Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib or Golden Temple, (on account of its scenic beauty and golden coating for English speaking world), is named after Hari (God) the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Darbar Sahib in their Ardas.
The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of caste, creed, or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfillment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory, and heritage of the Sikhs.
As advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji (3rd Sikh Guru), Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji (4th Sikh Guru) started the digging of Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank) of Sri Darbar Sahib in 1577 A.D., which was later brick-lined by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5th Sikh Guru) on December 15, 1588 and He also started the construction of Sri Darbar Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs), after its compilation, was first installed at Sri Darbar Sahib on August 16, 1604 A.D. A devout Sikh, Baba Budha Ji was appointed its first Head Priest.
The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar) has a unique Sikh architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding land level, The Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions, signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.
World's Largest Community Kitchen
Guru Ka Langar, The Golden Temple
The langar (Community Kitchen) at the Golden Temple serves a massive number of 100,000 people a day! On holidays/religious occasions, the number often goes to more than 100,000
Guru Ka Langar The tradition of serving langar was Initiated by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and then established by the 3rd Guru Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji at Goindwal.
Even the Mughal King Akbar came and sat among the ordinary people to share langar.
The institution of Guru ka Langar has served the community in many ways. It has ensured the participation of women and children in a task of service for mankind. Women play an important role in the preparation of meals, and the children help in serving food to the pangat. Langar also teaches the etiquette of sitting and eating in a community situation, which has played a great part in upholding the virtue of sameness of all human beings; providing a welcome, secure, and protected sanctuary.
Everyone is welcome to share the Langar; no one is turned away. Each week a family or several families volunteer to provide and prepare the
Langar. This is very generous, as there may be several hundred people to feed, and caterers are not allowed. All the preparation, the cooking, and the washing-up is done by volunteers and or by voluntary helpers (Sewadars).