Harmandir Sahib

Infobox Historic building

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caption=Sri Harmandir Sahib "(The Temple of God)",
informally known as the GOD's Temple in Sikhismcite book |title=Encyclopedia of Sikhism|author=Harban Singh|coauthors=Punjabi david stinksUniversity |year=1998|publisher= [http://www.punjabiuniversity.ac.in/pages/index.htm Punjabi University] |isbn=817380530X] [ [http://www.sikhs.org/summary.htm The Sikhism Home Page: Introduction to Sikhism ] ]
name=Harmandir Sahib
location_town=Amritsar
location_country=India
architect=Guru Arjan Dev
client=Guru Arjan Dev & Sikhs
engineer=
construction_start_date=December 1585 AD
completion_date=August 1604 AD
date_demolished=
cost=
structural_system=
style=Sikh architecture|Sri Harmandir Sahib (Punjabi: ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ) or Darbar SahibGolden Temple, Punjabi University, Parm Barkshish Singh, Devinder Kumar Verma, "ISBN 8173805695"] (Punjabi: ਦਰਬਾਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ ), informally referred to as The Golden Temple or Temple of God, is culturally the most significant place of worship of the Sikhs and one of the oldest Sikh gurdwaras. It is located in the city of Amritsar, which was established by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs and the city that it was built in, is also due to the shrine, known as "Guru Di Nagri" meaning city of the Sikh Guru.

Introduction

General

The Harmandir Sahib is considered holy by Sikhs because it is the eternal Guru of Sikhism, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is always present inside in it and it's construction was mainly intended to build a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religion to come and worship God equally. [http://www.sikhs.org/granth.htm The Sikhism Home Page: Sri Guru Granth Sahib ] ] The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the holiest literature in the Sikh religion, the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Sri Guru Gobind Singh on 7th October 1708 made it the eternal Sikh Guru and the leader of Sikhism. Anywhere in the world where the Guru Granth Sahib is present is equally holy and precious to Sikhs. Amritsar is the location of Harmandir Sahib.

History

Its name literally means, House of God. The fourth Guru of Sikhism, [Guru Ram Das] , excavated a tank in 1577 which subsequently became known as "Amritsar" (meaning: Pool of the Nectar of Immortality) , giving its name to the city that grew around it. In due course, a splendid Sikh edifice, Harmandir Sahib "( Temple of God)" , was constructed in the middle of this tank which became the supreme centre of Sikhism. Its sanctum came to house the Adi Granth comprising compositions, Sikh values, philosophies and teachings of the Sikh Gurus and other saints of Guru Nanak's time, e.g. Ravidas a Hindu Guru, Baba Farid a Sufi Sant (Saint) and Kabir, all of whom the Sikhs refer to as the Bhagats.

The compilation of the Adi Granth was started by the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev.

The Amritsar area

Amritsar is located in the Majha region of the Punjab. Majha is also known as the Bari Doab, since it is the Doab (Do = two, ab = rivers) or the "(fluvial)" tract of land which lies between two of the five great rivers of the province, the Ravi and the Beas. As such, Majha lies in the heart of the ancient Punjab region, comprised of Gurdaspur, Batala and Tarn Taran Sahib as well as Amritsar. Amritsar is also known as "Sifti Da Ghar" or Adorable Abode.

Construction of the Harmandir Sahib

Originally built during 1574 AD, the site of the temple was surrounded by a small lake in a thin forest. The third of the six grand Mughals, emperor Akbar, who visited the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das, at the neighbouring town of Goindval was so impressed by the way of life in the town that he gave a jagir (the land and the revenues of several villages in the vicinity) to the Guru's daughter Bhani as a gift on her marriage to Bhai Jetha, who later became the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das. Guru Ram Das enlarged the lake and built a small township around it. The town was named after Guru Ram Das as "Guru Ka Chak", "Chak Ram Das" or "Ram Das Pura".

