📖 History & Description

Sri Harmandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) was founded around the end of the 16th century and developed under Guru Arjan Dev (installed the Adi Granth in 1604). Built around a man-made pool (Amrit Sarovar), the shrine symbolises openness — four entrances, one on each side — and the integration of spiritual and temporal life. Architecturally it mixes Mughal and Sikh motifs; the inner sanctum is gold-plated and sits on a rectangular causeway within the pool. Over centuries it has been rebuilt and renovated (notably by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the 19th century) and today includes the Akal Takht and large community kitchens (langar) serving thousands daily.