SRI AKAL TAKHT SAHIB, GOLDEN TEMPLE AMRITSAR - AMAZING & BLISFULL PLACE TO VISIT

Table Of Contents

Introduction

Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Golden Temple is one of five takhts (seats of power) of the Sikhs. It is located in the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) complex in Amritsar, Punjab, India. The name of all five Takhts in Sikhism is as below:

The name of Five takhts are as below:

Takht Shi Akal Takht Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar, Punjab.
Takht Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded, Maharashtra.
Takht Shri Harimandir Sahib, Patna, Bihar.
Takht Shri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, Punjab.
Takht Shri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda, Punjab.

The Akal Takht (originally called Akal Bunga) was built by 6th Sikh Guru Shri Guru Hargobind Ji as a place of justice and consideration of temporal issues; the highest seat of earthly authority of the Sikhs.

I visited this holy place many times since childhood & always enjoy the spiritual energy of God here. This time, I am going to share all the important details & complete guide of Sri Akal Takht Sahib & its nearby historical gurudwaras like GOLDEN TEMPLE. To make things easily understandable & navigable, I have designed this article in FAQ Format.

History of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar

A symbol of the spiritual and temporal power among the Sikhs, the Akal Takht ( throne of the Timeless) is foremost among the five such seats. The 6th Guru, “Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji”, raised it as a royal throne in Samvat Guru Nankshahi (138), 1606 AD slightly off the front before the Harmandar Sahib. It was then Known as Akal Bunga.

This place was the site where the Guru used to regale congregations with his discourses and administered justice and issued edicts (Hukamnamas).

He used to dispose off all types of issues confronting the community. “Sri Guru
Hargobind Sahib Ji” wore two swords of Miri and Piri, one signifying temporal and the other
signifying the spiritual aspect.

Edicts were issued by the guru from here to his followers that instead of traditional offerings in the shape of gold, silver or expensive clothes, they should present effective weapons, horses and young men in the service of the Guru. Such edicts were a sort of open declaration of war against the tyrannical Mughal forces.

He organized battle-worthy Sikh youth into four battalions. Bards (Dhal’s) would sing ballads of war and valour amidst the beating of kettle-drums (Nagara) and armed soldiers in battle gear were dispatched from this spot to eliminate torture and tyranny of the Mughal government.

Later on, this place becomes the regular converging point of Sikh masses at Diwali and Baisakhi to resolve and decide Sikh matters. Controversial issues, if any used to be settled here.

Importance of Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Sikhism

Sri Akal Takhat Sahib is thus the most tangible evidence of the autonomous character of Sikh
society. Even today edicts (Hukamnamas) are issued from Sri Akal Takhat Sahib if required to resolve problems concerning principles.

The Hukamnamas are treated and accepted as the order of the Guru by each and every Sikh even at present.

The two saffron-coloured highmast flags (Nishan Sahib) opposite the Akal Takhat are symbols of Miri and Piri (Temporal and Spiritual). It also signifies that these two forces stand subjugation under none.

The Jathedar of the Akal Takhat is the highest spokesperson of the Sikh Panth (Khalsa) and is meant to be a spiritual leader without control or influence from any outside, politically motivated sources.

When the building of Sri Akal Takht Sahib was demolished?

The Indian Government caused Sri Akal Takhai Sahib, the source of the spiritual and
temporal powers. The total destruction of the sacred building in June 1984 making free use of the big guns and tanks but the valiant warriors of the community with a nature of continuous struggle against atrocity and cruelty gained from their forefathers attained martyrdoms while facing the cruel boldly and got a sacred beautiful building, build with great enthusiasm through the selfless service (Kar-Sewa).

