1.Interesting Facts about Golden temple.

• The Golden Temple was founded in 1574 by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das.The Gurudwara was completed in 1604.
• Sri Harmandir Sahib (The Golden Temple) organises the largest langar sewa in the world. It serves around a 100,000 devotees daily. While food is served, all the devotees sit together in rows on the floor, irrespective of their religion, caste or creed.
• The stairs that enter the temple go downwards. This is designed in this way to symbolise the humble way of living.
• Structurally, the temple is located on a level below the ground level as it signifies that one must be humble and go down to reach the temple of God.

2.How to get to Golden temple?

Here are the different ways you can get to the Golden Temple:

1.By Air:

• Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) is the closest airport to Amritsar. It is well connected to major cities in India and abroad. From the airport, you can take a taxi or prepaid cab to reach the Golden Temple, which is about 13 kilometers away.

2.By Train:

• Amritsar Junction Railway Station (ASR) is a major railway station and is well connected to all parts of India.The distance between Golden Temple and the Railway Station is around 2.5 km. and takes about 20 to 30 minutes (depends on traffic) by taxi to reach Golden Temple. You can also take Cabs (Ola etc).

3.By Bus:

• Amritsar has a well-developed bus network. You can take a bus from various cities in India to Amritsar. The bus station is located about 4 kilometers from the Golden Temple. You can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or rickshaw from the bus station to reach the Golden Temple.

• SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) operates free bus services for pilgrims visiting Amritsar. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Routes:

    • Amritsar Railway Station to Golden Temple
    • Amritsar Inter-State Bus Terminus to Golden Temple
    • Free Yatra service to various historical Gurdwaras within Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts (registration required)
    • Special services on occasions like Baisakhi for travel between Golden Temple and Dera Baba Nanak.

• Benefits:

  • Free and convenient way to travel between these locations
  • Reduces traffic congestion, especially around the Golden Temple

• Things to keep in mind:

  • Limited capacity, so waiting time is possible, especially during peak hours
  • Specific timings and routes might change, so it’s best to check with SGPC or local authorities for the latest information.

Since SGPC bus routes are primarily for visiting religious places, they won’t be suitable for general sightseeing across Amritsar.

3.Visiting information about Golden temple.

Location:

• Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (The Golden Temple Amritsar) is situated in the heart of Amritsar city in the state of Punjab, India. Its exact address is Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143006.

Visiting Hours:

• Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (The Golden Temple Amritsar) is open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the main prayer ceremonies and the best times to visit are during the early morning hours and in the evening.

Entry Requirements:

• There are no specific entry requirements to visit Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (The Golden Temple Amritsar). It is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. However, visitors are expected to adhere to the customs and traditions of the Sikh religion, such as covering their heads and removing their shoes before entering the premises.

Dress Code:

• Visitors are required to dress modestly while visiting Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (The Golden Temple Amritsar). Both men and women should cover their heads with scarves or other head coverings. Shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops are not allowed inside the main complex.

Security:

• Security measures are in place at Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (The Golden Temple Amritsar) to ensure the safety of visitors. Bags and belongings may be subject to security checks at the entrance.

Photography:

• Photography is allowed within Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (The Golden Temple Amritsar) complex, but visitors are requested to be respectful and avoid disturbing worshippers during prayer times.

Langar (Community Kitchen):

• One of the unique features of Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (The Golden Temple Amritsar) is its Langar (Free Community Kitchen), where free meals are provided to all visitors regardless of their religion, caste, or background. Visitors are welcome to participate in the Langar (Free Community Kitchen) and experience the spirit of community service.

4.Things to Remember in Golden Temple Amritsar.

