Punjabi Sikh shrines]
 +
*[http://www.ianandwendy.com/slideshow/OtherTrips/India/Amritsar/ Pictures of the Harmandir Sahib] Pictures of the Harmandir Sahib from a backpackers trip around India.
 +
*[http://picasaweb.google.com/imsingh/HarmandirSahibGoldenTemple  Some images of Sri Harmandir Sahib]
 +
*{{wikitravel}}
 +
*[http://www.punjab-state.com/photos/Golden_Temple/index.htm Photos of the Golden Temple]
 +
*[http://www.goldentemplephotos.com/ Golden Temple Photographs]
 +
*[http://www.hotelsapphire.in/ Hotel In Amritsar Near Golden Temple]
  
−
All links retrieved December 12, 2007
+
* Vídeo Tour the Temple[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW9qT4s0gWI]
−
 
 
−
*[http://www.amritsarovar.com/livekirtan.htm Listen to Live Radio From Golden Temple] - Amritsarovar.com
 
−
*[http://www.amritsarovar.com "Sri Harmandir Sahib - The Abode of God"] - AmritSarovar.com
 
−
*[http://www.amritsar.com/ "Amritsar Portal"] - Amritsar.com
 
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*[http://www.amritsar.org/ "Spiritual Bliss"] - Amritsar Paath
 
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*[http://www.sikhnet.com/GoldenTemple "Amritsar: 420th Anniversary"] - Sikhnet.com
 
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*[http://www.sacredsites.com/asia/india/amritsar.html "Amritsar, India"] - SacredSites.com
 
−
*[http://www.sgpc.net/golden-temple/index.asp "Harmandir Sahib"] - Sgpc.net
 
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*[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060624/saturday/main1.htm "In the heartland of Sikhs"] - TribuneIndia.com
 
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*[http://www.ianandwendy.com/slideshow/OtherTrips/India/Amritsar/ Pictures of the Harmandir Sahib] IanandWendy.com
 
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*[http://www.punjab-state.com/photos/Golden_Temple/index.htm Photos of the Golden Temple] - Punjab-State.com
 
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*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW9qT4s0gWI "Time stopped? the Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab, India"] - YouTube.com
 
 
{{Sikhism}}
 
{{Sikhism}}
  
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[[Category:Philosophy and religion]]
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[[Category:1577 architecture]]
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[[Category:Religion]]
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[[Category:1604 architecture]]
 
[[Category:Sikhism]]
 
[[Category:Sikhism]]
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[[Category:Geography]]
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[[Category:Sikh places]]
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[[Category:Punjab (India)]]
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[[Category:Gurdwaras in India]]
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[[Category:Amritsar]]
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{{credit|175141490}}
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{{credit|221329874}}

Revision as of 19:13, 26 June 2008


The Harmandir Sahib [1](Punjabi: ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ) or Darbar Sahib[2] (Punjabi: ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ), informally reffered to as The Golden Temple or Temple of God,[3] is culturally the most significant shrine of the Sikhs and one of the oldest Sikh gurudwara. It is located in the city of Amritsar, which was established by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs and is known as "guru di nagri" meaning city of the Sikh Guru.

Harmandir Sahib
Building information
Location Amritsar
Country India
Architect Guru Arjan Dev
Client Guru Arjan Dev & Sikhs
Construction start date December 1585 C.E.
Completion date August 1604 C.E.
Style Sikh architecture
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Coordinates: {{#invoke:Coordinates|coord}}{{#coordinates:31|37|12|N|74|52|37|E| | |name= }}

Introduction

General

The Harmandir Sahib is considered holy by Sikhs because the eternal Guru of Sikhism, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is always present inside in it and its construction was mainly intended to build a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religion to come and worship God equally. [4][5] The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the holiest literature in the Sikh religion [6], the tenth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh on 7th October 1708 made it the eternal Sikh Guru and the leader of Sikhism. [7] Anywhere in the world where the Guru Granth Sahib is present is equally holy and precious to Sikhs. Amritsar is the location of Harmandir Sahib.

