|
|
|
Golden Temple
 |
| Photo Information |
| Copyright: Pradeep Paul (ppkannath) (90) |
| Genre: Places |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2006-09-23 |
| Categories: Architecture |
| Exposure: f/4, 8 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2006-09-27 1:56 |
| Viewed: 729 |
| Points: 2 |
|
| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Harimandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib is the most sacred shrine in Sikhism, located in Amritsar, Punjab, India. It is widely known as the Golden Temple. Literally, Harimandir means "the Temple of God", 'Hari' being a term for God and 'Mandir' meaning Temple. Sikh devotees, for whom the Temple is a symbol of freedom and spiritual independence, come to the Temple from all over the world to enjoy its environs and offer their prayers.
The temple is surrounded by a pool of water, known as the Sarovar which consists of Amrit (Holy Water). There are four entrances to the temple, signifying the importance of acceptance and openness; ostensibly, this concept was taken from the tent of Abraham in the Old Testament -- his tent was open on all four sides in order to be able to welcome travelers from all directions. Anyone who wants to enter the Harimandir may do so, irrespective of religion, colour, creed or sex. The only restrictions are that the person must not drink alcohol, eat meat or smoke cigarettes or other drugs while in the shrine. All Sikh temples (Gurdwaras) in the world follow this traditional rule that everyone is welcome to enter. There are four doors to get into the Harimandir Sahib, meaning that Harimandir sahib is open to anyone. Everyone must cover their heads as a sign of respect and wash their feet in the small pool of water as they enter the Harimandir Sahib premises.
Much of the present decorative gilding and marblework date from the early 1800s. All the gold and exquisite marble work were conducted under the patronage of Ranjit Singh, Maharaja of the Sikh Kingdom of the Punjab. The Sher-e-Punjab (Lion of the Punjab), was a heavy donor of wealth and materials for the shrine and is remembered with much affection by the Punjabi people in general and the Sikh community in particular . |
Only registered TrekLens members may rate photo notes. |
|
|
| Discussions |
| None | | You must be logged in to start a discussion. |
|
- donron
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Silver Note Writer [C: 84 W: 41 N: 22]](http://i1.treklens.com/misc/g-s-s.gif)
(382) - [2006-09-27 4:32]
-
A striking photo of such a majestic shrine. TFS!
