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Golden Temple
 Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar 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 Golden Temple is located in Amritsar in the state of Punjab, India, and the most sacred shrine of Sikhism. The Golden Temple was built to provide a common platform of worship for the Sikhs.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the Fifth Nanak, conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Earlier the planning to excavate the holy tank (Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar) was chalked out by Guru Amardas Sahib, the Third Guru, but Guru Ramdas Sahib executed it under the supervision of Baba Budha ji.
The temple is an epitome of religious integrity and the temple’s architecture incorporates both the Hindu and Muslim artistic styles yet represents a unique co-evolution of the two. The glittering domes of the temple, covered with pure gold leafs are reflected in the lake in front of the temple. Next to the temple complex are enormous pilgrims' dormitories and dining halls where all persons, irrespective of race, religion, or gender, are lodged and fed for free. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas.
Sri Harmandir Sahib is a stunning complex a major pilgrimage and tourism centre, and always full of thousands of pilgrims from all over India and abroad. Inside the complex, both men and women need to cover their head. The Golden temple is surrounded by a lake also called Sarovar and it is believed that the water of the lake is pure and washes off all sins. The entrances built in all the four directions let in visitors from all parts of the world regardless of their cast and creed.
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