History

Its name literally meaning, House of God. The fourth Guru of Sikhism, [Guru Ram Das], excavated a tank in 1577 C.E. which subsequently became known as Amritsar (meaning: Pool of the Nectar of Immortality) [8], giving its name to the city that grew around it. In due course, a splendid Sikh edifice, Harmandir Sahib (meaning: The abode of God) [9], rose in the middle of this tank and became the supreme centre of Sikhism. Its sanctum came to house the Adi Granth comprising compositions of Sikhi Gurus and other saints considered to have Sikh values and philosophies e.g. Baba Farid, Kabir, etc. The compilation of the Adi Granth was started by the fifth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Arjan Dev.

The Amritsar area

Amritsar is located in the Majha region of the Punjab. Majha is also known as the Bari Doab, since it is the Doab (Do = two, ab = rivers) or the (fluvial) tract of land which lies between two of the five great rivers of the province, the Ravi and the Beas. As such, Majha lies in the heart of the ancient Punjab region, comprised of Gurdaspur, Batala and Tarn Taran Sahib as well as Amritsar.

Construction of the Harmandir Sahib

The Harmandir Sahib at night

Originally built during 1574 C.E., the site of the temple was surrounded by a small lake in a thin forest. The third of the six grand Mughals, emperor Akbar, who visited the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das, at the neighbouring town of Goindval was so impressed by the way of life in the town that he gave a jagir (the land and the revenues of several villages in the vicinity) to the Guru's daughter Bhani as a gift on her marriage to Bhai Jetha, who later became the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das. Guru Ram Das enlarged the lake and built a small township around it. The town was named after Guru Ram Das as "Guru Ka Chak", "Chak Ram Das" or "Ram Das Pura".

During the leadership of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev (1581-1606), the full-fledged Temple was built. In December 1588 the great Muslim Sufi saint of Lahore, Hazrat Mian Mir, who was a close friend of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, initiated the construction of the temple by laying the first foundation stone (December 1588 C.E.).[10][11] A mason then straightened the stone but Guru Arjan Dev told him that, as he had undone the work just completed by the holy man, a disaster might come to the Harmandir Sahib. It was later attacked by the Mughals.

The temple was completed in 1604. Guru Arjan Dev, installed the Guru Granth Sahib in it and appointed Baba Buddha Ji as the first Granthi (Reader) of it on August 1604 C.E. In the mid 18th century it was attacked by the Afghans, by one of Ahmed Shah Abdali's Generals, Jahan Khan, and had to be substantially rebuilt in the 1760s. However, in response a Sikh Army was sent to hunt down the Afghan force. They were under orders to show no mercy and historical evidence suggests none was shown. Both forces met each other 5 miles outside Amritsar; Jahan Khan's army was destroyed.[12] He himself was decapitated by commander Sardar Dayal Singh.[13]

The Harmandir Sahib Complex and areas in its vicinity

The Map of the Harmandir Sahib

The temple is surrounded by a large lake of water, known as the Sarovar which consists of Amrit (Holy Water or Immortal Nectar). There are four entrances to the temple, signifying the importance of acceptance and openness; ostensibly, this concept is reminiscent of the tent of Abraham in the Old Testament — his tent was open on all four sides in order to be able to welcome travelers from all directions. Inside the temple complex there are many shrines to past Sikh Gurus, Saints and martyrs (see map). There are three holy trees (Bers) each signifiying a historical event or Sikh saint. Inside the temple there many memorial plaques that commemorate past Sikh historical events, saints, martyrs and includes commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died fighting in World wars one and two. For a new visitor the first recommended place to visit is the information Office highlighted in the map and followed by visiting the Sikh Central museum near the main entrance and clock tower. Anyone who wants to enter the Harmandir Sahib may do so, irrespective of religion, colour, creed or sex. The only restrictions are that the person must not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke cigarettes or other drugs while in the shrine. Visitors are, as well, expected to dress appropriately and everyone must cover their heads as a sign of respect, remove their shoes and wash their feet in the small pool of water as they enter the Harmandir Sahib premises. Head scarves are provided. All Sikh temples (Gurdwaras) in the world follow this traditional rule that everyone is welcome to enter. There are four doors to get into the Harmandir Sahib, meaning that Harmandir sahib is open to anyone.

