The temple's foundation stone was laid by the Sufi saint Mian Mir in 1588 at the request of the fifth Sikh Guru, Arjan Dev.
The Langar kitchen is one of the largest free communal kitchens in the world, serving up to 100,000 people on peak days.
The gold leaf covering the upper structure consists of approximately 750 kilograms of pure gold.
The pool surrounding the temple, the Amrit Sarovar, was excavated in 1577 and gives the city of Amritsar its name, meaning 'Pool of the Nectar of Immortality'.
The temple features four entrances, symbolizing openness to people from all four corners of the earth and all castes.
The Guru Granth Sahib is carried to its resting place at the Akal Takht every night and returned to the main sanctum every morning in a procession called the Palki Sahib.
Sri Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple, is the preeminent spiritual site of Sikhism, located in the center of an artificial pool called the Sarovar. The sanctum's upper stories are covered in gold leaf, a renovation completed in the early 19th century under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The site functions as a community center providing free meals, known as Langar, to all visitors regardless of religion or background. Architecture incorporates both Hindu and Islamic influences, reflecting a synthesis of regional styles. The sanctum is reached via a marble causeway crossing the sacred water, which is believed by devotees to possess healing properties. The complex houses the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikh authority, situated directly opposite the main entrance. Daily rituals involve the ceremonial procession of the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture. The site remains fully operational as a place of worship 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The perimeter path of the Amrit Sarovar at night, capturing the reflection of the illuminated temple in the water.
Cover your hair with a scarf or a provided head covering before entering the complex.
Sit on the floor in the Langar hall to participate in the communal meal.
Keep your feet bare within the temple complex, using the designated shoe storage facility near the entrance.
Do not take photos of the interior of the sanctum sanctorum or the Guru Granth Sahib, as it is strictly prohibited.
Visitors must keep their head covered, remain barefoot within the complex, and refrain from smoking, drinking, or eating non-vegetarian food on the premises.
