The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar is the most significant and sacred religious place for the Sikhs. Sikhism is a way of life and philosophy founded by Guru Nanak. Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book of Sikhs, compiled by Sikh Gurus.

The Golden Temple complex consists of Harmandir Sahib, which is surrounded by Sarovar and Prikrama; Akal Thakth; and Langar, a community-run free kitchen and dining hall.Harmandir sahib is a two storied structure with a golden Dome. Guru Grandh Sahib (the holy book) is placed on the ground floor on a dominant platform.

Guru Ram Dass ji started the digging work for the Amrit Sarovar (manmade pool). Guru Arjan Dev ji carried out the design and construction work of the Golden Temple in 1581 at the center of Holy Sarovar. The construction work took 8 years to complete. The ground floor consists of Guru Granth Sahib.

Mughal emperors and Afghan rulers attacked the Golden Temple several times and demolished the structure. In 1802, Maharaja Ranjith Singh rebuilt the golden temple in its present condition.

Guru Nanak

Guru Nanak was a divine master and a saint, known as the Sat guru among Hindus and Hazrat Nanak Shah among Muslims. At that time, there were many murders based on religion, and priests were used to mislead people.

Guru Nanak Dev ji was born on April 15, 1469 in Nankana Sahib, Punjab, Pakistan.. His parents were Kalyan Chand Das Bedi and Mata Tripta. He was an introverted and honest person. In 1487, he married Mata Sulkhani and had two sons, Sri chand and Lakhmi Das.

At the age of 20, he took up a job as a clerk and moved to Sulthanpur.One day, at the age of 30, Nanak went to the river to bathe with his friend. He vanished into the river while taking a bath and didn’t come out for three days. Following that episode, Nanak developed a stronger spirituality and began to narrate tales of his spiritual experiences. According to him, there is only one God, and all human beings are equal.

Guru Nanak had a passion for traveling, and he travelled extensively throughout the world. Guru Nanak used to sing and recite his “Shabad” to spread his messages. While traveling, he met people from different religions, cultures, and beliefs.

His walking expeditions were called ‘Udasis’ and he undertook five notable udasis between 1500 and 1524. In his maiden voyage, he passed through Pakistan and India. He travelled to southern India and Sri Lanka on his second expedition. Each of the two journeys took seven years to finish.

He spent five years traveling to the Himalayas, Nepal, and many regions of China and Russia on his third journey. During his fourth visit, he spent three years traveling to every city in the Middle East, including Mecca. Finally, in two years, he visited all the places in Punjab.Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s soul passed away On September 22, 1539, in Kartarpur

Guru Nanak Teachings

Guru Nanak’s teachings involve three important aspects, namely, Nam Japna: Remember the name of God with every breath. Kirat Karni: Work and earn with honesty and integrity, and live a family lifestyle. Vand Ke Chakna: Share with others and provide support to the entire community.

 Sikhism emphasizes gender equality and equality for all people, regardless of caste, colour, gender, nationality, and religion. Belief in one God and the name of God is truth. Control Kaam (desire), Krodh (anger), Lobh (greed), Moh (attachment) and Hankar (arrogance).

Five K’s: KIRPAN – a small  sword worn at the shoulder belt; KARA – an iron bracelet worn on the wrist; KACHA – special underwear, similar to boxer shorts; KANGA – a small wooden comb; KESH – (hair) Sikhs should not cut their body hair from  birth until death.

Guru Nanak Jayanti

The 554th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev is on November 27, 2023.On the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak “Gurpurab” or Guru Nanak Jayanti, people of the Sikh community decorate their houses and organize a grand gathering. People visit Gurudwaras and recite the verses of Guru Granth Sahib. Prabhat Pheri is celebrated in which people sing devotional songs and the teachings of the Guru. A grand festival “Langar” is organized to accommodate everyone irrespective of their religion. There is also a tradition of helping the poor.

10 Sikh Gurus

There were Ten Sikh Gurus, starting from Guru Nanak Dev to Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Gobind Sing compiled the Holy Book “Guru Granth Sahib”.

1. Guru Nanak ji (1469-1539)

2. Guru Angad (1504-1552)

3. Guru Amar Dass ji (1479-1574)

4. Guru Ram Dass ji (1534-1581)

5. Guru Arjan Dev ji (1563-1606)

6. Guru Hargovind ji (1595-1604)

7. Guru Har Rai ji (1630-1661)

8. Guru Harkrishan ji (1656-1664)

9. Guru Tegh Bhahadur (1621-1675)

10. Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708)

Conclusion

The Golden Temple, also called the Harmandir Sahib, is a beloved shrine in Sikhism and a symbol of equality and brotherhood among all people. Everybody is welcome at the Harmandir Sahib, regardless of gender or prejudice. The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, was born in Nankana Sahib, Punjab, Pakistan. He dedicated his whole life to promoting the ideas that there is only one God, all people are created equal, and serving others is the greatest thing one can do. November 27, 2023, is Guru Nanak Dev’s 554th birthday.