The East entrance gate to Harmandir Sahib (see map)

In 1988, after Operation Black Thunder, a narrow peripheral strip of land (including buildings) was acquired by the government essentially to create a security belt. A large number of people were displaced and rehabilitated in the process.

Wideview of Harmandir Sahib

However, the project met with a strong resistance from the moderate as well as militant Sikh organisations and the project had to be abandoned, after a senior Government engineer, connected with the project, was killed. The project was revived only in 1993 by the Deputy Commissioner Karan Bir Singh Sidhu, who was also appointed as the Project Director of what was popularly described as the Galliara Project. He changed the concept of the periphery from that of a security belt to that of a second parikarma and created a serene landscape that was fully consistent with the ethereal beauty of the Harmandir Sahib. This was done in quiet consultation with the SGPC. The pilgrims today can travel by foot in the Galliara; no vehicles are permitted.

Artwork and monument sculptures

North Entrance gate near Ath-sath Tirath (68 Sacred Places) (Point 15 on map)

Much of the present decorative gilding and marblework dates from the early 1800s. All the gold and exquisite marble work were conducted under the patronage of Hukam Singh Chimni and Emperor Ranjit Singh, Maharaja of the Sikh Empire of the Punjab. The Darshani Deorhi Arch stands at the beginning of the causeway to the Harmandir Sahib; it is 202 feet (62 m) high and 21 feet (6 m) in width. The gold plating on the Harmandir Sahib was begun by Emperor Ranjit Singh and was finished in 1830 C.E. The Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of the Punjab), was a heavy donor of wealth and materials for the shrine and is remembered with much affection by the Punjabi people in general and the Sikh community in particular. Maharaja Ranjit Singh also built two of the other most sacred temples in Sikhism. This was due to Maharaja Ranjit Singh having a deep love for the tenth Guru of Sikhism Guru Gobind Singh. The other two most sacred temples in Sikhism, which he built, are Takht Sri Patna Sahib (intiation or birth place of Guru Gobind Singh) and Takht Sri Hazur Sahib the place of Guru Gobind Singh's Sikh ascension into heaven.

In film and television

  • The Temple is one of the locations of the movie Gandhi (1982).
  • The Temple is one of the locations of Bride and Prejudice (2004).
  • The Temple is also one of the places visited by the BBCs Michael Palin for the documentary 'Himalaya' (2004).
  • The Temple is also in the Indian (Hindi) serial Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin (2005).
  • The Temple is a highlight in the Bollywood movies Rang De Basanti starring Aamir Khan (2006).
  • The Temple is one of the locations of Namastey London (2007).

Notable visits

The Causeway to the Harmandir Sahib (Point 10 on map)
  • Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip of the United Kingdom — October 1997
  • Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs — John Manley —January 2002
  • Former Prime Minister of Canada — Jean Chrétien —October 2003
  • Indian President — A.P.J. Abdul Kalam —August 2004
  • Indian Prime Minister — Manmohan Singh —September 2004
  • British Foreign Secretary — Jack Straw —February 2005
  • Dalai Lama — Tenzin Gyatso —November 2007
  • Ernesto Carlos Alvarez — Ambassador of Argentina in India
  • Mr. & Mrs. Miguel Angel Ramirez — Ambassador of Cuba in India
  • Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Abad — Ambassador of Ecuador in India
  • Mr. & Mrs. J.Ronald Gajraj — High Commissioner of Guyana in India
  • Mr. & Mrs. Rogelio Granguillhome — Ambassador of Mexico in India
  • Hans Dannenberg — Ambassador of Dominican Republic in India
  • Milena Santana Ramirez — Ambassador of Venezuela in India
  • Ricardo Leon — Charge De Affairs(CDA) of Govt. of Chile
  • Minister Genaro Pappalardo — Charge De Affairs(CDA) of Govt. of Paraguay
  • Carlos Alberto Yrigoyen — Charge De Affairs(CDA) of Govt. of Peru

