Amritsar

Amritsar is the spiritual and cultural center of Sikhism, home to the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), the holiest gurdwara in the Sikh tradition. [1][2]

The city was founded in 1577 by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru. The Harmandir Sahib was completed in 1604 under Guru Arjan, who also installed the Adi Granth (the first compilation of Sikh scripture) within it. [1][2]

The Golden Temple is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds, reflecting the Sikh principle of equality. Its community kitchen (langar) serves free meals to tens of thousands of visitors daily regardless of religion, caste, or status. [1][2]

The Golden Temple complex is free to enter and operates 24 hours a day. It is one of the most visited religious sites in the world. [1][2]

Pilgrims circumambulate the sacred pool (amrit sarovar) that surrounds the Harmandir Sahib and cross a causeway into the central shrine to hear the continuous recitation and singing of the Guru Granth Sahib. The complex operates around the clock and welcomes visitors of every background, who typically cover their heads and remove their shoes before entering. [1][2]

The Harmandir Sahib stands on a platform in the middle of the pool, its upper levels finished in gilded copper that gives the Golden Temple its English name. Four entrances, one on each side, symbolize openness to people of all directions, and the adjoining langar hall serves free communal meals continuously. [1][2]

Founded by Guru Ram Das and completed under Guru Arjan, who installed the first compilation of Sikh scripture within it, Amritsar became the devotional and historical center of the Sikh tradition. The institution of langar and the temple's open doors express the Sikh emphasis on equality and selfless service (seva). [1][2]