Gold temple
The Golden Temple is considered as the most sacred place of the Sikhs. Just like the Amarnath ji for Hindus and Kaba is sacred for Muslims, similarly the Golden Temple holds importance for the Sikhs. The Golden Temple for Sikhs is very important. It is also known as "Ath Sat Tirath". Arjun Dev, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, started the construction work of Golden Temple (Sri Harimandir Sahib) in Amritsar, Punjab.
History of Golden Temple
It is said that Harimandir Sahib's dream was to the third Sikh Guru Amar Das ji. But its main work was started by the fifth Guru Guru Arjun Dev Ji. The Golden Temple is also considered as a form of religious unity. Despite being a Sikh pilgrimage, the foundation of the temple of Harimandir Sahib i.e. the golden temple was laid by Sufi saint Mian Mir ji.
Sarovar at Golden Temple
There is a lake surrounded by the Golden Temple which is called Amritsar Sarovar or Amrit Sarovar. Arjun Dev had completed the construction of this lake. This place is considered to be extremely important and historical.
Important facts of Golden Temple
• The Golden Temple is considered as a pilgrimage of the Sikhs.
• The first complete Guru Granth Sahib has been established in the Golden Temple.
• Baba Budhaji was the first priest of the Golden Temple.
• There are four to enter the Golden Temple.
• The Golden Temple is the largest kitchen in the world, where free food is provided for around one lakh people daily. This food reaches people as anchor (a communion banquet).
• There are grand programs in the Golden Temple on festivals such as Baisakhi, Lohri, Prakashatsava, Shaheedi Din, Sankranthi. Especially the establishment day of the Khalsa sect i.e. the unique form of the golden temple is found on the day of Baisakhi.
Rules of Golden Temple
In any case, people of any caste and religion can go to the Golden Temple, but when entering the Golden Temple, there must be some basic rules that are to be followed:
• Before leaving the temple premises, shoes have to be taken out.
• Smoking, drinking alcohol, etc. inside the temple are completely prohibited.
• The head should be covered while going inside the temple. Specially designed clothes or scarves are provided to cover the head by the temple complex. Head cover is a way of revealing respect.
To listen to Guruji, you should sit on the ground inside Darbar Sahib.
