Golden Temple

The Harmandir Sahib (or Darbar Sahib or Hari Mandir) in Amritsar, Punjab, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. Previously (and still more commonly) known as the Golden Temple, it was officially renamed Harmandir Sahib in March 2005. The temple (or gurdwara) is a major pilgrimage destination for Sikhs from all over the world, as well as an increasingly popular tourist attraction.

Unlike many historical sacred sites, the Golden Temple of Amritsar is still fully alive with religious fervor and sacredness, and visitors are welcomed to join in the experience. Although the building itself has great historical and architectural interest, it is the Golden Temple's great spiritual meaning for Sikh believers (and others) that is most memorable to visitors. In a country that is exceptionally rich with vibrant devotion, the Golden Temple is referred to as "the most tangibly spiritual place in the country."

It is believed that originally a small lake in the midst of a quiet forest, the site has been a meditation retreat for sages since deep antiquity ranging from the Ramayana era. The Buddha is known to have spent time at this place in contemplation. Two thousand years after Buddha's time, another philosopher-saint came to live and meditate by the peaceful lake. This was Guru Nanak (1469-1539), the founder of the Sikh religion.

The vision of a central place of prayer was envisioned by the Third Guru, Guru Amar Das Ji. By Dukh Bhanjani Beri, Guru Amar Das sought to build a place of Worship close to the nearby pool, said to have natural healing abilities. It is believed that a herb given by Guru Amar Das Ji, cured Guru Angad Dev Ji (Second Sikh Guru) of a skin ailment.

Guru Ram Das Ji named the Tree or Ber, Dukh Bhanjani Beri - "The Tree that dispelled sorrow". The healing powers of the Sarovar (Lake) and the faith of Bibi Rajni are popularly referred to when speaking of Dukh-Bhanjani Beri.

1573 - Construction of the Holy Water Tank (Amrit Sarovar), and soon the City of Amritsar (in 1577) was started by Guru Ram Das Ji

1588 - Under the guidance of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the foundation stone of the Harmandir Sahib Ji (Golden Temple) was laid

Ber Baba Buddha Ji - it is from this spot that Baba Buddha Ji sat and oversaw the building of the Sarovar and the Harmandir Sahib Ji (Golden Temple)

Laachi Ber - Guru Arjan Dev Ji sat under this Tree. The Tree name comes from the Tree that gave a fruit the size of a Laachi (Cardomom)

1604 - Guru Arjan Dev Ji, oversees the completion of the construction of Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji (Golden Temple)

August 1604 - Guru Arjan Dev Ji, along with Bhai Gurdas Ji, completes the compilation of the Adi Granth, the First Volume of the Granth Sahib

The Adi Granth was installed at the Golden Temple by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Baba Buddha Ji was appointed the First Head Granthi at Sri Harmandir Sahib Ji (Golden Temple)

1606 - Foundation Stone of the Akal Takht, the Seat (Throne) of the Timeless One, was laid by Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji

1665 - The caretakers of the time denied Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji entry to the Harmandir Sahib Ji (Golden Temple). Before leaving Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji rested on a Thara, earth platform. Gurdwara Thara Sahib was later built to mark the visit.

1757, 1762, 1764 - The Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) was destroyed / ruined by successive Afghan invaders.

1757 - King Shah Abdali's Afghan army attacks the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), in the battle Baba Deep Singh Ji is martyred. Baba Deep Singh Ji sacrificed his life defending the Golden Temple. His courage and bravery continue to inspire to this day.

1764 - The Golden Temple was finally rebuilt in its current shape and structure. Sardar Jassaa Singh Ahluwalia laid the foundations.

1776 - The construction of the Sarovar, Main Darbar, Bridge, and the Darshani Deori was completed

1784 - The Parikarma - perimeter path area around the Holy Pool (Sarovar) - were completed

1802 - Maharaja Ranjit Singh occupies the territory of Amritsar

1830 - The gold plated Harmandir Sahib Ji / Golden Temple as we see it today, is attributed to Maharaja Ranjit Singh

1839 - Maharaja Ranjit Singh visits the Golden Temple for the last time

1800s - Many Western visitors amazed by the beauty of the Harmandir Sahib artistically capture the Golden Temple

1921 - The Sikhs take control of several Sikh Gurdwara's including the Harmandir Sahib / Golden Temple

1984 - Indian Army invades the Harmandir Sahib complex. Operation Bluestar claimed many innocent lives, and significant damage to the overall Gurdwara complex.

Its architecture represents a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus way of construction work and this is considered the best architectural specimens of the world. It is often quoted that this architecture has created an independent Sikh school of architecture

Attractions of Golden Temple: Ber Baba Budha Ji, Guru Ka Langar, Akal Thakt Sahib, Thara Sahib, Ath Sath Tirath (68 holy places condensed into one), Dukh Bhanjni Ber (Jujube Tree), Gurdwara llachi Ber and Gurdwara Shaheed Bunga Baba Deep Singh

A trip to Amritsar will give you an opportunity to explore the authentic beauties of the past as well as the present. Book your cheap flights to Amritsar with Oceans Travel and experience the colourful traditions and values of India. With regular flights from Birmingham to Amritsar, London Heathrow to Amritsar and all other major UK airports you will find a fantastic deal. Popular flights such as Air India, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkmenistan Airlines and Uzbekistan Airways fly to Amritsar. Don't miss out and book your cheap ticket to Amritsar with Oceans Travel.