The Golden Temple is also known as Harmandir Sahib or Hari Mandir by the Sikhs. Located in Amritsar, Punjab, India, this beautiful building is the most important sacred shrine for the Sikhs, who travel from all parts of the world to pay their respects to this, their most important historic site.

Originally, this site was a small lake, surrounded by a thin forest. Travellers and holy people used the site for meditation and rest. These visitors recognised it as special for its tranquillity and pure and sweet water.

The lake was enlarged and a small community was established during the leadership of the fourth Sikh Guru (Guru Ram Das, 1574-1581). It was during the leadership of the fifth Guru (Guru Arjan, 1581-1606), that the Golden Temple was built. A Muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir ji of Lahore in December 1588 initiated the construction of this wonderful building by laying the foundation stone. It was completed in 1601.

The temple is now surrounded by a pool of water, known as the Sarovar. There are four entrances to the temple, signifying the importance of acceptance and openness. Anyone who wants to enter the Golden Temple may do so.

On June 5 through June 6, 1984 Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi ordered an attack on the Golden Temple, as part of attempting to enforce executive rule in the Punjab and capture Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The army attacked in an operation labelled Operation Blue Star and killed Bhindrenwale during the battle.

External links

• Sikhs.org
• AllAboutSikhs.com
• Sikhnet.com
• Info-sikh.com
• SacredSites.com
• Sgpc.net
• SriGuruGranthSahib.org