The Golden Temple (or gurdwara), officially renamed Harmandir Sahib in March 2005, is a major pilgrimage destination for Sikhs from all over the world, as well as an increasingly popular tourist attraction. This famous place is found in Amritsar, Punjab.
Its construction began in 1574 when Mughal Emperor Akbar donated a piece of land to build this religious place. He was initially very impressed by the way of life of the devotees. The building and its architecture is of great interest to people all over the world. It is considered as the ‘most tangibly place in the country’. An interesting fact about this sacred place is that 100 kg of Gold was used to decorate it. The gold plating on the Harmandir Sahib was begun by Emperor Ranjit Singh and was finished in 1830 AD. The Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of the Punjab), was a heavy donor of wealth and materials for the shrine and is remembered with much affection by the Punjabi people in general and the Sikh community in particular
There are some rules which apply while visiting the temple; people are not allowed to drink alcohol, eat meat or even smoke in the shrine, they should leave their shoes at the entrance before entering the pool and should dress appropriately. The beautiful golden structure at the centre of the pool is known as the Hari Mandir, referred to as the Divine Temple.
Furthermore, there is a restaurant for visitors where 35,000 people are fed by the temple volunteers. Everyone sits on the floor, regardless of creed, colour and caste. Those who are on a pilgrimage are offered rooms and there are approximately 400 of them. Festivals such as the Vaisakhi and Divali are celebrated over there with great pomp and fervor. During these special occasions 1-2 million pilgrims visit the Holy shrine.
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/india/golden-temple-of-amritsar
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