The Golden Temple
The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is a Sikh temple located in Amritsar, Punjab, India. It is one of the most important Sikh pilgrimage sites and is revered by Sikhs all over the world. The temple is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful surroundings, and most notably, its golden appearance.
History of the Golden Temple
The construction of the Golden Temple began in 1604 and was completed in 1608. Over the years, the temple has gone through several renovations and expansions. Its current architecture is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles, reflecting the peaceful coexistence of different religions in India.
The Myth of the Golden Covering
It is a widely held belief that the Golden Temple is covered entirely in gold, hence its name. However, this is not entirely accurate. The temple’s upper floors are covered in gold, while the lower floors are made of marble. The gold plating was added over time, with each plating contributing to the temple’s stunning appearance.
The First Golden Plating
The first golden plating of the temple took place in 1809, when Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire ordered the temple to be covered entirely in gold. The gold used for this plating was donated by the Sikh community, and it took several years to complete the task.
The Second Golden Plating
The second golden plating of the temple took place in 1830, during Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s reign. This plating was done to repair the damage caused by natural wear and tear and to restore the temple’s original appearance.
The Third Golden Plating
The third golden plating of the temple took place in 1913, during the British Raj. This plating was done to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
The Fourth Golden Plating
The fourth golden plating of the temple took place in 1947, during the partition of India and Pakistan. The temple was damaged during the partition, and the plating was done to restore it to its former glory.
The Fifth Golden Plating
The fifth golden plating of the temple took place in 1999, when the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) decided to replace the old gold plating with new gold. The gold used for this plating was donated by the Sikh community.
The Current Golden Plating
The current golden plating of the temple is made up of 160 kg of gold. The plating was done in 2017 and is expected to last for several decades. The SGPC is responsible for the maintenance of the gold plating and ensures that it remains in good condition.
The Maintenance of the Golden Temple
The maintenance of the Golden Temple is an ongoing process. The temple is cleaned daily, and the gold plating is polished regularly to maintain its shine. The SGPC also ensures that the temple’s structural integrity is maintained, and any necessary repairs are carried out promptly.
Conclusion: The Fascinating Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is not just a place of worship but also a work of art. Its stunning architecture and golden appearance make it one of the most beautiful and fascinating places in India. The temple’s rich history and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting India.
References and Further Reading
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"Golden Temple." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 31 Aug. 2021, www.britannica.com/topic/Golden-Temple.
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"Golden Temple History." Golden Temple Amritsar, 2021, www.goldentempleamritsar.org/golden-temple-history/.
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"Golden Temple: The Fascinating Story of the World’s Most Iconic Sikh Shrine." Culture Trip, 24 Apr. 2021, theculturetrip.com/asia/india/articles/golden-temple-the-fascinating-story-of-the-worlds-most-iconic-sikh-shrine/.