Celebrations at Harmandir Sahib

The Harmandir Sahib Watch Towers (Point 17 on map)

One of the most important festivals is Vaisakhi, which is celebrated in the second week of April (13th usually). Sikhs celebrate the founding of the Khalsa on this day and it is celebrated with fervour in the Harmandir Sahib. Other important Sikh religious days such as the martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur, birthday of Guru Nanak etc, are also celebrated with religious piety. Similarly Diwali is one of the festivals which sees the Harmandir Sahib beautifully illuminated with Divas/Diyas (lamps),lights and fireworks are discharged. During these special occasions 1-2 million pilgrims visit the Holy shrine named Harmandir Sahib.

Most Sikh people visit Amritsar and the Harmandir Sahib at least once during lifetime, particularly during special occasions in their life such as birthdays,marriages or birth of their children etc.

Reaching the Harmandir Sahib from abroad

File:Header1.jpg
Amritsar International Airport

For the global Sikh pilgrim or international tourist visitor the fastest way to reach the Harmandir Sahib is by air-travel. The holy city of Amritsar, where the Harmandir Sahib is located, has a rapidly expanding modern Airport; Amritsar International Airport. The airport can be reached direct, by the international traveler, from most major cities of the world including, London and Toronto. Moreover, there is a rapidly expanding array of international hotels in the holy city that can be booked for overnight stays. Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008 has voted the Harmandir Sahib as one of the world’s best spiritual sites.[14]

Recent events

Operation Blue Star

File:Blue star akal takht.jpg
Damage to the Akal Takht from Operation Blue Star

Between June 3 and June 6, 1984, the Indian Army led by General Kuldip Singh Brar brought troops into the Harmandir Sahib to arrest Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. He and some followers had taken refuge in the Harmandir Sahib, and resisted the police who sought to arrest him for suspected acts of terrorism.

By 1983, the Harmandir Sahib became a shelter for a large number of militants. Mark Tully and Satish Jacob wrote[15]: "All ... [Bhindranwale's] terrorists were known by name to the shopkeepers and the householders who live in the narrow alleys surrounding the Golden Temple ... The Punjab police must have known who they were also, but they made no attempt to arrest them. By this time Bhindranwale and his men were above the law."

The Harmandir Sahib compund and some of the surrounding houses were fortified. The Statesman reported on July 4 that light machine-guns and sophisticated self-loading rifles were known to have been brought into the compound.

Indira Gandhi ordered the army to launch Operation Blue Star, leading to fierce fighting ensued between Bhindranwale's supporters and the soldiers, in which many of Bhindranwale's supporters were killed along with many soldiers. An official account tallies the deaths of 83 soldiers and 492 civilians[16]. The Harmandir Sahib complex also suffered much damage due to the fighting, especially the holy Sri Akal Takhat Sahib.

Many Sikhs regarded the attack as a desecration of their holiest shrine, and their alienation had deep and dramatic consequences. Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her bodyguards, both Sikhs, the following October.

Sonia Gandhi in 1998 officially apologized for the assault on the holy Harmandir Sahib, as a great mistake.[17]

In 1986 the repairs performed on the holy Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, which the Rajiv Gandhi Government had undertaken without consultation, were removed. A new Sri Akal Takhat Sahib was completed in 1999 by Kar Seva (free pilgrim service & work).

