Golden Temple, Amritsar

4711 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by _Hawk_, Apr 5, 2014

marcopolo123

Discussion Starter · May 23, 2012

The Golden Temple is a 3 storied structure and is built on a square platform and set amidst a water tank. Amrit Sarovar surrounds and reflects the Golden Temple. The Golden Temple has been built using Sikh principles of architecture. The entire layout is at a level lower than the neighborhood. This is intended to induce a feeling of humility. The 4 entrances from all directions signify that people from all walks of life are welcome.

Construction of Sri Harimandir Sahib was begun by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, and completed by his successor, Guru Arjan Dev in 1604. The present day Golden Temple was rebuilt in 1764 by Maharaja Jassa Singh Ahluwalia. Ranjit Singh added a Gold plating and marble to the Gurdwara in the exteriors. The Golden canopy stands out with its precious jewels and exquisite workmanship. Fresco work and glittering gemstones adorn the interiors.

A must see is the Darshani Deorhi Arch which is 200 feet tall and is at the beginning of the causeway to the Harmandir Sahib. The bridge is connected with a circumambulatory path or Pardakshna.

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swerveut

· #2 · May 25, 2012

Is that a mosque in the background in the second last picture?

Also, what is the purpose of the lake? Do devotees use it as holy water or some devotional baths or swims? Or is it purely for architectural reasons?

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marcopolo123

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 25, 2012

about the lake

swerveut said:
Is that a mosque in the background in the second last picture?

Also, what is the purpose of the lake? Do devotees use it as holy water or some devotional baths or swims? Or is it purely for architectural reasons?

No there is no mosque. The golden Temple architecture has a fusion of sikh, hindu and islamic style and hence some aspects look like that of a mosque.

The lake has a quite a bit of significance. Legend has it that Amrit Kund, the pool of nectar, where the current Golden Temple is located, was the place where Rishi Valmiki wrote the most celebrated Hindu epic Ramayana. The current lake is a man made one built in 16th century and then the city came up around it.
Today pilgrims take a holy dip before entering the temple.

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italiano_pellicano

· #4 · May 27, 2012

wow amazing

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Marathaman

· #5 · May 27, 2012 (Edited)

swerveut said:
Is that a mosque in the background in the second last picture?

Also, what is the purpose of the lake? Do devotees use it as holy water or some devotional baths or swims? Or is it purely for architectural reasons?

Holy baths/reservoirs have been a part of Desi religions for millennia. The Great Bath at Mohenjo-Daro is one of the earliest examples.

Most Indian temples have a water reservoir within the compound. Goes by various names - kund, pushkarini,vav, kalyani, baoli etc. depending on the region.

Visit this thread for photos of lots of them.

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