Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)
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Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)

Guru Granth Sahib•Amritsar, Punjab

Official Temple Website
Timings
Opens 4–5 AM
See full schedule below
Main Festivals
5 major
Guru Nanak Jayanti
Dress Code
Traditional
Details below
Entry
Free
Pujas are paid
Book Puja via Darshya

Verified priests, video proof, prasad delivery to your door

Official Temple Booking

Direct booking on the temple's official site

Opens the temple's official website in a new tab

Watch Live Darshan

Real-time video stream from the sanctum

About Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple)

History

Sri Harmandir Sahib ("Temple of God") — the Golden Temple of Amritsar — is Sikhism's holiest shrine. The foundation was laid by Sufi saint Hazrat Mian Mir Ji at the request of Guru Arjan Dev Ji in 1589 CE, deliberately inviting all faiths to the foundation. The Adi Granth (first Sikh scripture) was installed inside in 1604. The temple was destroyed multiple times by Afghan invaders and rebuilt each time. Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire gold-plated the upper floors in 1830, giving it the name "Golden Temple." In 1984, Operation Blue Star damaged parts of the Akal Takht; it was rebuilt by the Sikh community. Today it welcomes over 1 lakh visitors daily, and the langar (free community kitchen) serves meals to anyone — regardless of faith, caste or wealth — over 100,000 every single day.

Significance

Holiest Sikh shrine. Doors on all four sides symbolise openness to all — Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and everyone else. The langar is the world's largest free kitchen.

About the Deity

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the Sikh scripture, considered the eternal living Guru) is placed on a decorated palki on the Harmandir Sahib central structure, set in the middle of the Amrit Sarovar (holy pond).

Pujas Offered (6)

Akhand Path Sponsorship

Official

Sponsor a non-stop 48-hour recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib.

48 hours continuous
Highest Sikh seva — prayers accepted in your name.
₹2,100
Book Official

Sehaj Path

Official

Recitation of the Granth Sahib over 7 days at your sankalp.

7 days
Family blessings.
₹1,100
Book Official

Ardas Beneti

Personal prayer offering with your name and wish.

5 min Video proof
Direct communion with Guru.
₹51
Book Now

Karah Prasad Sponsorship

Sponsor the sacred sweet prasad distribution.

1 service Video proof
Equal distribution merit.
₹1,100
Book Now

Langar Seva Donation

Official

Sponsor meals in the world's largest free kitchen.

Ongoing
Feeding lakhs is the highest seva.
₹1,000
Book Official

Palki Seva (during Palki Sahib)

Official

Carry the Guru Granth Sahib palki — a rare honour.

1 ceremony
Once in a lifetime seva.
₹501
Book Official

Festivals & Events

  • Guru Nanak Jayanti
    November
  • Baisakhi (Khalsa Panth foundation)
    13 April
  • Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev
    May / June
  • Gurupurab of Guru Ram Das
    October
  • Shaheedi Divas of Guru Tegh Bahadur
    November

Plan Your Visit

How to Reach

Nearest Airport
Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar (13 km)
Nearest Railway
Amritsar Junction (2 km)
By Road
Central Amritsar. Rickshaws, autos, taxis abundant. Amritsar Metro coming soon.

Where to Stay

  • Sri Guru Ram Das Niwas (free SGPC dharamshala — 1 km)
  • Guru Arjan Dev Niwas
  • Taj Swarna Amritsar
  • Hyatt Regency Amritsar
  • Hotel Ramada Amritsar
  • The Grand Legacy

Nearby Attractions

  • Jallianwala Bagh (500 m)
  • Partition Museum
  • Durgiana Temple (2 km — Hindu temple modelled on Harmandir Sahib)
  • Wagah Border Ceremony (30 km)
  • Gobindgarh Fort
  • Ram Tirath (12 km — Valmiki's ashram)
  • Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

Opening Hours

Morning
Palki Sahib (Gurugranth installation) 4:00 AM (summer) / 5:00 AM (winter)
Afternoon
Continuous darshan — open 24 hours
Evening
Palki Sahib return (Sukhasan) 10:00 PM (summer) / 9:30 PM (winter)

Dress Code

Head covering is mandatory for all (men and women). Scarves/patkas available free at entrance. Remove footwear before entering. Wash feet in the ankle-deep water channel.

Rules & Guidelines

  • Head covering mandatory — scarves available free
  • No tobacco, alcohol or drugs anywhere near Harmandir Sahib (permanent ban)
  • Photography not allowed inside the Harmandir Sahib main structure
  • Maintain silence on the parikrama
  • Do langar seva — volunteer in the kitchen/serving
  • Dip in the Amrit Sarovar is optional but auspicious
  • Do not turn your back to the Granth Sahib while leaving
Pilgrim's Note

The langar serves 100,000+ free meals daily — doing seva (volunteering) in the kitchen is highly recommended. Visit at 4 AM or 9-10 PM to witness the Palki Sahib ceremony. Night view of the golden dome reflected in the Sarovar is iconic.

Photo Gallery

Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) photo 1
Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) photo 2
Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) photo 3
Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) photo 4
Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) photo 5
Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) photo 6

Tips from Devotees

“Took my children — did langar seva together. They won't forget the humility of feeding strangers.”

GS
Gurmeet Singh
Chandigarh

“Visited at 4 AM for Palki Sahib — the golden dome, the hymns, the silence. One of life's greatest experiences.”

NA
Neha Arora
Delhi

“Akhand Path sponsorship was done seamlessly. The Ardas with my name and wish brought tears.”

HK
Harpreet Kaur
Ludhiana

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-Sikhs enter?

Absolutely. The Golden Temple has doors on all four sides to welcome people of all faiths. This is central to its message.

Do I need to cover my head?

Yes, mandatory. Free scarves/patkas available at every entrance.

Is langar really free?

Completely free. Everyone — tourists, rich, poor — eats together sitting on the floor. Seva is also open.

Best time to visit?

Early morning (3-5 AM Palki Sahib) or late evening for peace. Weekends crowded.

Can I do kitchen seva as a tourist?

Yes — walk into the Guru Ka Langar building and ask. They will guide you to a station (chopping, rolling chapatis, serving, cleaning).