During the leadership of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev (1581-1606), the full-fledged Temple was built. In December 1588 the great Muslim Sufi saint of Lahore, Hazrat Mian Mir, a close friend of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, was asked to lay the corner stone (December 1588). [ [http://allaboutsikhs.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11 A Gateway to Sikhism | The Sikh Saints:Mian Mir - A Gateway to Sikhism ] ] The story has been told that a mason then straightened the stone, to which Guru Arjan said, as you have just undone the work of such a holy man, who knows what disaster might come to the Harmandir Sahib. This story has been used to offer a reason why the temple has been attacked so many times by the Afganis and Mughals and even the Indian Army in 1984.

The temple was completed in 1604. Guru Arjan Dev, installed the Adi Granth in it and appointed Baba Buddha Ji as the first Granthi "(Reader)" of the temple on August 1604. In the mid 18th century it was attacked by the Afghans, by one of Ahmed Shah Abdali's Generals, Jahan Khan, and had to be substantially rebuilt in the 1760s. However, in response a Sikh Army was sent to hunt down the Afghan force. They were under orders to show no mercy and historical evidence suggests none was shown. Both forces met each other 5 miles outside Amritsar where Jahan Khan's army was destroyed.Volume 2: Evolution of Sikh Confederacies (1708-1769), By Ram Gupta.] He himself was decapitated by commander "Sardar" Dayal Singh.

The Harmandir Sahib Complex and areas in its vicinity

The temple is surrounded by a large Sarovar (manmade lake), known as the AmritSar "(Lake of Holy Water or Immortal Nectar)". There are entrances to the temple on all four sides, signifying the importance of acceptance and openness; ostensibly, this concept is reminiscent of the tent of Abraham in the Old Testament -- his tent was open on all four sides in order to be able to welcome travelers from all directions. Inside the temple complex there are many shrines to past Sikh Gurus, Saints and martyrs "(see map)". There are three holy trees "(Bers)" each associated with a historical event or Sikh saint. Inside the temple there are many memorial plaques that commemorate past Sikh historical events, saints, martyrs and includes commemorative inscriptions of all the Sikh soldiers who died fighting in the two World Wars. For a new visitor the first recommended place to visit is the information Office highlighted (4) on the map and followed by visiting the Sikh Central museum near the main entrance called the Ghanta Ghar Deori (clock tower gate). Anyone who wants to enter the Harmandir Sahib may do so, irrespective of religion, colour, creed or sex. The only restrictions are that the person must not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke cigarettes or use other non prescription drugs while in the shrine. Visitors are, as well, expected to dress appropriately and everyone must cover their heads as a sign of respect, remove their shoes and wash their feet in the small pool of water as they enter the Harmandir Sahib premises. Head scarves are provided.

. The pilgrims today can travel by foot in the "Galliara", where no vehicles are permitted.

Artwork and monument sculptures

The golden plates which cover the exterior of the Gurdwara's upper floor and domes, as well as its exquisite marblework was done under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the leader of the Sikh Empire of the Punjab. Also called "Sher-e-Punjab" (Lion of the Punjab), the Maharaja was a heavy donor of wealth and materials for the shrine and is remembered with much affection by the Punjabi people in general and the Sikh community in particular. Maharaja Ranjit Singh was responsible for a "rennaisance" of many Gurdwaras damaged or destroyed during Mughal rule, including many new Gurdwaras as well. Two of the other most revered temples of Sikhism were built to honor the memory of Guru Gobind Singh. Maharaja Ranjit Singh's deep love of and respect for the 10th Guru lead to his having both the Takht Sri Patna Sahib "(Built at the birth place of Guru Gobind Singh)" and the Takht Sri Hazur Sahib "(the place where Guru Gobind Singh died)".

The Arch of the Darshani Deorhi opens onto the causeway which leads to the Harmandir Sahib; it is convert|202|ft|m|0 high and convert|21|ft|m|0 in width. Hukam Singh Chimni also contributed to the embellishments at the Harmandir Sahib.

