Tell about Golden Temple ?

it became the primary sacred shrine of the Sikhs. The lake was enlarged and structurally contained during the leadership of the fourth Sikh Guru (Ram Dass, 1574-1581), and during the leadership of the fifth Guru (Arjan, 1581-1606), the Hari Mandir, or Temple of God was built.

From the early 1600s to the mid 1700s the sixth through tenth Sikh Gurus were constantly involved in defending both their religion and their temple against Muslim armies. On numerous occasions the temple was destroyed by the Muslims, and each time was rebuilt more beautifully by the Sikhs. From 1767 onwards, the Sikhs became strong enough militarily to repulse invaders. Peace returned to the Hari Mandir.

The temple's architecture draws on both Hindu and Muslim artistic styles yet represents a unique coevolution of the two. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), Hari Mandir was richly ornamented with marble sculptures, golden gilding, and large quantities of precious stones. Within the sanctuary, on a jewel-studded platform,

This scripture is a collection of devotional poems, prayers, and hymns composed by the ten Sikh gurus and various Muslim and Hindu saints. Beginning early in the morning and lasting until long past sunset, these hymns are chanted to the exquisite accompaniment of flutes, drums, and stringed instruments.

Echoing across the serene lake, this enchantingly beautiful music induces a delicate yet powerful state of trance in the pilgrims strolling leisurely around the marble concourse encircling the pool and temple.

An underground spring feeds the sacred lake, and throughout the day and night pilgrims immerse themselves in the water, a symbolic cleansing of the soul rather than an actual bathing of the body. Next to the temple complex are enormous pilgrims' dormitories and dining halls where all persons, irrespective of race, religion, or gender, are lodged and fed for free.

Amritsar, the original name of first the ancient lake, then the temple complex, and still later the surrounding city, means "pool of ambrosial nectar." Looking deeply into the origins of this word amrit, we find that it indicates a drink of the gods, a rare and magical substance that catalyzes euphoric states of consciousness and spiritual enlightenment. With this word we have a very clear example of the spirit, power, or energetic character of a particular place becoming encoded as an ancient geographical place name.

The myth is not just a fairy tale. It reveals itself as a coded metaphor if we have the knowledge to read the code: The waters of Amritsar flowing into the lake of the Hari Mandir were long ago - and remain today - a bringer of peacefulness.

The Golden TempleGolden Temple is the most sacred shrine for the followers of Sikhism. Located at Amritsar in Punjab, Swarn Mandir is easily accessible by the local means of transport in Amritsar. The formal name of Golden Temple is Harmandir Sahib, which suggests actually "the Temple of God". Golden Temple is an icon of brilliance and power of the Sikh people throughout the World.

Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib is also known as Darbar Sahib. The term Golden Temple was provided to the shrine, due to its gilded structure and picturesque beauty.

Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib is also known as Darbar Sahib. The term Golden Temple was provided to the shrine, due to its gilded structure and picturesque beauty.

The Sikhs wish to pay a visit and obeisance to Harmandir Sahib. The advent of the Darbar Sahib is associated with the history and ideology of the Sikhism. The architecture of the temple encompasses various symbols that are linked with other places of worship. These symbols portray the sense of forbearance and approval, which is put forward by the Sikh philosophy.

Turning back the pages of historical accounts, one can find that Shri Harmandir Sahib had been attacked and damaged numerous times by the Afghan and other invaders.

Every time, the Sikhs gave up their lives, to facilitate the liberation of the holy shrine and bring back its sacredness. Amongst the martyrs, Bhai Mani Singh, Sukha Singh and Mahtab Singh were the remarkable personalities, whose efforts actually aid to liberate the temple. In 1644, Guru Arjun Sahib laid the foundation of the Swarn Mandir in the company of Hazrat Mian Mir, who was a Muslim saint.

Guru Arjun Sahib himself took the charge of construction work. Later, he was backed by the well-known Sikh celebrities like Baba Budha, Bhai Gurdas, Bhai Sahlo and many other committed Sikhs.

Contrasting the structures of other temples, Golden Temple was erected on a lower level. Harmandir Sahib is made open from all the four sides and once again, it contradicts the temples that have only one gate for entry and exit. As a consequence, a symbol of new faith emerged in the religion of Sikhism. The Golden Temple is open to people from all religions, castes, creed and sex.

Built on a square platform, Golden Temple looks celestial with its gilded appearance. The temple has doorways on its each side. Darshani Deori is an arch that stands at the shore end of the boardwalk. The door frame of the Darshan Deori extends to 10 ft in height and 8.6 ft in breadth. The panes of the door are festooned in an artistic manner. It leads to the boardwalk (bridge), which takes to the main shrine of Shri Harmandir Sahib.

The boardwalk is linked with the 13 ft wide feet 'Pardakshna', which is a circumambulatory path. This path runs round the main shrine and escort to the 'Har Ki Pauri' (Steps of God). At the first floor, the reading of Guru Granth Sahib goes for 24*7 hours. The façade that faces the bridge is ornamented with recurring cusped arches. On the top of it, there is a low fluted 'Gumbaz' (Dome) with lotus petals motif at its base. The inverted lotus at the zenith supports the 'Kalash' that has a striking 'Chhatri' at the end.

The remarkable architecture of Swarn Mandir is often cited as the finest architectural specimens of the world. Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar) is the main attraction of this temple, which is believed to have water with curative properties.

People from far and near come to take this holy water of Amrit Sarovar. The Golden Temple is a religious place of spiritual importance and significance. Devotees from all over the world come to pay their homage at this blessed place.