About Harmandir Sahib
Sri Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, is the holiest gurdwara of Sikhism, located in the old city of Amritsar, Punjab. It is not a Hindu temple; it is the spiritual heart of the Sikh faith, where the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture, is honoured throughout the day. People of every religion, caste and background are warmly welcomed. Its gold-covered sanctum rising from the sacred Amrit Sarovar pool, the continuous singing of hymns (kirtan) and its vast free community kitchen (langar) make it one of the most moving places of worship in the world.
The sacred pool was developed under Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, and the shrine was built by Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Guru, in the late 16th century. The Adi Granth, the first version of the Sikh scripture, was installed here in 1604. The gurdwara was attacked and damaged several times in the 18th century and rebuilt by the Sikh community. In the early 19th century Maharaja Ranjit Singh had its upper floors covered in gilded copper, giving it the name Golden Temple. The Akal Takht, the highest seat of Sikh temporal authority, faces the shrine.
The shrine sits in the middle of the Amrit Sarovar, reached by a marble causeway. It has entrances on four sides, symbolising openness to all. The lower level is white marble with inlay work, and the upper storeys are covered in gold. A white marble walkway (parikrama) surrounds the pool. Around the complex you will see the Akal Takht, the Central Sikh Museum and the huge langar halls where volunteers serve meals to all.
Harmandir Sahib timings & aarti
The complex is open to visitors 24 hours. The Guru Granth Sahib is ceremonially brought to the sanctum in the early morning and taken to rest late at night; exact times vary by season, so check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Prakash (morning installation of Guru Granth Sahib) | Early morning, around 4:00–5:00 AM (varies by season) |
| Asa di Var kirtan | Early morning after Prakash |
| Rehras Sahib (evening prayer) | Around sunset |
| Sukhasan (Guru Granth Sahib taken to rest) | Late night, around 10:00–11:00 PM (varies by season) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Harmandir Sahib
By air
Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, about 13 km away.
By train
Amritsar Junction is about 2 km away.
By road
Free shuttle buses and e-rickshaws run from the railway station and bus stand. The streets near the complex are pedestrianised, so expect a short walk.
Festivals at Harmandir Sahib
- Guru Nanak Gurpurab (Prakash Purab)Oct/Nov
- Bandi Chhor DivasOct/Nov (with Diwali)
- VaisakhiApr 13/14
- Prakash Purab of Guru Ram DasOct
- Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom DayMay/Jun
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Everyone must cover their head (scarves are available at the entrance), remove shoes and socks, and wash their feet before entering; modest clothing is expected.
- Entry
- Open to people of all faiths free of charge. Tobacco, alcohol and intoxicants are strictly prohibited. Langar (free meal) is served to everyone.
- Carry a scarf or bandana to cover your head, though free ones are available.
- Eat at the langar and consider volunteering (seva) in the kitchen for a few minutes.
- Visit both very early morning and at night to see the shrine in different light.
- Deposit shoes at the free shoe stands (jora ghar) before entering.
- Photography is allowed around the parikrama but not inside the sanctum; be respectful.
Places to visit near Harmandir Sahib
- Jallianwala BaghMemorial to the 1919 massacre, about 0.5 km away
- Partition MuseumMuseum at Town Hall on the 1947 Partition, about 1 km away
- Durgiana TempleHindu temple with a sacred tank, about 2 km away
- Gobindgarh FortRestored historic fort with shows, about 3 km away
- Attari–Wagah BorderEvening Beating Retreat ceremony, about 30 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Golden Temple timings?
The Golden Temple complex is open 24 hours. The sanctum ceremonies begin in the early morning and end late at night, with times varying by season.
Can non-Sikhs visit the Golden Temple?
Yes. People of all faiths are welcome. Visitors must cover their heads, remove shoes and avoid tobacco and alcohol.
Is food free at the Golden Temple?
Yes. The langar serves free vegetarian meals to everyone, run largely by volunteers.
Is the Golden Temple a Hindu temple?
No. Sri Harmandir Sahib is the holiest Sikh gurdwara. It welcomes visitors of every religion, including many Hindus who come to pay their respects.
Who built the Golden Temple?
The shrine was built by Guru Arjan Dev in the late 16th century, around a pool developed by Guru Ram Das. Maharaja Ranjit Singh later gilded its upper floors.
What is the aarti time at Harmandir Sahib?
Prakash (morning installation of Guru Granth Sahib): Early morning, around 4:00–5:00 AM (varies by season); Asa di Var kirtan: Early morning after Prakash; Rehras Sahib (evening prayer): Around sunset; Sukhasan (Guru Granth Sahib taken to rest): Late night, around 10:00–11:00 PM (varies by season). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Harmandir Sahib?
Everyone must cover their head (scarves are available at the entrance), remove shoes and socks, and wash their feet before entering; modest clothing is expected.
How to reach Harmandir Sahib?
By air: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, about 13 km away. By train: Amritsar Junction is about 2 km away. By road: Free shuttle buses and e-rickshaws run from the railway station and bus stand. The streets near the complex are pedestrianised, so expect a short walk.
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