Photo gallery

  • Golden temple Akal Takhat.JPG

    Harmandir Sahib main Building with Akal Takht Sahib

  • Golden Temple West Entrace.JPG

    Harmandir Sahib from the North Entrance gate near Ath-sath Tirath (68 Sacred Places) (Point 15 on map)

  • Baba Atal Amritsar.JPG

    Gurdwara Baba Atal, Harmandir Sahib complex Amritsar (Point 25 on map)

  • Nishaan Sahib (Flagstaffs) (Point 7 on map)

  • Harmandir Sahib Complex

  • Harmandir Sahib

  • The Entrance to the Harmandir Sahib as seen from the inside of the complex

  • Harmandir Sahib-2995.jpg

    Corridor, Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar.

  • Panorama of the main building and Sarovar

  • North Entrance gate near Ath-sath Tirath (68 Sacred Places) (Point 15 on map).

  • The Causeway to the Harmandir Sahib (Point 10 on map)

  • Golden Temple 1194.jpg

  • The East entrance gate to Harmandir Sahib (see map)

  • Harmandir, circa 1870

  • Golden Temple Amritsar 1987.JPG

    Harmandir Sahib Amritsar 1987, Amritsar.

  • Guarding the Golden Temple, 1973.JPG

    Guarding the Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar.

  • Langar Canteen, inside Harmandir Sahib.

  • Harmandir Sahib.

Other gurdwaras

  • Akal Takht, Amritsar, India Dhan Dhan Baba Jarnail Singh Ji, Dhan Dhan Baba Gen. Shahbeg Singh Ji
  • Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal, Pakistan
  • Bangla Sahib, Delhi, India
  • Hazur Sahib, Nanded, India
  • Patna Sahib, Patna, India
  • Damdama Sahib, Bathinda, India
  • Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, India
  • Sri Hemkunt Sahib, Chamoli, India

See also

  • Most sacred sites

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  1. ↑ Harban Singh and Punjabi University (1998). Encyclopedia of Sikhism. Punjabi University. ISBN 817380530X. 
  2. ↑ Golden Temple, Punjabi University, Parm Barkshish Singh, Devinder Kumar Verma, ISBN 8173805695
  3. ↑ Harban Singh and Punjabi University (1998). Encyclopedia of Sikhism. Punjabi University. ISBN 817380530X. 
  4. ↑ The Sikhism Home Page: Sri Guru Granth Sahib
  5. ↑ Harban Singh and Punjabi University (1998). Encyclopedia of Sikhism. Punjabi University. ISBN 817380530X. 
  6. ↑ The Sikhism Home Page: Sri Guru Granth Sahib
  7. ↑ The Sikhism Home Page: Sri Guru Granth Sahib
  8. ↑ Golden Temple, Punjabi University, Parm Barkshish Singh, Devinder Kumar Verma ISBN 8173805695
  9. ↑ Golden Temple, Punjabi University, Parm Barkshish Singh, Devinder Kumar Verma, ISBN 8173805695.
  10. ↑ A Gateway to Sikhism | The Sikh Saints:Mian Mir - A Gateway to Sikhism
  11. ↑ Harban Singh and Punjabi University (1998). Encyclopedia of Sikhism. Punjabi University. ISBN 817380530X. 
  12. ↑ Volume 2: Evolution of Sikh Confederacies (1708-1769), By Ram Gupta.
  13. ↑ Volume 2: Evolution of Sikh Confederacies (1708-1769), By Ram Gupta.
  14. ↑ http://www.ptinews.com/pti/ptisite.nsf/0/03d3a18aa4bdceae6525738e00199bff?OpenDocument
  15. ↑ Mark Tully and Satish Jacob, Amritsar -Mrs. Gandhi's Last Battle (Calcutta: Rupa & Co. by arrangement with Pan Books, London, 1985)
  16. ↑ Varinder Walia, "Army reveals startling facts on Bluestar: Says Longowal surrendered", The Tribune, Chandigarh (March 20, 2007)
  17. ↑ BBC News | S/W ASIA | Sonia Gandhi apologises for raid on Sikh temple

External links

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