List of Artifacts at Sri Akal Takht Sahib

Sri Sahibs (swords) of Guru Hargobind Sahib that represented Miri and Piri
Sri Sahib (sword) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Sri Sahib (sword) of Baba Buddha Ji
Sri Sahib (sword) of Bhai Jaetha Ji
Sri Sahib Baba Karam Singh Ji Shaheed
Sri Sahib Bhai Uday Singh Ji, who was with Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Sri Sahib Bhai Bidhi Chand Ji
Dudhara Khanda (double-edged sword) of Baba Gurbakash Singh Ji Shaheed
Dudhara Khanda (double-edged sword) of Baba Deep Singh Ji
Dudhara Khanda of Baba Nodh Singh Ji Shaheed
Khadag Bhai Vachitar Singh Ji which weighed 10 Saer
Guru Hargobinds Sahib’s “Guraj” weighing 16 saer. It was given to Dharamvir Jassa Singh by Matta Sundari
A sword like weapon belonging to Guru Hargobind Sahib Guru Hargobind Sahib’s Katar
Baba Ajit Singh’s Katar
Baba Jujhar Singh’s Katar
Guru Hargobind Sahib’s kirpan
Guru Hargobind’s Paeshkabaj
Baba Deep Singh’s Paeshkabaj
A sword like weapon of Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed
Pistol of Baba Deep Singh Ji Shaheed
Two arrows of Guru Gobind Singh each cxontaining one Toala of gold
Medium sized Khanda of Baba Deep Singh Ji
Two kirpans of Baba Deep Singh Ji
Two small Khandas of Baba Deep Singh Ji
Chakar Of Baba Deep Singh Ji
Small Chakar of Baba Deep Singh Ji
Baba Deep Singh Ji’s chakar for head decoration

Historical Gurudwaras around Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar

There are a number of historic gurudwaras around Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Amritsar but I am going to talk about the famous ones. The list is as below:

Golden Temple, Amritsar.
Gurudwara Ber Baba Budha Sahib.
Gurudwara Dukh Bhanjni Sahib.
Thara Sahib.
Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai ji.
Gurudwara Sri Ramsar Sahib ji.
Gurudwara Dhan Dhan Baba Deep Singh Ji Saheed

GOLDEN TEMPLE (DARBAR SAHIB), AMRITSAR

The Golden Temple also known as the Harmandir Sahib, (abode of God) or the Darbar Sahib, is a gurdwara locatedjust opposite to Sri Akal Takht Sahib. It is the predominant spiritual site of Sikhism.

The man-made pool (Amrit Sarovar) on the site of the temple was completed by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, in 1577. In 1604, Guru Arjan placed a copy of the Adi Granth in Harmandir Sahib.

Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Nanak, conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib.

Earlier the planning to excavate the holy tank (Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar) was chalked out by Guru Amardas Sahib, the Third Nanak, but it was executed by Guru Ramdas Sahib under the supervision of Baba Budha ji.

The land for the site was acquired by the earlier Guru Sahibs on payment or free of cost from the Zamindars (landlords) of native villages. The plan to establish a town settlement was also made. Therefore, the construction work on the Sarovar (the tank) and the town started simultaneously in 1570. The work on both projects completed in 1577 A.D.

The Gurdwara was repeatedly rebuilt by the Sikhs after it became a target of persecution and was destroyed several times by the Mughal, political parties and invading Afghan armies.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh after founding the Sikh Empire rebuilt it in 1809 and overlaid the sanctum with gold leaves in 1830. This has led to the name the Golden Temple.

The Golden Temple is an open house of worship for all people, from all walks of life and faiths. It has a square plan with four entrances, and a circumambulation path around the pool. The complex is a collection of buildings around the sanctum and the pool.

Over 100,000 people visit the holy shrine daily for worship.

GURUDWARA BER BABA BUDHA SAHIB

This holy place is in the Parkarma (Circumference) of Golden Temple Gurudwara.

Baba Budha Ji camped beneath this tree (Beri) to perform the service of digging the holy “tank and construction work of Sri Harmandi. Sahib. He (whose original name was Bura) was born in village Kathu Nangal, District Amritsar in October, 1506 to Bhai Sugha Randhwa and Mata Gauran Ji.

Once Guru Nanak Sahib was returning to Kartarpur, the boy Bura while grazing his cattle near village Ramdas, saw him and presented milk with great reverence. The boy Bura put some questions about God and made some discussion. Guru Sahib was much impressed upon this boy’s simple but serious approach.

On this Guru Nanak Sahib called him Budha (the old one) because Bura was yet young in age but old in wisdom. Since then Bura came to be called as Baba Budha Ji.

