Golden Temple
Top Historical Places to Visit inside Golden Temple Amritsar
Golden Temple, An iconic Spiritual landmark situated in the heart of Amritsar
The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is an iconic Spiritual landmark situated in the heart of Amritsar, a city renowned for its rich history. The city is situated in the northwestern region of the Indian State of Punjab. The city was built by the Fourth Guru of Sikhs, Shri Guru Ramdas ji, and was initially called Ramdas Pura or Chakk Guru Ramdas.
The Golden Temple is surrounded by a vast holy tank, known as Sarovar. The main building is a two story structure, the upper level of the building is covered with golden plates and the lower level is made of white marble. The golden dome represents an inverted lotus, a symbol of purity in Sikhism.
Other Historical Sites to explore within the Golden Temple Complex
Akal Takht
Akal Takht is the one of the five takhts in Sikhism, situated opposite the Golden temple. The name is derived from two words ;Akal’, which means timeless or eternal, and Takht’, which means power. Therefore, it can be translated as the seat of eternal.
Akalt Takht was established in 1606 by Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru. It was at this place that Guru Hargobind ji adopted two swords, Meeri and Peeri. In Sikh history, Akal Takht is the symbol of power, where the Guru Sahib would make the political decisions, whereas Golden Temple is the symbol of Worship of God. That’s why the Akal Takht is built taller than the Golden Temple.
Sundial Clock in Golden Temple Complex
When you head to the golden temple from Darshani Deori, right in the middle, there is a pillar with a triangle-shaped copper structure placed on the top, known as the Sundial Clock.
The clock was invented by Sardar Lehna Singh Majithia during the time of Sikh Empire. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was really impressed by his creation and awarded him the title of Kasir-Ul-iktidar.
Central Sikh Museum
There is a Museum in the Golden Temple which is dedicated to showcasing the history, culture and religious significance of sikhism. The museum was established on 5th of july 1958 and the construction of the museum was started by Baba Jandha Singh ji.
The museum is situated on the first floor of the Golden Temple Clock Tower. The museum is open seven days a week from 7am to 7pm in summer and 8am to 6pm in winter. The museum has more than 700 images related to Guru Sahibs, their families, Guruduwara’s sewaks, martyred Singhs and Singhnis, empty shells of 18th-20th century weapons, Sikh Empire coins, holy books etc.
Ramgharia Bunga
Inside the Golden Temple Complex, you’ll find two tall buildings standing on opposite sides. Those buildings are called Ramghria Bungas. The buildings were established by the founder of Ramgarhia Misl, Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgharia, who was a prominent sikh leader in the Sikh community.
The buildings were constructed to keep an eye on the Amritsar city and for the protection of The Golden Temple. The buildings are 156 feet tall and their route passes through the right side of Langar Hall.
Origical Article: https://amritsargoldentemple.in/all-about-golden-temple-amritsar/
