Amritsar, city, northern Punjab state, northwestern India. It lies about 15 miles (25 km) east of the border with Pakistan. Amritsar is the largest and most important city in Punjab and is a major commercial, cultural, and transportation centre. It is also the centre of Sikhism and the site of the Sikhs’ principal place of worship—the Harmandir Sahib, or Golden Temple.
en Temple, Also called Sri Harmandir Sahib, the Golden Temple was laid by Guru Ram Das in the 14th century. Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib , is named after Hari(God) the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas. It is acclaimed as one of the holiest sites of the Sikhs ,the religious building important to Sikhs has a legacy associated with it. The pool of nectar ( Amrit Sarovar). How the land was acquired for the construction of the temple has many stories. Some say the Guru bought it, others say it was granted by emperor Akbar.
The four gates in four cardinal directions are an open invitation to all to visit the shrine. The Central Sikh Museum is atop the Clock Tower. The 'Guru Ka Langar' offers free food to around 25,000 people everyday. The number shoots up to over100,000 on special occasions. A visitor must cover his / her head before entering the temple premises. The Guru Granth Sahib is kept in the Temple during the day and is kept in the Akal Takht or Eternal Throne in the night. The Akal Takht also houses the ancient weapons used by the Sikh warrior.