When Guru Arjan Sahib (the Fifth Guru) compiled Guru Granth Sahib and installed it in Sri Harmandir Sahib, Baba Budha Ji was appointed as the first Granthi (the holy book reciter) in 1604 A.D.

The all Guruship installation ceremonies from Guru Angad Sahib (the Second Nanak) to Guru Hargobind Sahib (the Sixth Nanak) were performed by Baba Budha Ji. He breathed his last in 1631 A.D. at village Ramdas and Guru Hargobind Sahib performed last rites of this great personality.

GURUDWARA DUKH BHANJNI SAHIB

This holy place is also in the Parkarma (Circumference) of Golden Temple Gurudwara.

It is that holy place wherein after having a holy dip Bibi Rajni’s crippled husband with the Guru’s kind grace got relieved from the ailment.

It so happened that the haughty Chief of Patti Duni Chand enquired from his daughters, in a fit of pride, who nurtured them. All others accordingly Duni Chand’s desire said that they ate what he provided them, but Bibi Rajni who because of having been brought up at her maternal home at Lahore a family devoted to the Guru was known to the great secret of Gurmat and she said clearly that the nourisher of all is only God and all eat whatever God provides them.

Listening to such an answer, the haughty father in a fit of anger ‘arranged Bibi Rajni’s marriage with a crippled man. The lady took it as the Almighty’s will and she after having gone through many villages while setting her crippled husband in a basket and carrying the same basket on her head reached this place.

When placing the basket in the shade of this Bet the lady went to village Tung to take food etc. In her absence, the crippled husband saw a wonderful sight that the black crows were coming and after having a dip into the holy tank they were flying away being swans.

Witnessing this after having gathered courage he too with the support of the roots of the Beri & dipped into the holy tank. With the Guru’s kind grace his body grew free from the ailment. When the lady returned and she in the place of her crippled husband beheld a handsome young man she developed a doubt that perhaps this youngman had killed her crippled husband.

When this issue reached Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji involved in the selfless service of the construction work of the Santokh-Sar, he removed the good lady’s doubt stated.
“Eh Bibi, it is your selfless service, reliance and determination and the power of this holy place by the dint of which your crippled husband has grown healthy.

The Guru himself named this holy place “Dukh Bhanjni Sahib”.

THARA SAHIB

In samvat 1634 (1577 A.D.) Sri Guru Ramdas Ji the 4th Sikh Guru used to sit here while supervising the digging work of the holy tank.

The foundation of Sri Harmandar Sahib was lail 1645 (1588 A.D.).
Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the 5th Guru used to sit here & supervise the work of construction of Sri Harmandar Sahib and gave holy sermons to congregations.

The pothis (Holy Scriptures) containing holy hymns were also kept here after they were brought from Goindwal Sahib (45 Km trom Amritsar, a holy place of 3rd Guru Sri Guru Amar Das Ji), in order to compile Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. In Samvat 1657 (1600 A.D.)

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji cured the ailment of Wazir Khan, the then Governor of Lahore by making him perform “Karsewa” (Voluntary manual service of the holy tank) through Baba Budha Ji.

Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji recited here a Shabad in Rag Ramkali “Athsath tirath jah sadh pag dhareh” which means the place graced by saints becomes equivalent to combined pilgrimage of 68 holy places.

In this way, according to Sikh traditions this place is known as “Thara Sahib” Athsath Tirath.

GURUDWARA BABA ATAL RAI JI

Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai ji is situated near Mata Ganga ji Niwas (Sarai) just at a 5 minute walking distance from Golden Temple Gurudwara.

This gurdwara belongs to the son of the owner of miri piri shri guru hargobind sahib ji. He born in guru ke mahal, amritsar in 1676. Whatever he spoke was true since his chichood. So due to his elderly influence, He was called ‘baba ji. He used to play khido khundi with his childhood friends.

One day, while playing, one of the children, Mohan, got his turn which he promised to do the next day. Snake bit the mohan at night and he died.

Baba atal rai ji went to mohan’s house with his friends when they found that mohan did not come for his turn he saw that mohan’s parents were weeping bitterly. While crying, they told him the story of Mohan’s death.

After listening to it, Baba ji went forward, touched his curved stick to mohan’s neck and said, stand up and complete our turn, with this mohan got up. This thing spread all around the city and baba ji’s father also came to know about it. Baba Atal rai ji went to satguru ji at sri akal takht sahib.

