There is no doubt that the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar, India, is one of the most sacred places in the Sikh religion. This temple is not only the most revered religious place for the Sikhs but also a symbol of brotherhood and equality. 

The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, is a revered Sikh gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar in the Indian state of Punjab. It is considered to be the most sacred shrine of Sikhism and is visited by millions of devotees from around the world every year. 

Who Built Golden Temple, Amritsar

Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) was built in the 16th century by Guru Ramdas ji, the fourth Sikh guru, and was later renovated and expanded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century. The temple complex is a unique architectural style and is surrounded by a large pool of water called the Amrit Sarovar, which gives the city its name. 

The main structure of the Golden Temple is covered with gold plating and is surrounded by a white marble platform that symbolizes purity and peace. The temple’s dome is also covered with gold, giving it a distinct appearance and making it a popular tourist destination. The temple’s interior is adorned with intricate carvings and paintings that depict scenes from Sikh history and mythology. 

The Golden Temple is also renowned for its langar hall, a community kitchen that serves free vegetarian meals to anyone who visits the temple, regardless of caste, religion, or social status. The langar or free food is run by volunteers and serves over 100,000 meals every day, making it one of the largest free kitchens in the world. 

Overall, the Golden Temple is a symbol of peace, unity, and brotherhood, and is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the rich cultural heritage of Punjab and the Sikh faith.

Even from foreign countries, Amritsar receives thousands of visitors every day. Although several hotels are around, visitors always prefer to stay in Sikh shrines because they offer good rooms at minimal charges. 

How to stay free in Amritsar

The Golden Temple has its own accommodation complex which is called Sarai. Almost five Sarai are in the Gurudwara complex; Guru Arjan Dev Niwas, Guru Ram Das Niwas, Guru Hargobind Niwas, Guru Gobind Singh NRI Yatri Niwas, and, Mata Ganga Ji Niwas. The bookings for the rooms for these Sarai can be made through the SGPC website at www.sgpcsarai.com.

• Register in the website with your email ID and password.

• Select the Sarai you want and select a category, Check-In and Check-out dates and check the availability of the room for selected dates.

• If the rooms are available then you can pay online and book the rooms for maximum 2 days.

You can directly go to Guru Arjan Dev Niwas and book the rooms there according to your need. They also provide you with mattresses and blankets (bedding) in case no rooms are available.

By following these tips, you can explore Amritsar without spending a lot of money and enjoy a free stay in the city.