A view of Harmandir Sahib with the two minarets
Renovated and newly designed minerets stand behind Harmandir Sahib. A view from Darshani Deodi.
The dargah of the Sufi saint Mian Mir, who laid the foundation stone of Sri Harmandir Sahib, is situated in Lahore, Pakistan. Mian Mir was invited by Guru Arjun to lay the foundation stone on 13 January 1588.
Baba Budha's Beri, located on the northern side of parikarmamarks the site from where the Baba supervised construction work of Harmandir Sahib.
A sewadar stands guard at the entrance of the causeway leading to Harmandir Sahib
A view of Harmandir Sahib from Darshani Deodi.
Intricately embossed gold sheets with flower and leaf on the exterior of Harmandir Sahib
An image of Guru Nanak Dev ji with Bala and Mardana embossed on gold
Golden panels of Harmandir Sahib.
The sanctum santorum of Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Punjab
Jalao - display of valuable relics and ornaments from Toshakhana is arranged for viewing inside Harmandir Sahib on special occassions.
Details of intricate work on gold at Darshani Deodi.
Akal Takhat and followers praying at Nishan Sahib symbolising spiritual and temporal authority of the Sikh faith
Sangat paying respect at Nishan Sahib (flag poles) at Akal Takhat Saahib. The Nishan Sahib in the Sikh tradition means the 'holy flag' or 'exhalted ensigns' symbolic of the values of Sikh faith. The Nishan sahibs in front of the Takhat are indicative of two swords, miri and piri, of Guru Hargobind Singh ji.
A sevadar displays weapons in collection at Akal Takhat and in the newly constructed Akal Takhat a portion of the historic bricks are exposed to give a glimple to the devotees of their heritage
A sevadar displays weapons in collection at Akal Takhat and in the newly constructed Akal Takhat a portion of the historic bricks are exposed to give a glimple to the devotees of their heritage
Priceless necklace stored in the ' Toshakhana ' of the Harimandir Sahib, Golden Temple in Amritsar. Photograph: Sondeep Shankar
Precious jewellery presented by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and other Sikh chieftains in the 'Toshakhana' of the Harimandir Sahib, Golden Temple in Amritsar. Photograph: Sondeep Shankar
In the toshakhana collection of Harimandir Sahib, Golden Temple in Amritsar. Photograph: Sondeep Shankar
A golden plaque above the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum which commemorates the services rendered by the Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It reads " The Guru was kind enough to allow the privilege of service to Durbar Sahib to his humble servant Maharaja Singh Sahib Ranjit Singh".
Maharaja Ranjit Singh presented precious gifts now stored in the 'Toshakhana' of the Harimandir Sahib, Golden Temple in Amritsar. Photograph: Sondeep Shankar
Rarely shown to the public, gold panels depicting scenes from lives of the Sikh Gurus on the doors of Harmandir Sahib. These golden doors were presented to Harmandir Sahib by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The doors are placed at the four enterances during Jalao Ceremonywhen special aricles from Toshakhana are on public display.
During the ambrosial hour, the Holy Book is carried by devotees from Koth Sahib to the sanctum santorium. In the evening after due ceremonies the Holy Book is taken back to Kotha Sahib.
During the ambrosial hour, the Holy Book is carried by devotees from Koth Sahib to the sanctum santorium. In the evening after due ceremonies the Holy Book is taken back to Kotha Sahib.
Passages from the Guru Granth Sahib are recited throughout the day at Harmandir Sahib.
A priest reading from the hand writen bir of Guru Granth Sahib on the first floor inside the Harmandir Sahib
The causeway connecting Darshani Deodi to Harmandir Sahib
The ‘Dukh Bhanjani Beri’ at the Golden Temple is at least 400-year-old and is is among the three historical beris in the complex.
Taking a dip with an infant child in the sarovar.
The Shrine of Ath Sath Tirath, or the Shrine of the Sixty-Eight Holy Places, is a raised marble platform past the Dukh Bhanjani Beri in the Golden Temple complex. Some believe that bathing near it will fulfill their dream of visiting 68 holy places in India.
The Dukh Bhanjani Beri (jujube) tree is among the three historical beris believed to have miraculous powers of healing. It grows on the bank of the holy sarovar on Langar Hall side. It has stood here since the fourth Sikh guru, Sri Guru Ram Das, founded Amritsar and the sarovar in the 16th century and is over 400 years old.
Gold plated exterior roof of Harimandir Sahib, Golden Temple in Amritsar. Photograph: Sondeep Shankar
Harmandar Sahib's walls are decorated with inlaid flower and animal motifs
As a result of patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, gold plated with moror work ceiling of the Harimandir Sahib, Golden Temple in Amritsar. Photograph: Sondeep Shankar
Floral design on a Gold plated door inside the Harimandir Sahib, Golden Temple in Amritsar. Photograph: Sondeep Shankar
Gold plated floral design depicting the flora and fauna inside the Harimandir Sahib, Golden Temple in Amritsar. Photograph: Sondeep Shankar
Harmandar Sahib's walls are decorated with inlaid flower and animal motifs
Harmandar Sahib's walls are decorated with inlaid flower and animal motifs
Harmandar Sahib's walls are decorated with inlaid flower and animal motifs
Devotees offer prayers on entering the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar.
A group of women washing utensils as part of seva. Many visitors to Harmandir Sahib take time out to do seva, or selfless service, one of the pillars of Sikhism
Devotees praying
The causeway is newly covered to protect devotees from heat while waiting to enter Harmander Sahib.
Devotees in the parikarma.
The causeway is now covered to protect devotees from direct sun while entering Harmandir Sahib.
Devotees waiting in a line to enter the sanctum santorum
Serving sharbat to devotees waiting in a que to enter Harmandir Sahib on a hot day.
Kar seva in progress to clean the sarovar around the Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar.
Kar sewa in progess at the Har-ki-pairi of Harmandar Sahib.
Devvotees stand in ques to take a coupon for parshada.
Baba Deep Singh’s memorial along the Parikarma. Baba Deep Singh is revered among Sikhs as one of the first martyrs in Sikhism. He was also believed to be the first head of the Damdami Taksal order
Oil lamps and candles are lit to mark festivities at Golden Temple. The entire complex is illuminated on the occassion.
Devotees light oil lamps and candles
Girls wearing their festive best at at Golden Temple
Devotees enjoy the peaceful atmosphere sitting in the parikarma of beautifully illuminated Golden Temple complex on Baisakhi
A paath in progress
Gurdwara Baba Atal is close to (back side) Harmandir Sahib, Golden Temple complex
Langar Hall in the Golden Temple complex
A symbol that represents Ek Omkar, one supreme reality or one essence, the basic teaching of Sikhism, on a gold panel at Harmandir Sahib