Golden Temple Historical Facts and Pictures

The Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Darbar Sahib, is an important Sikh Gurdwara that is often informally referred to as the Golden Temple. Located in Amritsar in the state of Punjab in India, the temple was built in the sixteenth century by Guru Arjan, the 5th Sikh Guru. He completed the Sikh Holy Scripture, the Adi Granth, in 1604 to install it in the Golden Temple. The construction of the Harmandir Sahib began in December 1588 with Guru Arjan laying the foundation stone, and not the Sufi saint Mian Mir as erroneously believed by many. Many architectural features of the Gurdwara symbolize the Sikh world view, such as the four entrances to the main temple, which signifies their acceptance of all cultures and religions.

Golden Temple

Golden Temple Images

Golden Temple Pictures

Golden Temple

Golden Temple Inside

Golden Temple Inside

Inside of Golden Temple

Golden Temple at Night

Golden Temple at Night View

Golden Temple at Night

Golden Temple Night View

Night View at Golden Temple

Golden Temple Entrance

Entrance of Golden Temple

Golden Temple Entrance

Golden Temple Top View

Golden Temple Top View

The Gurdwara was later rebuilt by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia in 1764 with the assistance of other Misls. Maharaja Ranjit Singh covered the Gurdwara’s upper floors with pure gold in early 19th century, when he was securing the whole Punjab region from any outside attack. The golden upper floors give the Gurdwara its distinct appearance along with the English name the “Golden” Temple.