Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab

Also known as Harmandir or Darbar Sahib, the temple is a white and gold majestic building, the foundation of which was laid by the Muslim saint, Mian Mir, an admirer and friend of Guru Arjun. The temple is built on a 67-ft square of marble and is a two storied structure. The top structure of the temple is covered with pure gold leaf, hence, the popular name, Golden Temple. Inside the temple lies the holy book of the Sikhs - the Granth Sahib. The Granth Sahib is kept in the temple during the day and in the Akal Takht or Eternal Throne in the night. The spiritual focus is the tank, the Amrit Sarovar, which surrounds the glistening central shrine. Amritsar takes its name from this Amrit Sarovar which was excavated in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das. Embraced by marble stairways, this tank is believed to have healing powers that can cure many diseases. The 'Guru Ka Langar' located near the eastern entrance offers food to all visitors. Visitors to the Golden Temple must remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering the temple. Free kitchen and recitation of the divine word never cease here. Located in the heart of Amritsar, its four gates invite everyone from all directions. The Golden Temple has a serene presence and radiating calm.