• On arrival at the Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (The Golden Temple Amritsar), both men and women are required to wear a scarf over their head (don’t worry if you forget to bring a scarf as headscarves are sold outside at a very cheap price).
• All visitors must remove their shoes and wash their feet by walking through pools before entering the temple, as there is a cloakroom in the Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (The Golden Temple Amritsar) for shoes.
• At every entrance to Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (The Golden Temple Amritsar), there is provision for keeping shoes, and luggage of the devotees, free of cost. One must get a token after depositing one’s shoes/belongings.
• Please switch-off your mobiles before entering into the Sanctum Sanctorum.
• Wash your feet/hands, and cover your head properly before entering the holy complex.
• Cigarette, Biri, Tobacco or other intoxicants are strictly prohibited inside the holy premises.
• Inside the Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (The Golden Temple Amritsar) chewing gum, sun glasses and photography are prohibited.
• Anyone can take a dip in the holy Sarovar but use of soap or shampoo is not allowed.
• The wet clothes may kindly be deposited in a Wet-Clothes-Room.
• If you so desire, you can wash yourself with soap at the washrooms provided in the Parikrama (periphery).
• Swimming is strictly prohibited in the Sarovar.
• Photography is allowed only in the outer Parikrama. For special reasons permission for photography inside of The Golden Temple may be sought from the President/Sec. (SGPC) or Manager (Golden Temple).
• Offerings in cash and kind are accepted in the Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (The Golden Temple Amritsar).
• Please get a receipt on offering donations for Langar (Free Community Kitchen), building.
• It is not allowed to read or sell newspapers or play cards in the Parikrama.
• Nobody can hold a religious congregation or deliver a lecture inside the Parikrama, unless permitted by SGPC.
• Devotees should not pay any money to Sewadars on duty.
• Please deposit your valuables including jewelry and cash at the counters provided for the same in the Sri Darbar Sahib complex.
• Any complaint regarding any staff member / Sewadar / Management should be lodged at the office of Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar (The Golden Temple Amritsar) located in the Parikrama near Darshni Deori and Ber Baba Budha Ji.
• Karah-Prasad (holy offering) should be distributed only after one’s exit from the Sanctum Sanctorum. Its distribution on the bridge creates congestion which hampers the smooth movement of devotees.
• Please do not take bath at Har Ki Paori.
• If any infant happens to urinate in the Parikrama, please clean it immediately or inform the duty Sewadars about it.
• Walk clockwise around the pool and temple on the wide marble walkway

5.Accommodation in Golden Temple.

Sarai booking is offered on first-come-first-serve basis subject to availability of accommodation the desired date/s.

There are seven Niwas Asthans (inns) which provide lodging facilities for pilgrims, maintained by Sri Harimandir Sahib authorities.

1. Guru Arjan Dev Niwas
2. New Akal Rest House
3. Guru Ram Das Niwas
4. Guru Nanak Niwas
5. Guru Hargobind Niwas
6. Mata Ganga Ji Niwas
7. Guru Gobind Singh NRI Yatri Niwas
8. Baba Deep Singh Niwas
9. Mata Bhag Kaur Niwas
10. Saragarhi Memorial Niwas
11. Bhai Gurdas Hall
12. Ramsar Niwas

• How to book: Check the SGPC website (https://sgpc.net/) for booking information. This might include online booking or phone booking options.
• Operating hours: Likely to be open 24/7.
• Distance: Located within the Golden Temple Complex, very close to the main temple.

Top places you should  visit after visiting golden temple.

1.Jallianwala Bagh:

• Why you should go: Pay respect to the people who fought for India’s freedom.
• Distance from Golden Temple: Approximately 650 meters.
• Timings: Open daily from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
• How to go: It’s a short walk from the Golden Temple complex, located just a 10-minute walk away.
• Costing: Entry is free.

2.Wagah(Attari) Border Ceremony:

• Why you should go: Experience an exciting ceremony that shows love for your country.
• Distance from Golden Temple: Approximately 28 kilometers.
• Timings: The ceremony takes place every evening before sunset.
• How to go: Hire a taxi or take a shared cab from the Golden Temple area to reach Wagah Border.
• Costing: Entry is free, but there may be charges for transportation.

3.Partition Museum:

• Why you should go: Learn about the stories of people who lived during India’s Partition and understand their struggles.
• Distance from Golden Temple: Approximately 1.5 kilometers.
• Timings: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Mondays).
• How to go: It’s a short taxi ride or a 20-minute walk from the Golden Temple.
• Costing: Entry fee varies; check the museum’s website for details.
• Official website: https://www.partitionmuseum.org/

4.Hall Bazaar:

• Why you should go: Enjoy shopping for traditional clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs in a lively market.
• Distance from Golden Temple: Approximately 1 kilometer.
• Timings: Open daily from morning till evening.
• How to go: It’s a short walk or a quick taxi ride from the Golden Temple.
• Costing: Prices vary based on purchases.

5.Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum:

• Why you should go: Learn about the life and legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the founder of the Sikh Empire, through artifacts, weapons, paintings, and manuscripts.
• Distance from Golden Temple: Approximately 3 kilometers.
• Timings: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays and Public Holidays).
• How to go: Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from the Golden Temple area.
• Costing: Entry fee is Rs. 10 Per Person.

Frequently asked question(FAQ)

1.What is best time (month) to visit Golden Temple?

• The best time to visit the Golden Temple is during the months of October to February when the weather is relatively cool and pleasant.

2.Is there an entry fee for the Golden Temple?

• No, there is no entry fee for the Golden Temple. It is free to enter and explore the complex for everyone, regardless of religion or background. This reflects the Sikh principle of equality and openness.

3.How much time will take to visit Golden Temple Amritsar?

• The amount of time it takes to visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar can vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s preferences, the purpose of the visit, and the crowd levels at the time of the visit. However, on average, visitors typically spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the Golden Temple complex.

4.Is Golden Temple closed on any day?

• No, the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar, Punjab, India, remains open every day of the year, including all holidays and religious occasions.