- Anand Mahindra praised the Golden Temple as his favorite and often visited destination
- The Golden Temple is a Sikh shrine symbolizing equality, humility, and service
- It operates the world's largest free community kitchen serving 100,000 daily meals
Anand Mahindra is known for his love of travel and for sharing his experiences on social media. The chairman of the Mahindra Group frequently spotlights offbeat destinations and attractions. Recently, he expressed his fondness for a popular icon: the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Resharing an awe-inspiring picture of the shrine on X, Anand Mahindra called it his most "favoured and frequently visited destination". He wrote, "This has got to be one of the most ethereally beautiful photos ever...Taken by Dalbir Singh at 6 a.m in what he calls the 'soft winter morning mist.' The Golden Temple was, in any case, one of my favourite and frequently visited destinations...and I was never able to describe or express how it made me feel...Until I saw this image. Now I won't need words."
Anand Mahindra's post received significant interest online, with several people sharing their thoughts in the comment section. One user wrote, "It is really looks like gold. Stunning visuals. Love it."
Another added, "A beautiful view of the revered and pious Golden Temple. A gentle reminder that the beauty of nature and God's creation is truly unfathomable."
"Some places don't need words-they speak straight to the soul. Truly timeless," read a comment.
The Golden Temple, or Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine of Sikhism and a global symbol of equality, humility and service. It is located in Amritsar, Punjab. Apart from being a religious landmark, the Golden Temple offers much more. Here is why it deserves a place on your travel list.
Why You Should Visit The Golden Temple
1. Spiritual Significance
Built with four entrances facing all cardinal directions, the temple represents the Sikh belief that people from all backgrounds, religions and castes are equally welcome here. The "Pool of Nectar" surrounding the temple is considered sacred. Many pilgrims take a holy dip in its waters, which are believed to have restorative and purifying powers.
2. History
The plan to excavate the holy Amrit Sarovar was chalked out by Guru Amar Das Ji. It was later executed by Guru Ram Das Ji under the supervision of Baba Budha Ji. It was also decided to establish a town settlement alongside the construction of the Sarovar. The construction work on both the tank and the town began simultaneously in 1570 and was completed by 1577 A.D.
The Golden Temple was conceived by Guru Arjan Dev and built around the holy pool in the late 16th/early 17th century. Guru Arjan Dev invited the Muslim Sufi saint Hazrat Mian Mir of Lahore to lay the foundation stone. In the early 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh renovated the temple with marble and overlaid the upper floors with nearly 500 kg of pure gold leaf, giving it the name "Golden Temple".
3. Culture And Food
The temple serves as the main pilgrimage site and spiritual heart for Sikhs worldwide. The complex also operates a free community kitchen that serves vegetarian meals to over 100,000 people daily, regardless of religion, caste or gender. The free langar sewa is a powerful expression of Sikh values and is carried out through volunteer efforts. It holds the world record as the largest free community kitchen in the world. A simple vegetarian meal at the langar usually includes dal, roti, rice and sometimes kheer or kadhi. A sweet offering called kadha prasad is given to visitors. It is made of flour, sugar and ghee.
4. Rituals
Every night, typically around 9:30 pm, the Guru Granth Sahib is carried in a gold and silver palanquin from the main sanctum to the Akal Takht for its nightly rest. The Prakash Ceremony takes place in the early morning hours, when the holy book is ceremoniously brought back to the main shrine, marking the start of the day's prayers. Continuous devotional singing of hymns takes place from morning to night. Devotees also participate in cleaning the premises, carpets and utensils as an act of selfless service.
5. Architecture
The temple's upper floors and iconic dome are covered in approximately 400-750 kg of pure gold leaf. Unlike many traditional temples built on high plinths, this shrine is constructed at a level lower than the surrounding ground, requiring visitors to descend steps - a design intended to teach humility.
The interior features stunning marble inlay work, gold-embossed patterns and floral murals influenced by various architectural styles.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Golden Temple is between October and March, when the weather in Amritsar is cool and pleasant. While the temple is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, specific times of the day offer unique spiritual and visual experiences.
To witness the Palki Sahib ceremony, where the Guru Granth Sahib is carried from the Akal Takht to the main sanctum, one should visit between 4 am and 6 am.
From dusk onwards, visitors will find the shortest queues for the inner sanctum. The temple is also beautifully illuminated by the setting sun. Queues typically range from 1 to 2 hours. There are no VIP lines; all visitors wait together.
How To Reach
- By Air: You can take a flight to Amritsar International Airport from any major city. The temple is 12 km away from the airport.
- By Train: Amritsar Junction Railway Station is 2 km away from the temple. Free shuttle buses run between the station and the shrine.
- By Road: The temple is well-connected by highways from Delhi and Chandigarh.
Visitor Tips
Modest clothing is mandatory, covering both shoulders and knees. Both men and women must cover their heads and remove their shoes before entering. Free scarves are provided at the entrance, or you can buy one nearby. While photography is allowed in the outer periphery, it is strictly prohibited inside the main inner sanctum.
Aim for a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday for a quieter experience, with fewer crowds than on weekends.
