Sept 29 - Amristar

Golden Temple

I arrived at 4 am for morning prayer at Harmandie Sahib (means abode of God) also known as The Golden Temple. Guru Arjan Sahib conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for Sikh's and people of all religions. He designed the temple and supervised construction which began in 1579 AD and completed in 1601 AD. More than 100,000 people visit each day from all over the world. There are four doors to get to get into the temple and they symbolize the openness of Sikh's toward all people and religions. This was a very special experience.

4A arrival at the Golden Temple

Causeway to the Golden Temple

Sikh's sitting at the pool after prayer

Inside the Golden Temple

Boys posing along the pool for a photo

Friendly guards outside the Golden Temple

Sikh's prayerfully waiting in line on the causeway bridge before entering the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple was heavily damaged in June 1984 when an attack led by Jarnal Sing Bhindandranwal resulted in the deaths of 136 Indian Army soldiers, and 492 civilians killed. In the same year Indira Gandhi was assassinated.