Golden Temple Amritsar | Timings & Things to do

The Golden Temple in Amritsar offers a serene ambience for prayers and meditation. The temple timings are 04:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Explore the exquisite architecture, dip in the Amrit Sarovar, and attend the Langar for a communal meal experience. 

Witness the Palki Sahib ceremony, embrace the spiritual atmosphere, and engage in Seva for a fulfilling visit.

About the Golden Temple Amritsar:

The Golden Temple Amritsar or Harmandir Sahib is a gurudwara in Amritsar, Punjab. Among the most prominent spiritual sites of Sikhism, the gurudwara is built around an artificial pool, adding to its splendour and atmosphere. 

The structure was completed by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh guru, in 1577. In 1830, Maharaja Ranjit Singh overlaid the sanctum with gold foil, leading to its name. 

A significant shrine in Sikhism, the Temple became the centre of the Singh Sabha Movement between 1883 and the 1920s. 

After the conflict of 1984 between the Indian government led by Indira Gandhi and Sikh groups led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, which left several Sikhs dead and the Akal Takht destroyed, the Gurudwara complex was reconstructed again. 

History:

Guru Nanak, the first Sikh mentor, is said to have meditated at the holy site where Harmandir Sahib was built. The sacred tank Amrit Sarovar was founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh guru. 

The construction of the gurudwara was initiated by the fifth Sikh guru – Guru Arjan. Guru Arjan designed it to be built in the centre of the tank. The construction started in 1581 and took almost eight years to complete. 

Then, he installed the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism, inside the Temple. The Akal Takht in the complex was constituted by the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind.

The Mughals arrested Guru Arjan after the construction. And Harmandir Sahib Amritsar fell into the hands of the enemy. Guru Gobind Singh liberated it later, in the 18th century. He was the tenth Sikh guru.

After Guru Gobind Singh’s death, Harmandir Sahib was under attack by Islamic rulers. It was in 1762 when this religious heritage was blown away. 

Maharaja Ranjit Singh rebuilt it in 1809 and adorned it with gold foil. Thus, Harmandir Sahib came to be called the Golden Temple.

It was again destroyed in 1984 when the government wanted to capture militant Sikhs hidden inside. Later, from 1995 until 1999, it was rebuilt.

Temple Architecture:

The architecture of the Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is a harmonious blend of Islamic and Hindu styles with distinct Sikh elements. 

The glistening structure is crowned by a golden dome and adorned with intricate marble and pietra dura work. It stands in the centre of the Amrit Sarovar, symbolizing purity and eternity. 

The four entrances signify inclusivity, welcoming people from all directions. The design reflects the core Sikh principles of equality, unity, and universal brotherhood.

Golden Temple Amritsar Timings:

The temple timings are 04:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Days	Timings
Monday	4 am to 10 pm
Tuesday	4 am to 10 pm
Wednesday	4 am to 10 pm
Thursday	4 am to 10 pm
Friday	4 am to 10 pm
Saturday	4 am to 10 pm
Sunday	4 am to 10 pm

Best Time to Visit Golden Temple Amritsar:

The best time to visit the Golden Temple is during the winter months of November to April, when the weather is cool, pleasant, and conducive to exploring the Temple and its surroundings. 

Golden Temple Amritsar Entry Fee:

There is no entrance fee for visiting the Golden Temple in Punjab. It is open to all visitors, irrespective of their religion or nationality.

Festivals Celebrated at Temple:

One of the important festivals celebrated at the Temple is Vaisakhi in the second week of April (mostly the 13th of April). This festival had celebrated to commemorate the founding of Khalsa. 

The other festivals observed with special religious piety are the birthday of the founder of Sikh Guru Nanak, Guru Ram Das’s birth anniversary, Guru Teg Bahadur’s martyrdom day, etc.

The Harmandir Sahib was brightly illuminated with lights, diyas on Diwali, and a fireworks display.

Golden Temple Guru-Ka-Langar World’s Largest Free Kitchen:

If you visit this enigmatic masterpiece, remember to offer and taste the mouth-watering Prasad. 

The Temple has the largest kitchen in the world, offering free langar food to devotees of all religions and faiths. 

Guru-Ka-Langar is a huge dining room at the southeast end of the Temple Punjab complex, where an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 devotees a day eat after praying at the Temple. 

The food is free of charge, but the devotees often make donations and offer help with the staggering pile of dishes to wash. 

Things to do at Golden Temple Amritsar:

Here are some famous things to do in the Temple

Take a Dip in Amrit Sarovar: 

Experience spiritual cleansing by dipping in the sacred Amrit Sarovar (Pool of Nectar).

Partake in Langar: 

Enjoy a free communal meal at the Langar, where volunteers serve food to thousands of visitors every day.

Explore Akal Takht: 

Visit the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikh authority, located opposite the Golden Temple.

Visit the Central Sikh Museum: 

Explore the museum to view historical artefacts, paintings, and relics related to Sikh heritage.

Shop for Souvenirs: 

Shop for traditional Sikh religious items, books, and other souvenirs from the shops surrounding the Temple.

Attend Evening Prayers: 

Witness the captivating atmosphere during the evening prayer ceremony at the Golden Temple.

Experience the Festivals: 

Plan your visit during major Sikh festivals like Gurpurabs or Baisakhi to witness 

Enjoy the Sarai Facilities: 

Stay at the Sarai (resting places) nearby, offering affordable accommodations for visitors.

Visit the Ber Baba Buddha Sahib: 

Explore the historic Ber Baba Buddha Sahib Gurdwara within the Temple complex.

Tips for Visiting Golden Temple Amritsar:

Here are some tips for visiting

• Visit early in the morning to experience the serenity and avoid the crowds.
• Maintain a peaceful demeanour, refrain from smoking, drinking, or littering, and be mindful of photography restrictions.
• Participate in the Langar (community kitchen) to experience the Sikh tradition of selfless service and enjoy a free meal.
• Maintain silence inside the prayer hall to respect the meditative atmosphere.
• Keep your belongings secure and avoid carrying unnecessary items inside the temple complex.
• Observe the religious rituals with reverence and avoid interrupting the devotees during their prayers.
• These tips can give you a memorable and culturally enriching experience at the Golden Temple in Punjab.

Tourist places near Golden Temple Amritsar:

• Jallianwala Bagh
• Shri Durgiana Temple
• Gobindgarh Fort
• Khalsa College
• Red Fort
• Central Sikh Museum
• Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal
• Martys Well
• Masjid Khairuddin
• Akal Takht

Hotels near Golden Temple Amritsar:

• Vrinda Apartments
• Malhotra Guest House
• Hotel Cj International
• CSJS Inn Hotel
• Hotel MM Paradise
• City View With Garden
• Hotel Indus
• Cozzet Stay
• Hotel Urban Galaxy

Golden Temple Amritsar Contact Details:

• Address: Golden Temple Road, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab, India – 143006.
• Contact Numbers: 0183 255 3954, 0183 255 3957
• Official Website

How to Reach Golden Temple Amritsar:

By Road:

The nearest bus stand to Golden Temple is Amritsar Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT), about 2.5 kilometres away.

By Rail:

The closest railway station to Golden Temple is “Amritsar Railway Station,” located about 2.5 kilometres away from the Temple.

By Air:

The nearest airport to the Golden Temple is “Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport,” located about 13 kilometres from the Temple.

FAQs: