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View of the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) at night, By Marsmux – Own work- commons

Top 10 Unbelievable Facts about The Golden Temple

The Golden Temple is also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib. It is located in the holy city of the Sikhs, Amritsar. It is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for the Sikhs. It is famous for its golden dome. 

It dates from the 1500s. The site was originally a small ancient lake in a tranquil forest where Buddha was said to have stayed for some time. The founder of the Sikh religion Guru Nana said to behave visited the site and after his death, his follower continued to visit and it, therefore, became the main sacred shrines of the Sikhs. Later on, in the 1500s Guru Ramada’s Sahib who was the 4th Guru Sikh constructed the Hari Mandir or the Temple of God.

The temple was severally destroyed by Afghan invaders and was rebuilt during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, in marble and copper, and on the surface, it was covered with gold foil thus it was called the Golden Temple. It is one of the finest examples of Indian and Mughal architectural styles.

If you are planning a trip to the Golden Temple here are a few unbelievable facts about the Golden Temple;

1. Named from its exterior covering of gold foil 

Yes! it’s unbelievable that the exterior of the temple is covered with gold but in reality, is that it is. The Golden Temple was named after the outer layer of gold foil which covers the entire temple.  After the death of Guru Govind Singh, it was constantly attacked and destroyed by the Islamic rulers. Later on during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, he rebuilt the temple with marble and furnished it with gold. The dome present at the top of the temple is constructed from pure gold and it is also encased with elaborate gold panels.

2. it is a unique blend of the Hindu and Islamic architecture

Golden Temple, By Cjsinghpup – Own work, commons

The superb structure of the Golden Temple with golden walls and complicated, elaborate design is a haven for your eyes. The temple stands at the center of a pool which gives it an amazing sight and an impression that the temple may be moving on the water.

The Golden Temple is an example that showcases the Mughal and the Indian style of architecture. It is a unique blend of the Hindu and Islamic architecture.

3. Open to all religions, castes, and creeds

The Golden Temple is a religious site that is still open for people from all religions. It was built by Sufi Saint Mian Mir, to spread a message that the shrine was open to all faith. This was done through the construction of four entrances that face in different directions, which implies that the temple welcomes devotees throughout the different regions of the world.

4. Amrit Sarovar  can cure ailments and disorders

Amrit Sarovar is a manmade lake meaning the ‘Pool of Nectar ‘, it surrounds the Golden Temple. The lake is a major tourist attraction for those who come to visit the Golden Temple. It is considered to be sacred by the devotees, the Sikhs also believe that spiritual possessions can be gained by taking a dip in the holy water of the scared pool. Legends have it that the Sarovar can cure ailments and disorders.

5. Buddha meditated at the Sacred Site of the Golden Temple

Pillars of Ashoka, By Antu Marma – Own work, Wikimedia commons

According to the historical record, Buddha stayed a the sacred site of the Golden Temple for a while, and at the time, the area was comprised of an ancient lake that was covered by dense woods. While he was staying there he realized that the site was an ideal spot for meditation. He, therefore declared the site a divine spot for meditation, thus making the Golden Temple a place of divine refuge today.

6. The Golden Temple is a Gurdwara

A gurdwara is a place of assembly and worship for the Sikhs. In gurdwaras, people from all faith are welcomed. In all gurdwaras, they have a langar hall, whereby people can eat free vegetarian food served by volunteers. Therefore the Golden Temple also referred to as Sri Darbar Sahib is a gurdwara, a place where Sikhs assemble and worship. It is the holiest shrine in Sikhism and one of the most historic places in Asia. It is also one of the most famous monuments in India.

7. Fifth Sikh Guru constructed the Temple.

Before the Golden Temple was built, Guru Nanak who was the first Sikh Guru used to meditate at the site. However, the Fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan initiated the construction of the Sri Harmandir Sahib and also designed the architecture of the Sri Harmandir Sahib. The construction began in 1581 and took almost 8 years to complete.

8. Baba Deep Singh Died in the Golden Temple

Baba Deep Singh Ji the great Sikh warrior of history of Punjab, By HSROYAL1999 – Own work, Commons

Baba Deep Singh died while fighting the battle in 1757 to defend Amritsar from the attack of Jahan Khan. He is one of the most honored martyrs in Indian history. He fought with about five thousand men when he took his last breath on the premised of the temple. Baba Deep Singh’s head was detached from his body but he held his with one of his hands and he bravery fought against his enemies to get to the shrine and die on its floor.

9. It has downward stairs.

Golden temple is different from the Hindu temples whereby the stairs are taken in an upward direction to the temple since it is usually constructed on a raised stage above the ground. But in the case of the Golden Temple, it was uniquely constructed at a lower level below the ground thus leading the stairs to go downwards. These peculiar features signify humble living at the Golden Temple.

10. Serves largest Langar Seva

Langar hall from inside, By Shankar s. from Dubai, United Arab emirates – Wikipedia

The Golden Temple has the largest community kitchen in the world. It is known to organize the largest Langar Seva throughout the country. According to the records, the temple serves more than 50,00 meals on daily basis. 

The food served at the temple is usually done by the donations received from devotes and the regular task such as cooking, cleaning, and serving food is managed by the volunteers who work at the shrine free of cost. The Temple does not differentiate any person, all the devotees sit together in rows on the floor despite their religion, caste, or creed, and they are all treated equally.