Golden oldie -The Golden Temple of Amritsar

The Golden Temple is glittering and yet somber in its appearance.

Sri Harmandir Sahib is a divine pilgrimage endowed with the blessings of great Sikh gurus and is a very important and sacred pilgrim centre. What else can be a mark of respect and devotion that it is remembered by every Sikh in his daily prayers when he begs the lord almighty to bless him with a dip in the holy sarovar. It’s glittering and yet sombre form makes one bow in reverence as the sound of Gurbani fills the atmosphere and its melody soars skywards as if to touch the heavens above. Also known as the Golden Temple, the place is extremely holy to the Sikhs. Legend has it that once a crow took a dip in the holy water and turned into a swan.

Sri Harmandir Sahib has always had a very exalted status because of its religious importance but the shrine is also houses rich art heritage. It has universal appeal across all religions and people from around the world come to worship. It is the only place where a free community kitchen (langar) is in operation round the clock.

Beautifully executed in different materials and techniques, the intricate art on the body of the temple speak of the skills of the craftsmen, and also convey philosophical symbolism. These decorative art forms within and outside the main shrine have been classified as jaratkari (inlaid stone), mohrakashi (frescos with natural pigments), gach (engraved patterns), tukri (fixing of mirror using mercury) and gold embossing. Sikh devotees, for whom the temple is a symbol of freedom and spiritual independence, arrive from all over the world to offer prayers.