Satguru Ji said that “the order has turned” which baba Ji understood and left that place after greeting. Baba Ji came to this place, laid down, stretched the sheet over him and left his body.

This sight happened in samant 1685 Asu vadi 10. After knowing this, satguru ji with the whole assembly came to this place and completed his sacrament.

At the place of sacrament where satguru Ji sat down with the assembly, there baradari gurudwara is situated.
The people of the assebly built a nine-story building at a sacramented place in samant 1835. The building is one of the highest buildings in Amritsar.

GURUDWARA BABA DEEP SINGH JI SAHEED (SAHEEDAN SAHIB)

Gurudwara Saheedan Sahib (Baba Deep Singh Ji Saheed) is located at a distance of 5 KM from the Golden Temple. This gurdwara can either be accessed on foot (15-minutes walk) or by hiring an autorickshaw.

Baba Deep Singh Ji was a chieftain of the famous Shaheedan Misl (misl of martyrs) one among the twelve Sikh misls. He fought the great battles of the 18th century and had to his credit, the penning down of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in his own hand.

In 1757 while in Damdama Sahib, Baba ji heard the news of the sacrilege of Sri Harmander Sahib and dismantling of the sacred tank by Taimur Shah and Jahan Khan, despite his old age Baba Ji hot hold of an 18 ser (15 kg/32 Ibs) Khanda (two-edged sword), and started for Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar to liberate it from the clutches of the cruel goons and vowed to teach them a lesson of their life.

When news of Baba Deep Singh Ji’s march reached Jahan Khan, he immediately mobilized an army of 20,000 men and proceeded towards Tarn Taran. Baba Deep Singh Ji’s army intercepted Jahan Khan’s forces near the village of Gohalwar, about five miles from Amritsar. At this point, there was a clash between the opposing forces and a fierce battle was fought.

During the clash, Jamal Khan attacked Baba Deep Singh Ji. As they fought, both swung
their weapons with great force, leaving both of their heads separated from their bodies. After seeing this scene, a young Sikh warrior called out to Baba Ji, reminding him of his vow to reach Sri Harmander Sahib.

Upon hearing this, a miracle happened. Baba Deep Singh Ji immediately stood up, holding
his severed head upright on his left palm while holding his Khanda in his right hand. He then continued fighting and moving towards Sri Harmander Sahib.

Upon seeing the sight of Baba Deep Singh’s headless body tearing through their numbers, most of the men in the Mughal army fled away in terror. Baba Deep Singh was able to continue fighting and reached the periphery of Sri Harmander Sahib from where he Flung his severed head which came to rest at the parkarma.

The Sikh Army continued to fight the fleeing Mughals until victory was achieved.

Baba Ji was cremated at this place. This gurdwara reminds Baba Deep Singh ji as a brave and courageous martyr with an unflinching dedication to the Sikh principles and is an inspiration to preserve the sanctity of the religious places.

GURUDWARA SRI RAMSAR SAHIB JI

Gurudwara Sri Ramsar Sahib is located at a distance of 4 KM from the Golden Temple. This gurdwara can either be accessed on foot (15-minutes walk) or by hiring an autorickshaw. It is at a distance of only 1 KM from Gurudwara Saheedan Sahib.

It is that holy place where 5th Sikh Guru Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji has constructed a beautiful water pond (Sarovar) with his own hands & supervision. The Water pond was named “RAMSAR SAHIB”.

Due to the calm & peaceful surroundings around this Sarovar at that time, Guru Ji established a tent on its one side. Where Guru Ji started the work of writing Adi Granth Sahib from Bhai Gurdas Ji.

Here, the work of Adi Guru Granth sahib was completed with the incorporation of hymens (Bani) of 5 Sikh Gurus & other devotees of God. Then this Granth Sahib was enlightened in the building of Golden Temple Amritsar.

What facilities are available here?

Sri Akal Takht Sahib Amritsar remains always flocked with visitors and to accommodate big rush, the complex of the gurdwara is huge and it offers a number of facilities:

Places to stay: Although you can book hotels near the gurudwara for any category (2-star to 5-star) but gurudwara offers the facility of Sarai (Place to stay) at a very nominal cost. You can book your stay 15 days in advance in case of major festivals. There are numerous Sarais around Golden Temple which offers a comfortable stay for visitors.