In film and television

*The Temple is one of the locations of the movie Gandhi "(1982)".
*The Temple is one of the locations of Bride and Prejudice "(2004)".
*The Temple is also one of the places visited by the BBC's Michael Palin for the documentary 'Himalaya' "(2004)".
*The Temple is also in the Indian (Hindi) serial Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin "(2005)".
*The Temple is a highlight in the Bollywood movies Rang De Basanti starring Aamir Khan "(2006)".
*The Temple is one of the locations of Namastey London "(2007)".
*The Temple is featured in a scene in film Singh Is Kinng"(2008)".
*The Temple is featured in forthcoming Bollywood film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.

Notable visits

*Ken Livingston: Mayor of London : 4 May 2000 – 4 May 2008. Visited in 2007
*Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip of the United Kingdom — October 1997
*Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs — John Manley —January 2002
*Former Prime Minister of Canada — Jean Chrétien —October 2003
*Indian President — A.P.J. Abdul Kalam —August 2004
*Indian Prime Minister — Manmohan Singh —September 2004
*British Foreign Secretary — Jack Straw —February 2005
*Dalai Lama — Tenzin Gyatso —November 2007
*Ernesto Carlos Alvarez — Ambassador of Argentina in India
*Mr. & Mrs. Miguel Angel Ramirez — Ambassador of Cuba in India
*Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Abad — Ambassador of Ecuador in India
*Mr. & Mrs. J.Ronald Gajraj — High Commissioner of Guyana in India
*Mr. & Mrs. Rogelio Granguillhome — Ambassador of Mexico in India
*Hans Dannenberg — Ambassador of Dominican Republic in India
*Milena Santana Ramirez — Ambassador of Venezuela in India
*Ricardo Leon — Charge De Affairs(CDA) of Govt. of Chile
*Minister Genaro Pappalardo — Charge De Affairs(CDA) of Govt. of Paraguay
*Carlos Alberto Yrigoyen — Charge De Affairs(CDA) of Govt. of Peru

Celebrations at Harmandir Sahib

One of the most important festivals is Vaisakhi, which is celebrated in the second week of April "(13th usually)". Sikhs celebrate the founding of the Khalsa on this day and it is celebrated with fervour in the Harmandir Sahib. Other important Sikh religious days such as the martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur, birthday of Guru Nanak etc, are also celebrated with religious piety. Similarly Diwali is one of the festivals which sees the Harmandir Sahib beautifully illuminated with Divas/Diyas "(lamps)",lights and fireworks are discharged. During these special occasions 1-2 million pilgrims visit the Holy shrine named Harmandir Sahib.

Most Sikh people visit Amritsar and the Harmandir Sahib at least once during lifetime, particularly during special occasions in their life such as birthdays,marriages or birth of their children etc.

Reaching the Harmandir Sahib from abroad

Sri Harmandir Sahib is reachable by all major links. It is reachable by air, by road and by train. Amritsar has a major train junction operated by the Indian Railways and a bus station equipped with most modern amenities. The fastest way for international tourist to reach Harmandir Sahib would be to travel by air. The holy city has a rapidly expanding modern airport called Raja Sansi International Airport. The airport receives international flights from Europe, North America and Central Asia. Most major world cities including London, Tashkent and Toronto are also linked by air with Amritsar. The capital city of India, New Delhi is about 300 miles from Amritsar, there are round-the-clock air, train and road transport connections to Amritsar from New Delhi. There is a rapidly expanding array of international hotels in the holy city that can be booked for overnight stays. Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008 has voted the Sri Harmandir Sahib as one of the world’s best spiritual sites. [http://www.ptinews.com/pti/ptisite.nsf/0/03d3a18aa4bdceae6525738e00199bff?OpenDocument]

Recent events

*On July 6, 2005 the SGPC decided to install closed circuit television cameras around the Harmandir Sahib Complex and will be adding more security due to other attacks in India on other religious areas.
* [http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/view/6031/92/ Latin American and Caribbean Ambassadors visit Golden Temple]
* [http://www.sikhsangat.org/news/publish/asia/London_mayor_visits_Sikh_Gurudwara_Sri_Harmander_Sahib_1123077.shtml London Mayor visits Golden Temple]
* [http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=1229 The Dalai Lama visits Golden Temple]

Operation Blue Star

Between June 3 and June 6, 1984, the Indian Army led by General Kuldip Singh Brar brought troops into the Harmandir Sahib to arrest Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. He and some followers had taken refuge in the Harmandir Sahib, and resisted the police who sought to arrest him for suspected acts of terrorism.

