Langar — the temple's community kitchen serves free meals to over 100,000 people every day, regardless of faith.
Why Amritsar is sacred
Sri Harmandir Sahib, known globally as the Golden Temple, is the holiest Gurdwara of Sikhism. It was conceived as a house of worship open to all faiths and castes, with four entrances symbolising universal welcome — a founding principle that remains central to the site today.
At a glance
- Deity
- Guru Granth Sahib (Sikhism)
- River / Locale
- Surrounded by the Amrit Sarovar
- Best Time
- Oct – Mar, cool Punjab winters; avoid the peak summer heat
A brief history
Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, designed the temple and had the foundation stone laid by the Muslim Sufi saint Mian Mir in 1588, deliberately built lower than the surrounding land so that visitors descend in humility. The temple's gold plating was added in the early 19th century under Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Highlights & rituals
The Akhand Path, a continuous unbroken reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, runs day and night.
The Amrit Sarovar glows at sunrise and sunset, the temple's most photographed moments.
A glimpse of Amritsar
Practical information
How to reach
- →Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport serves direct flights from major Indian cities and abroad.
- →Amritsar Junction railway station connects to Delhi, Chandigarh, and beyond.
- →About 30 minutes from the Attari-Wagah border, often combined with the evening flag retreat ceremony.
Best time to visit
Oct – Mar, cool Punjab winters; avoid the peak summer heat
Altitude
234 m above sea level
Nearby attractions
Jallianwala BaghWagah Border ceremonyAkal TakhtPartition Museum