An independent guide to the Nanakshahi calendar, Gurpurab and Sikh heritage
Topic
The Golden Temple, Sri Darbar Sahib, and the city around it.
8 articles
Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, known around the world as the Golden Temple and to many Sikhs simply as Darbar Sahib, is the most visited Sikh shrine. Its origins lie in the work of Guru Ram Das Ji and Guru Arjan Dev Ji in the late sixteenth century, and its gilded upper storeys date from the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Here you will find explanations of its many names, its history and architecture, the daily routine of worship, and practical, respectful guidance for anyone planning a visit.
What to wear, where to leave your shoes, how the darshan queue works, when to go for the quietest visit, and how to take part in langar and seva: a respectful, practical guide to visiting the Golden Temple.
By NanakShahi Editorial Team6 min read
From other sections
Kirtan has been sung at Sri Harmandir Sahib almost continuously for centuries, and today it reaches homes worldwide. What kirtan is, how the day's programme unfolds, who the ragis are, and how to find the official broadcast.
6 min read
From Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi to Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, a guide to the historic gurdwaras that mark the lives of the Gurus: what happened at each, the five Takhts, and how these places are cared for today.
7 min read
How the day begins at Sri Harmandir Sahib: the palki procession from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the Prakash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the morning Hukamnama, and how a reading in Amritsar reaches Sikhs around the world.
5 min read
A practical, step-by-step guide to finding the daily Hukamnama from the Golden Temple, reading its heading and structure, using translations wisely and reflecting on it. This guide contains no daily text of its own.
6 min read
The word Hukamnama can mean the daily reading from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, a historical letter from a Guru, or an edict from Sri Akal Takht Sahib. This guide untangles the meanings and explains why the Hukamnama from Sri Darbar Sahib matters.
6 min read
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