About Golden Temple Architecture :
Golden Temple, or Sri Harmandir Sahib, is built on a 67 sq ft platform and is surrounded by a lake called the Amrit Sarovar (the pool of nectars), which is spread over an area of 150 sq. m. The temple covers an area of 40.5 sq ft. There are entrances to the temple on all the four sides, which stands for the importance of acceptance and openness. The shrine is symbolic of the doctrines of Sikkhism and also represents the magnificent strength of all Sikhs. Its entrance is an ornate archway, with intricate inlay work. The verses from the Granth Sahib have been inscribed on the doorway. The temple’s exterior is plated with gold. The Darshani Deori (an arch) stands at the shore end of the causeway. The doorframe of the arch is about 10ft in height and 8ft 6inches in breadth. The door panes are decorated with artistic style. They open on to the causeway or bridge that leads to the main building of Sri Harimandir Sahib. It is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width. The bridge is connected with the 13 feet wide ‘Pardakshna’ (circumambulatory path). It runs round the main shrine and leads to the ‘Har ki Paure’ (steps of God). On the first floor of ‘Har ki Paure’, there is continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib. The main structure of Sri Harimandir Sahib, functionally as well as technically is a three-storied one. The front, which faces the bridge, is decorated with repeated cusped arches and the roof of the first floor is at the height of the 26 feet and 9 inches. At the top of the first floor, 4 feet high parapet rises on all the sides which has also four ‘Mamtees’ on the four corners and exactly on the top of the central hall of the main sanctuary rises the third story. It is a small square room and has three gates. A regular recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is also held there. On the top of the square room stands the low fluted ‘Gumbaz’ (dome), having lotus petal motif in relief at the base, inverted lotus at the top which supports the ‘Kalash’ having a beautiful ‘Chhatri’ at the end. Sheesh Mahal or Mirror Room is constructed on the second storey, which is gilded with mirrors and has intricate work of various patterns. Above the Sheesh Mahal, there is a golden dome, along with several miniature domes. The mural work in the temple is characterized by floral patterns interspersed with animal motifs. Inside the Temple complex, there are many Shrines of the Gurus. There are three Holy Trees (Bers) inside the temple, each associated with a historical event or Sikh saint. There are also memorial plaques that commemorate the rich history of the land, along with the memory of the brave martyrs. The golden plates that cover the exterior of Golden Temple’s upper floor and domes as well as its exquisite marble work were done under the patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He developed the temple by including the gilding of the embossed plates, renewing the pietra dura and the embellishment of the ceilings with mirror and floral designs. The architecture of the Golden Temple is a unique blend of the Hindu and Muslim styles.
General Information about Golden Temple :
Location: Amritsar
State: Punjab
Capital: Chandigarh
Language: Panjabi, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 37˚C, Min 23˚C (summer), Max 27˚C, Min 8˚C (winter)
Best Season: November to March
How to Reach Golden Temple :
By Air
Amritsar has an extremely well developed airport, Raja Sani International Airport. It has a chain of flights operating both within and outside the country. In fact, it is the only airport in Punjab to operate international flights. It is located hardly 11 km away from the city centre. The proximity of the airport from the city accounts for a comfortable ride to the visitors. Various domestic airlines, like the Indian Airlines, Air Deccan, Kingfisher, Spice Jet and others, come in and go out of this airport at regular intervals, connecting Punjab with major cities of India, like Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Besides, international flights like Turkmenistan Airlines, Uzbekistan Airlines, and Air India also connect Punjab with foreign countries like London, Toronto (via Birmingham), Singapore, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and others.
By Rail
Amritsar has an extensive rail network connecting the city to all the major places in the country, like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, etc. If you are travelling from Delhi, Shatabdi Express will be the best option. The journey takes around 6 hours and the train passes via Ambala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Phagwada and Beas. Amritsar is connected with Lahore in Pakistan by the Samjhauta Express. The railway station in Amritsar is centrally located; at a distance of hardly 15 minute drive from the Golden Temple. It has the facilities of ATM Centre and tourist information centre. Make sure you book your train tickets well in advance, as the trains to and from Amritsar usually run full, owing to heavy tourist traffic.
By Road
A broad network of road runs through country, connecting it to different places in and around the state. One can reach Amritsar from most of the northern states in just a day’s time. Pathankot is about two and half hours drive from the city. Grand Trunk Karnal Road connects Delhi to Amritsar. Regular buses are available from I.S.B.T Delhi to Amritsar. There are daily direct buses operating to and from Jammu, Katra, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala as well. A number of government and private buses run on regular basis to and from Amritsar. Thus, Amritsar is adequately connected by road to the places within Punjab as well as outside the state.