The golden temple Harmandir Sahib

The golden temple Harmandir Sahib is the highest sanctuary of the Sikhs in Amritsar in the north of India. It was built by the fifth Guru of the Sikhs Arjun Dev in the 16th century and got a golden dome under Ranjit Singh in the 19th century. It is said that up to 750 kg of gold were used in the temple.

During the whole day, the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of the Sikhs, is recited in the temple, which can be heard with background music through loudspeakers in the whole temple complex.

The temple stands in a lake whose water is holy to the Sikhs. Bathing in it or drinking from it is said to improve the karma.

The temple is surrounded by a palace complex with a gate on each side, which is a symbol for the openness of the Sikhs towards all people and religions. Next to the temple, a huge kitchen provides free meals around the clock for up to 35,000 daily pilgrims and visitors.