🪷 Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)
India
About This Sacred Site
The Golden Temple (Sri Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar is the holiest shrine in Sikhism. Its stunning gold-plated structure sits in the middle of a sacred pool (Amrit Sarovar), reflecting beautifully in the water. The temple is renowned for its radical inclusivity — it has four entrances symbolizing openness to all people regardless of religion, caste, or background. Its langar (community kitchen) serves over 100,000 free meals daily, making it the world's largest free kitchen.
Key Facts
- •The upper floors are covered with approximately 750 kg of pure gold
- •The langar serves over 100,000 free meals every day to anyone regardless of background
- •Founded by Guru Ram Das in 1577 and completed by Guru Arjan in 1604
- •The Adi Granth (Sikh holy scripture) was first installed here in 1604
- •More visitors come here annually than to the Taj Mahal
Location
Coordinates: 31.6200, 74.8765
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