By 1983, the Harmandir Sahib became a shelter for a large number of militants. Mark Tully and Satish Jacob wrote [Mark Tully and Satish Jacob, Amritsar -Mrs. Gandhi's Last Battle (Calcutta: Rupa & Co. by arrangement with Pan Books, London, 1985)] : "All ... [Bhindranwale's] terrorists were known by name to the shopkeepers and the householders who live in the narrow alleys surrounding the Golden Temple ... The Punjab police must have known who they were also, but they made no attempt to arrest them. By this time Bhindranwale and his men were above the law."

The Harmandir Sahib compund and some of the surrounding houses were fortified. The Statesman reported on July 4 that light machine-guns and sophisticated self-loading rifles were known to have been brought into the compound.

Indira Gandhi ordered the army to launch Operation Blue Star, leading to fierce fighting ensued between Bhindranwale's supporters and the soldiers, in which many of Bhindranwale's supporters were killed along with many soldiers and many visitors to the sit who had been kept from leaving the complex once the attack got under way. An official account tallies the deaths of 83 soldiers and 492 civilians [ [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070320/punjab1.htm Varinder Walia, "Army reveals startling facts on Bluestar: Says Longowal surrendered", The Tribune, Chandigarh (March 20, 2007)] ] . The Harmandir Sahib complex also suffered much damage due to the fighting, especially the holy Sri Akal Takhat Sahib.

Many Sikhs regarded the attack as a desecration of their holiest shrine, and their alienation had deep and dramatic consequences. Indira Gandhi was assassinated by two of her bodyguards, both Sikhs, the following October.

In 1998, Indira Gandhi's daughter-in-law and the Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi officially apologized for the assault on the holy Harmandir Sahib, as a great mistake. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/s/w_asia/50469.stm BBC News | S/W ASIA | Sonia Gandhi apologises for raid on Sikh temple ] ]

In 1986 the repairs performed on the holy Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, which the Rajiv Gandhi Government had undertaken without consultation, were removed. A new Sri Akal Takhat Sahib was completed in 1999 by free pilgrim service & work.

Photo gallery

ee also

*Most sacred sites

References

External links

* [http://www.amritsar.com/ Amritsar Portal]
* [http://www.amritsar.org/ Amritsar Paath]
* [http://www.sikhnet.com/GoldenTemple Sikhnet.com]
* [http://www.sacredsites.com/asia/india/amritsar.html SacredSites.com]
* [http://www.sgpc.net/golden-temple/index.asp Sgpc.net]
* [http://www.srigurugranthsahib.org/featured/harmandir.htm SriGuruGranthSahib.org]
* [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060624/saturday/main1.htm A journalist’s report on his short tourism experience of Punjabi Sikh shrines]
* [http://www.ianandwendy.com/slideshow/OtherTrips/India/Amritsar/ Pictures of the Harmandir Sahib] Pictures of the Harmandir Sahib from a backpackers trip around India.
* [http://picasaweb.google.com/imsingh/HarmandirSahibGoldenTemple Some images of Sri Harmandir Sahib]
*wikitravel Has currently no content
* [http://www.goldentemplephotos.com/ Golden Temple Photographs]
* [http://www.hotelsapphire.in/ Hotel In Amritsar Near Golden Temple]
* [http://www.goldentempleimages.com/ From Prakash to Sukhasan - Images of Sri Harmandir Sahib]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW9qT4s0gWI Video Tour - (Not Professional)]