Guru Ka Langar (Free Public Kitchen): Free food is offered 24 hours a day here and you can eat here. The food is prepared in hygienic conditions and special care is being given to the cleanliness of the premises where food is distributed. The building of Langar Hall is big & 3 storey building.

Shopping: A big market is there surrounding the Gurudwara complex where you can shop the souvenir items. You can also buy literature and books regarding Sikhism and Punjab history here.

Continuous kirtan (hymns) is being chanted by raagis and you can listen to the Bani of Gurus here.

Hotels Near Sri Akal Takht Sahib/ Golden Temple, Amritsar

You can also book your stay in the hotels near Golden Temple, Amritsar. A number of options are available around Golden Temple. You can book hotel according to your budget.

Booking.com

What to wear in Gurudwaras?

There is no special dress code for visiting gurudwaras. But it is a religious place and devotees have feelings attached to these holy shrines.

So you are advised to wear simple, sober clothes which cover your maximum body (Avoid short skirts in case of females). Moreover, you have to cover your head with any piece of cloth or handkerchief. Without head covering, you will not be allowed inside the main gurudwara premises. If by chance, you do not have any piece of cloth with you, then you can take that from the main shrine entrance point.

One another thing, you have to put off your shoes and socks in the Jora Ghar (Shoe rack room) before entering the temple.

How to reach Sri Akal Takht Sahib/Golden Temple Amritsar?

Amritsar is well connected with three means of transportation and you can reach here by following means:

By Road: Amritsar is located at a distance of approximately 450 KM from New Delhi, the capital city of India and can be easily accessed by road. It is about a 6 to 7 hour drive from Delhi. You can reach here from the major cities of India by boking bus/cab/taxi. Roads are 6-laned wide.

By Rail: Amritsar Junction railway station is well connected with rail networks from major cities of India. Many trains start their route from this railway station. You can easily book the tickets for the train online. It is the most economical way to reach Amritsar. Railway station is just at a distance of 2 KM from Golden Temple. For more information and booking the train, you can visit the official website of IRCTC or download the app IXIGO.

By Air: The nearest airport is Sri Guru Ramdas International Airport, Amritsar which is at a distance of 13 Km from Sri Akal Takht Sahib/ Golden Temple. You can easily reach here by booking Cab/Taxi or local bus from Airport which would take approximately 25 minutes.

You can book your tickets through Makemytrip.com or IXIGO app which I personally use.

Contact information for Sri Akal Takht Sahib/ Golden Temple Amritsar

You can visit the website of SGPC (Shrimoni Gurudwara Parbhandhak Committee) website (sgpc.net) for more information about room booking or other official queries.

Which is the best time to visit Sri Akal Takht Sahib Amritsar?

You can visit Sri Akal Takht Sahib/ Golden Temple at any time of the year. However, the weather is pleasant during the winter season (October to April). You will always find this holy place flocked with visitors in all seasons & all times.

How was my experience?

My journey to Sri Akal Takht Sahib & Golden Temple Amritsar is always blissful & amazing. I have been visiting this holy Sikh shrine since childhood. The vibes at this place are positive & you would automatically be shifted to meditative mode here. I always try to spend a minimum of 3 hours inside the Golden Temple building listening to the hymen dedicated to God (Kirtan). It provides me immense peace & my heart filled with positivity & relaxation.

Apart from Kirtan, I pay my visit to other nearby historical gurudwaras. I always eat the Langar (free food) in the main langar hall. The Langar (food) is tasty and delicious.

Amritsar is famous for its food and clothes. You can try shopping in the market around the Golden Temple Gurdwara complex. Do not miss trying Sweet Lassi & Amritsari Kulcha.

Final Words

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog about Sri Akal Takht Sahib & Golden Temple, Amritsar. If you have any other questions or concerns about visiting Sri Akal Takht Sahib/Golden Temple Amritsar, please comment in the comment box. I will be glad to answer your queries.

Thank you for reading, I am always excited when one of my posts is able to provide useful information on a topic like this!