Have you ever visited Amritsar’s Golden Temple? The serene and tranquil place is not just a spiritual haven; it's also an architectural marvel dipped in artistic grandeur. From its mind-blowing architecture to its food and its rich history, here are some facts you may not know about Amritsar’s Golden Temple.
The foundation of Amritsar’s Golden Temple
The sacred site is hundreds of years old. It was founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, and completed by his successor, Guru Arjan Dev, in 1604. Guru Arjan also installed the Adi Granth, the holy scripture of Sikhism, inside the temple. The temple was designed with entrances on all four sides, symbolising openness to all people, regardless of caste or creed. In the 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh covered the upper floors with gold, giving it its iconic look.
Golden Temple is situated at a lower level
According to reports, when Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, commissioned the construction of the Golden Temple in the late 16th century, he made a radical decision. Unlike traditional temples that were elevated above ground level, the Golden Temple was built at a lower level, requiring visitors to step down to enter. This architectural choice wasn’t arbitrary. It was deeply symbolic — a gesture meant to instill humility in every person walking through its doors.
The Golden Temple is cleaned every single day
The Golden Temple’s name isn't just poetic — it's literal. The upper half of the structure has been plated with 400 kilograms of 24-karat gold, according to a report by DNA.
The shrine is cleaned meticulously every single day, ensuring the temple retains its majestic appearance year-round.
Golden temple hosts the largest community kitchen in the world
The Golden Temple isn’t just a place of worship — it’s a place of service, most visible in its massive community kitchen or ‘langar’. Here, over 50,000 people are served hot vegetarian meals every single day, regardless of caste, creed, or background. During festivals or special religious events, that number jumps to a jaw-dropping 100,000+.
Hundreds volunteer at Golden Temple
From chopping vegetables and scrubbing floors, to serving meals and maintaining the grounds, thousands of volunteers offer their time and effort as a form of seva, or selfless service.
It is this mix of history, humility, and humanitarianism that The Golden Temple stands for, which makes it a site like no other!
