|
Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known Golden Temple, is named after Hari the temple of God.
Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Nanak, considered the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib.
During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Hari Mandir was richly decorated with marble sculptures, golden embellishment, and large amounts of precious stones. Within the sanctuary, on a jewel-studded platform, lies the Adi Grantha, the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. This scripture is a collection of devotional poems, prayers, and hymns composed by the ten Sikh gurus and various Moslem and Hindu saints.
Unlike erecting the structure on the higher level like in Hindu Temple architecture, Guru Arjan Sahib got it built on the lower level and Guru Sahib got it open from four sides. Guru Sahib made it accessible to every person without any distinction of Caste, creed, sex and religion.
Sri Harmandir Sahib is built on a 67ft. square platform in the center of the tank. The temple itself is 40.5ft. Square.
Beginning in the morning these hymns are chanted  with flutes, drums, and stringed instruments. Echoing across the serene lake, this enchantingly beautiful music induces a delicate yet controlling state of spell in the pilgrims strolling around the marble open space encircling the pool and temple.
An underground spring feeds the sacred lake, and throughout the day and night pilgrims immerse themselves in the water, a symbolic cleansing of the soul rather than an actual bathing of the body. 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 main structure of The Golden Temple, is a three-storied one. The front, which faces the bridge, is decorated with repeated angular arches and the roof of the first floor is at the height of the 26 feet and 9 inches.
On the top of this room stands the Gumbaz or dome having lotus petal motif in relief at the base inverted lotus at the top which supports the 'Kalash'.
Its architecture represents a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus way of construction work and this is considered one of the best architectural specimens of the world.
|
