Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib),Amritsar - Punjab

The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the most sacred shrine in Sikhism and a symbol of peace, equality, and devotion. Located in Amritsar, Punjab, it attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists every year, offering a spiritual experience like no other. The temple is renowned not only for its golden architecture but also for its unique practices like the world’s largest free community kitchen (Langar), serving thousands daily. Below is a comprehensive guide to the temple’s offerings, facilities, travel options, and nearby attractions.

Temple About

The Golden Temple was founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das Ji, and completed by his successor, Guru Arjan Dev Ji. It is the holiest place of worship for Sikhs around the world.

Temple Description

Constructed using marble and overlaid with gold leaf, the Golden Temple is built on a platform in the middle of the sacred Amrit Sarovar (holy tank). It reflects Indo-Islamic and Mughal architecture, surrounded by a spiritual ambiance of Gurbani (Sikh hymns).

Temple Specialty

Real gold-covered upper structure

Open to people of all religions

Free Langar service 24/7

Akal Takht: Sikh religious and political authority

Symbol of human equality and brotherhood

Temple Address

Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), Golden Temple Road, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143006, India

Temple Location Longitude and Latitude

31.6200° N, 74.8765° E

Temple Timings

Open daily: 3:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Langar service: 24 hours

Temple Sevas

Gurbani Path

Kar Sewa (voluntary service)

Langar Seva

Cleaning and maintenance

Pilgrim assistance and shoe service

Travel & Pilgrim Facilities

Traveling Facilities

Easily accessible by road, rail, and air

Auto-rickshaws, taxis, buses available locally

Food Facilities

Langar: Free, hygienic vegetarian food served to all

Numerous restaurants serving Punjabi, North Indian cuisine nearby

Stay Facilities

Temple guesthouses and Yatri Niwas

Hotels in all ranges from budget to 5-star

Nearby Railway Station

Amritsar Junction (ASR) – 2 km

Nearby Airport

Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) – 13 km

Nearby Bus Station

Amritsar ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal) – 2.5 km

Bus Routes to Temple

Direct buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Ludhiana

Punjab Roadways, PRTC and private buses operate regularly

Train Routes to Temple

Direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Varanasi, Jammu to Amritsar Junction

Air Ways to Temple

Domestic flights from major Indian cities

International flights from Dubai, Doha, Toronto, London, Birmingham

Nearby Cities to Temple

Jalandhar – 80 km

Ludhiana – 140 km

Chandigarh – 230 km

Delhi – 450 km

Nearby Visiting Temples and Other Places

Durgiana Temple

Jallianwala Bagh

Wagah Border (India–Pakistan)

Ram Tirath Mandir

Partition Museum

Mata Lal Devi Mandir

Preferable Visiting Season

October to March – Pleasant weather and comfortable for darshan and sightseeing

Shopping Famous For

Punjabi Juttis (shoes)

Phulkari work fabrics and dupattas

Amritsari papads, wadiyan, pickles

Sikh religious books and souvenirs

Handicrafts and metalware

The Golden Temple of Amritsar is not just a religious destination but a beacon of spiritual harmony, cultural heritage, and selfless service. Whether you seek peace, architectural beauty, divine experience, or a taste of humanity through community service, the Golden Temple offers it all. A visit here is bound to leave a lasting impact on your heart and soul.