Introduction to Amritsar: For the Sikh community the Harmandir Sahib Gurdwara Golden Temple is the final spiritual journey’s end or beginning and, for every other community too, it is a shrine to be visited. The gilded splendor of its paneling, dome and minarets shine in the morning light, silhouetted softly in the water and etched gently across the city scape.

Sightseeing: The Golden Temple in Amritsar is the most exalted of all Sikh shrines, drawing pilgrims from near and far for centuries. The temple’s story began some four centuries ago when the third Sikh Guru Amar Das asked Guru Ram Das (who succeeded him) to build a central place for the congregation of the Sikhs. Guru Arjan Dev completed the work started by Guru Ram Das in the 16th century. The gurdwara has four entrance doors, called deoris, in all four directions—symbolic of the new faith that made no distinction between caste and creed. People could enter and bow in any direction they preferred.

The main structure rises from the center of the sacred pool and is approached by a long causeway. The 52-meter, square-based Hari Mandir stands on a square platform, its lower parts marble, and its upper portion fully covered with plates of gilded copper. In the interior, on the ground, the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book of the Sikhs) is placed under a jewel-studded canopy. On the first floor is a small pavilion called the Shish Mahal (mirror room). It is ornamented with pieces of mirrors inlaid in the ceiling and walls. Above is another smaller pavilion. Exquisite murals adorn the walls of the pavilions, but other than that, the emphasis is on simplicity.

Situated at the other end of the causeway connected to the Harmandir Sahib is the Akal Takht. Literally, it means the eternal throne and its building opposite the temple has a significance. While the temple stands for the spiritual guidance, the Akal Takht symbolizes the dispensing of justice and temporal activities. During the day, the Guru Granth Sahib is kept in the temple and at night at the Akal Takht. Traditionally all Sikh warriors sought blessings here before going for war.

All Sikh temples have a langar (community kitchen) where volunteers prepare free meals for thousands of people everyday. Everyone is welcome. Part of the philosophy of Sikhism is to do seva, which means service. The tradition of langar is intrinsic to the Sikh faith and symbolizes oneness of the humanity.