Sri Harmandir Sahib or Sri Darbar Sahib
Popularly known as "The Golden Temple" is a religious place (Gurudwara) for Sikhs situated in the city of Amritsar, Panjab (India).
Sri Harmandir Sahib which is known as The Golden Temple in the Western world, is the most sacred shrine in Sikhism. Hari means God and Mandir means a temple. Sri Harmandir Sahib is the House or Temple of God.
The fourth guru of Sikhs, Sri Guru Ramdas Ji, initially founded The Golden Temple or Sri Harmandir Sahib which was built in 1604 by the fifth guru Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji.
It is not just a religious place but a symbol of human equality, and humility. Besides many historical and religious facts, the beauty of the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib is something one can only experience. Words and pictures are not enough to describe.
Stairs to the Harmandir Sahib go downwards
This is the only Gurudwara where the stairs to the entrance go downwards. The Gurudwara is built below ground level. This symbolises humility and the way you can achieve enlightenment which is by losing ego.
One must be modest and submissive to go down to enter the Temple of God (Sri Harmandir Sahib).
Four doors in four directions
There are four entrances in 4 directions to Sri Harmandir Sahib. This signifies everybody from any cast, creed, race, or religion is welcomed.
In the country where people were divided into caste, this ensures all are considered equal in the temple of God.
The Gurdwara is in the middle of the Holy Tank (Sarovar)
In India, many Gurudwaras are situated at the bank of rivers or lakes. This is the only Gurudwara that is situated in the centre of a water body. The Gurus built it this way for a purpose. It symbolises one needs to go deeper within himself to find his purpose and himself.
Besides these interesting architectural designs, the beauty and the vibe of the place are unparalleled. The beauty of Sri Harmandir Sahib is not just in the visuals but in the spiritual experience you get there.
